Students Take the Mic: 'Glenfield Pod' Launches with MFEE Support

MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars was honored to be the first guest on the 'Glenfield Pod!'

When Glenfield Middle School students were seeking their first guest for their very first episode of the "Glenfield Pod,” they turned to Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, executive director of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence.

That’s because their school’s new podcasting studio was made possible by an MFEE IdeaLab grant, which this year focus on the theme “civics in our schools.”

Of course, Rodriquez-Vars jumped at the invite. On a recent school day, she visited Glenfield to meet a group of eighth-grade students in Howard Weinrib’s yearbook class who are involved in the podcast project: Ruby, Nesa, Lila, and Asher. 

“I was so honored to be interviewed by these incredible students,” Rodriquez-Vars said. “They were well-prepared, asked thoughtful questions, showed curiosity, professionalism, and poise. All things we hoped this project would help to cultivate.” 

The wide-ranging interview covered topics such as MFEE’s role as a nonprofit education fund, diversity in our schools, the budget deficit, challenges of fundraising, and more. But it wasn’t all serious. The conversation also focused on finding joy in difficult times, and even touched on reality TV-competitions when Rodriquez-Vars was discussing MFEE’s upcoming spring fundraiser, “Minute to Win It,” which is based on a long-running show. 

The students are involved in every aspect of the show – conducting research, serving as hosts, learning technical production, and writing original theme music. They are practicing discussion skills by engaging thoughtfully with issues and respecting diverse perspectives, as well as gaining knowledge about technology, storytelling, public speaking, and media literacy. The students studied episodes of “The Montclair Pod” for ideas and inspiration. 

Weinrib, who has taught at Glenfield for 18 years, got the idea for a student-run show after listening to podcasts while driving his son to hockey. “I’m in the car a lot,” he said. “I thought, why don’t we have our own show?” 

In his grant proposal he wrote: “The studio will serve as an educational hub where students can create, produce, and share original podcasts centered on civics, government, and community engagement. By blending technology with civic education, we aim to cultivate informed, empowered, and articulate young citizens who actively contribute to their school, local community, and beyond.” 

So far, students are enjoying the experience. 

“It makes us feel like a part of something," Lila said. "Feeling like a leader is important.”

Each year, MFEE awards $60,000 in grants to educators across the Montclair Public Schools. It’s been funding teachers’ big ideas for 35 years, and grants remain a core part of the organization’s mission. They aim to spark innovative ideas, support creative teachers, and engage students of all ages and across content areas. Generous donations from our community fuel this work.

You can listen to the inaugural episode of “The Glenfield Pod” here!