On this episode of The Curious Incident Podcast, NYC Special Education Attorney Adam Dayan speaks with TeachRock Executive Director Bill Carbone and Gina Machado, Director of Programs and Partnerships, about how their curriculum uses music to engage students in learning and combat school disengagement. Inspired by founder Stevie Van Zandt's own experience as a struggling student who found his path through music, TeachRock helps K–12 students connect core subjects. Bill and Gina share how music's abstract, identity-building nature makes classrooms feel safer, more inclusive, and more student-centered. The conversation also highlights TeachRock's commitment to teacher feedback, flexible scaffolding for students with disabilities, and creating simple, joyful tools that remind educators why they entered the profession in the first place.
