Perspectives are commentaries produced by and for WNIJ listeners, from a panel of regular contributors and guests. If you would like to submit your own Perspective for consideration, send us a script that will run about 90 seconds when read -- that's about 250 words -- and email it to NPR@niu.edu, with "Perspectives" in the subject line.

Host Peter Medlin connects with teachers, students and leaders in education as they discuss the biggest issues impacting classrooms.We want to hear your experiences as an educator. Send us a note to teacherslounge@niu.edu

Get ready to hear from northern Illinois’ “prose pros." Hosted by WNIJ Arts Reporter Yvonne Boose, you will hear voices from northern Illinois poets as they share their words about the world around them. If you would like to submit a poem for consideration, please send submissions to yboose@niu.edu

WNIJ and NIU STEAM are partnering to create “The Sound of Science,” a weekly series explaining important science, technology, engineering and math concepts using sound. The feature will air at 1:04 p.m. Fridays as a lead-in to Science Friday.Got questions or topic suggestions for the Sound of Science team? Please submit them below!The Sound of Science is made possible by Ken Spears Construction

Sessions from Studio A is a local program dedicated to showcasing regional and touring musicians, featuring performances recorded in WNIJ's own Studio A in DeKalb and hosted by Spencer Tritt. Have a band you'd like to hear on Sessions from Studio A? Send us your suggestions: sessions@niu.edu

What’s so great about the Midwest? WNIJ’s Under Rocks podcast isn’t afraid to dive into that question head-first every month. In fact, our team won’t leave a stone unturned when it comes to hunting down the most interesting people, places, and events in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.What are you excited about? We’re always looking for a shove in the right direction, so send us on our next adventure by messaging us at Rocks@niu.edu.

The STEM Read podcast explores the connections between STEM and storytelling. Host Gillian King-Cargile dives into hot topics in K-12 education with an educator or STEM expert and then talks with an author whose books can ignite enthusiasm for reading and learning.We are no longer producing new episodes of the STEM Read Podcast, but our previously recorded episodes are still available. We hope you'll take a listen!