This week on Growing Good, Alessandra Maria Iavrone Occupies Education and tells listeners why they should be protesting for educational access and teachers rights. Find out how the Occupy movement has aligned itself with the fight to ensure every family has a chance to send their children to school. Later in the show, she talks with protestor Janine Sopp about how school districts differ and why the Montessori model could possibly work for public schools. Visit ChangeTheStake.org for more information!This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"Why aren't we looking at the Montessori model for public schools!?"

"If our education system doesn't reflect our children, it is in fact a flawed system."

--Janine Sopp on Growing Good

Ever want to learn about cheese? Here's your chance! Tune into an educational episode of Cutting the Curd with Anne Saxelby and Sophie Slesinger as they chat with Max McCalman, Sasha Anderson & Daphne Zepos. Learn more about the various ways you can educate yourself and learn how to become a better taster such as cheese classes, seminars and plain old tastings. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

"The best way to learn about cheese is to put it in your mouth!"

--Max McCalman on Cutting the Curd

"Most of the talented young cheesemongers I know are also in a band, or involved in the art world somehow. Then there comes a time when they are no longer a drummer in a band, and have to think of more realistic alternatives to feed themselves. The Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam personifies that moment."

--Daphne Zepos on Cutting the Curd

On this week's Growing Good, Alessandra Iavarone contemplates education for her two year-old son, Wallace Rainbow. Specifically, Mamassandra talks about Waldorf education and her and Wally's experiences at the Brooklyn Waldorf Academy. What are the differences between Waldorf and Montessori schooling? And what makes Waldorf education so unique? Tune in to hear about Waldorf education's commitment to academic excellence and fostering imagination, its incorporation of nature, and its promotion of mixed-age learning. Mamassandra also tells us about the Brooklyn Waldorf Academy's upcoming Spring Frolic benefit- food, dancing, and discussions about education! This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"It's all about peacefulness, and also having the kids make their way through the class. They tell us [the parents] what's going to happen...And as far as I can tell, that's the big key to Waldorf." --Alessandra Iavarone on Growing Good