Our Classroom: Recent Episodes
Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom
Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space we talk about education, which is inclusive of, but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn.
In Our Classroom, we explore educational journeys, discuss instructional strategies, unpack books, speak with authors, and we think about how all of this is connected to education.
Subscribe, rate the show and write a review! For resources to help you understand the intersection of race, bias, education, and society go to multiculturalclassroom.com
In this episode of Our Classroom, Jenny Suriel, educator and owner of Amor y Azucar Bakery, drops by to discuss her road to becoming an educator, the inception of her bakery business, and her experiences with restorative justice.
Classroom Notes
- Educational journey
- Educator by day, baker by night
- Fear, failure & follow through
Welcome to Our Classroom!
Follow:
IG - @_amoryazucar
In this episode of Our Classroom we continue to reflect on the fascinating developments in Florida that are greatly impacting education.
Classroom Notes
- New development in Florida
- Resources available to educators
- Encouragement and things to consider
My Classroom is a community of Multicultural Classroom's people, educators, friends, and followers. Whatever you call yourself... you're welcome! Together, in this space, we can be ourselves; meaning we can share, learn, grow, make mistakes, and build.
Teaching for Black Lives in Florida
Are you a Florida teacher who wants to resist the politics and still teach truth for empowerment through love? Are you ready to take the risk of learning in community in spite of the people seeking to knock us down? Come through.
Welcome to Our Classroom!
In this episode of Our Classroom Lorena German joins me to discuss Florida's Black History Curriculum.
Classroom Notes
- Brief explanation of the new standards
- The so-called benefits of slavery
- Strategic framing to retell & minimize history
Lorena Germán is a two time nationally awarded Dominican American educator focused on anti racist and anti bias education. She has taught English Language Arts from 6th through 12th grades in both public and private schools. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NCTE’s journals, ASCD, and more. She’s a co-founder of #DisruptTexts through which she encourages teachers to work toward an inclusive ELA curriculum. As Co-Founder and Academic Director at Multicultural Classroom she leads professional development for teachers and creates teaching materials with and for leading literacy organizations. Lorena is also the Chair of NCTE’s Committee Against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English. She lives in Tampa, Florida.
Welcome to Our Classroom!
teacherssupportteachers #teacherauthor #teachergoals #education #school #educators #teaching #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #ABAR
In this episode of Our Classroom Kareem Farah of the Modern Classrooms Project joins me to discuss Emotional Dysregulation.
Classroom Notes
- What is emotional dysregulation?
- How can we effectively support students that experience emotional dysregulation?
- How is the Modern Classroom Project different from other blended learning models?
Kareem Farah spent his teaching career as a high school math educator in Hawaii and Washington, DC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and later received a master’s degree in secondary education at Johns Hopkins University. Instead of using a traditional lecture model, Kareem taught mathematics through a blended model where students accessed content through his self-made videos. The cornerstone of his classroom was the ability for students to work through the content at their own pace and Kareem’s ability to employ mastery-based grading to evaluate student learning. In 2018, Kareem received the DC Public Schools Award for Classroom Innovation and was featured in Edutopia and CBS News for his work.
In an effort to scale his classroom model, Kareem co-founded a nonprofit, Modern Classrooms Project. As the CEO of the Modern Classrooms Project, Kareem and his team train and support teachers who seek to redesign their classrooms around blended, self-paced, mastery-based learning to better meet all students’ unique needs.
Kareem tweets regularly about education at @KareemFarah23.
Welcome to Our Classroom!
In this episode of Our Classroom Kassie Infante and Dr. Marianela Rivera of the HomePlace Collective join me to discuss Raising Activists.
Classroom Notes
- Democratic citizen in 21st century USA
- How to support positive youth development in their quest for social change
- 3 action steps to drive social change
Dr. Marianela Rivera and Kassie Infante, MEd, co-founders of HomePlace Collective, are Lawrence MA-based scholar-activists, community organizers, and former elected school committee members. They both believe in the power of activism as a tool for social change and a mindset for developing hope.
Dr. Rivera is a physical therapist and has focused the majority of her career on serving students receiving special education services. Her experiences while working for Lawrence Public Schools revealed systemic issues impacting her students and their families, which motivated her to run and win a last-minute write-in campaign for the Lawrence School Committee in 2015.
Ms. Infante earned her B.S from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and has extensive experience working in the non- profit, educational development/philanthropy and political advocacy field. Her studies and interest lie in advancing progressive education policy, community organizing and critical participatory action research as methods to disrupt and dismantle systemic racism.
Welcome to Our Classroom!
Follow:
- @hpl_collective
For more education resources subscribe to Multicultural Classroom
education #schools #students #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom
In this episode of Our Classroom, author Afrika Afeni Mills, shares insight about her book Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students.
Classroom Notes:
- The story of her name
- 3 actions steps administrators and teachers can take right now to transform their instructional practices
- 3 things White antibias, antiracist practitioners wish they would have known when they were K-12 students
Afrika Afeni Mills is an Education Consultant, Adjunct Instructor, and the author of Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students. She works with teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators to develop and sustain student-centered learning experiences that are diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Afrika believes that all educators can be motivated, engaged, dynamic practitioners and leaders when provided with the support needed to create student-centered, anti-bias, anti-racist, culturally responsive learning environments that inspire wonder and creativity and nurture diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion.
Follow Afrika Afeni Mills - IG: @open_windows_open_minds / Twitter: @AfeniMills
Purchase Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students via Afrika Afeni Mills website, Corwin Publishing, or Amazon.
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto shares an excerpt from the article To Build a Pipeline of Black Teachers, This Program Starts Recruiting in High School by Emily Tate Sullivan.
The article examines the Genius, Joy and Love initiative led by Dr. Valerie Kinloch, dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.
Don't be late to class! Subscribe to Our Classroom today.
Resources - Books & Curriculum / Blog / Merch
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto is joined by Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, Eliza Braden, Michele Myers, and Natasha Thorton, the authors of the book Revolutionary Love, to discuss Creating Culturally Inclusive Literacy Classrooms. Revolutionary Love offers practices that affirm and celebrate students' identities, languages, and cultures to build a vibrant community of engaged, valued, and thoughtful learners.
Classroom Notes
- What revolutionary love is and what it look like in action
- The impact of the numerous self-reflection activities
- The one chapter in the book Revolutionary Love that the audience must read
Follow the Authors - @revolutionarylovebook
Purchase Revolutionary Love via Amazon.
Welcome to Our Classroom!
In this episode of Our Classroom, Zakiya Jackson, President of The Expectations Project shares her insight and experience regarding where the church and public schools can meet.
Key Moments:
- The role of the church in the current educational landscape
- Bridging the gap between the faith community and schools
- What has surprised Zakiya in this line of work
Follow Zakiya - @expectationsproject
Welcome to Our Classroom!
Welcome to Season 2 of Our Classroom! In this episode, Roberto breaks down an article that he and Lorena originally published through Edutopia. The article examines the idea that school leaders should take an active role and set attainable goals to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are successful.
education #schools #schoolleaders #DEI #diversity #equity #inclusion #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom
Don't be late to class! Subscribe to Our Classroom today.
Resources - Books & Curriculum / Blog / Merch
Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, Stacy Seward, Executive Director of The Dream Network in Lawrence Massachusetts, joins to discuss the school-to-prison pipeline and prison to community re-entry, including a healing-centered transformative model along with financial literacy and economic power.
Focal points:
- Origins of The Dream Network
- Wish teachers would have known or cared to know
- School-to-prison pipeline
- The impact of financial literacy and economic power
Stacy Seward holds a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and Counseling from UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine. She has earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Counselor Education and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Applied Social and Community Psychology. Stacy is a mediator and certified diversity professional (CDP) whose practice centers around the social and psychological dimensions of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). Stacy has provided equity centered technical assistance for Department of Justice grantees in programs across the nation and provides reentry guidance to organizations across the Commonwealth. Finally, Stacy is the Executive Director of The Dream Network in Lawrence Massachusetts. Her role is to use asset-based ideologies to impact racial, social, economic, educational, and environmental justice for those impacted by the carceral system.
Follow:
@thedreamnetwork_tdn
The Dream Network
For more education resources subscribe to Multicultural Classroom.
education #schools #prison #financialliteracy #trauma #healing #transform #community #Lawrence #Massachusetts #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom
This week's guest was Terra Lynch, Director of Middle School at Headwaters School in Austin, Texas.
We discussed the following:
- Director of Middle School role
- Triumphs & trials in the first year
- Expectations for year 2
- ABAR efforts
Welcome to Our Classroom!
Terra Lynch spent a decade teaching Humanities at University Neighborhood High School in New York City, and a decade as a consultant for the New York University Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools as an instructional coach. She has also lived and worked in Cairo, Egypt, and Washington, DC.
In Austin, Terra led parent groups around dyslexia advocacy. She served as the Learning Specialist at Headwaters School for five years, collaborating with the middle and high school guides to meet the needs of the students, while also teaching Middle School Spanish. She is the author of the book Protocols in the Classroom: Tools to Help Students Read, Write, Think, and Collaborate.
Follow @terrateacher (Twitter) and terralynch.com
For more education resources subscribe to Multicultural Classroom
schoolleaders #schoolprincipals #middleschoolprincipals #schooladministrators #instateacher #teachersofig#teaching #consulting #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom
Aiko Bethea stopped by Our Classroom to discuss her upcoming publication, the Magnolia Murder Series. We touched upon the following:
◦ Characters in the series
◦ Shifting POC stories from being steeped in suffering
◦ What it looks like when systemically marginalized communities define success on their own terms
◦ Favorite authors
The founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, Aiko Bethea is an award-winning and highly sought after equity consultant, executive coach, and speaker.
Aiko’s newest ambition takes form in a cozy comfort series titled Magnolia Murder Mysteries, the first of which will be published in 2023. Her goal is to create work that features stories about people of color, without those stories always being steeped in trauma and despair.
Aiko is leaning into research from Berkeley University that establishes that fiction enhances our social abilities, including our ability to empathize with others.
Follow Aiko Betha @rare_coach
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com.
education #literacy #BlackAuthors #CozyComfortSeries #representationmatters
In this episode of Our Classroom, Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul invites Lorena Germán to join her in one of the RedClayEd Community Conversations. As we transition from summer fun and flexibility, Sonja challenges the audience to consider the following themes:
- Nourishment
- Rejuvenation
- Preparation
- Anticipation
Reflection Questions
- How are we feeding ourselves physically, spiritually, emotionally?
- How are we restoring ourselves with new ideas and ways of moving through the world?
- How are we readying ourselves for all that we hope to accomplish, both personally and professionally?
- How are we reenergizing ourselves about the future and the possibilities ahead?
Key Takeaways
- Brief discussion and processing of the book The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation by Anna Malaika Tubbs
- Upcoming projects for Redclay Educators & Multicultural Classroom
About Our Guests
Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul is the adapter of the #1 New York Times Best Seller, Stamped (For Kids). She is an educator, author, founder of Red Clay Educators, and co-founder of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy. She is the host of The Black Creators Series, an education-focused platform that highlights the work of Black authors and illustrators. Sonja provides professional development for schools and organizations on advancing the work of antiracism and equity. Follow Sonja @redclayed
Lorena Germán is a two time nationally awarded Dominican American educator focused on anti racist and anti bias education. She has taught English Language Arts from 6th through 12th grades in both public and private schools. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NCTE’s journals, ASCD, and more. She’s a co-founder of #DisruptTexts through which she encourages teachers to work toward an inclusive ELA curriculum. As Co-Founder and Academic Director at Multicultural Classroom she leads professional development for teachers and creates teaching materials with and for leading literacy organizations. Lorena is also the Chair of NCTE’s Committee Against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English. She lives in Tampa, Florida.
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com.
teacherssupportteachers #teacherauthor #teachergoals #education #school #educators #teaching #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #ABAR
In the third and final part of our poetry series with author Ummi Modeste, she shares and analyzes the poem Hyphenated from her book Because I Knew. This is one of her favorite poems as it speaks to the struggle of tracing her roots.
R. Ummi Modeste is a native of Brooklyn, NY where she attended and graduated from the New York City Public School System. She retired from that same school system in 2021, after nearly 30 years of service as a teacher and college and career advisor at City-As-School High School, a unique public school in Manhattan. Ummi holds one bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in Speech, Language and Hearing Services, another from the State University of NY Empire State College in Human Relations; American Sign Language, and a Master's degree in Special Education from Hunter College of the City of New York.
Ummi is an active member of the Breadloaf Teacher Network, an international group of teachers who strive to provide innovative and engaging ways for their students to become stronger readers and writers. Every summer, she is one of the facilitators of the Andover Bread Loaf Writing Workshop (ABL), a two-week professional development workshop held in Andover, MA that focuses on social justice work through literacy. ABL provides professional development for teachers and others who work with youth, as well as workshops for students in cities all over the US. ABL has also held international conferences for teachers and students in Karachi, Pakistan; Nairobi, Kenya and Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. (For more information about ABL, click here).
You may connect with Ummi for speaking engagements, poetry readings and to facilitate workshops at: ummi.modeste@gmail.com. or BecauseIKnewBook@gmail.com.
To purchase Because I Know, go to the bookstore at thebookpatch.com and search "Because I Knew".
The Ant Racist Teacher Video Course is available now and includes a copy of The Anti Racist Teacher: Reading Instruction Workbook (E-book).
In this course, you'll find:
- The Anti Racist Teacher: Reading Instruction E-book
- 16 lessons w/ tasks for your learning
- Videos w/ closed caption accessibility
- Reflection questions to support your teaching
- Writing prompts to guide your planning
- Access to a community of learners processing along w/ you
- Opportunities for live/synchronous sessions w/ Lorena & guest speakers
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com.
poetry #immigration #culturallyresponsiveteaching #teacherssupportteachers #teacherauthor #teachergoals #education #school #educators #teaching #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #ABAR #socialjusticeeducation
Part Two of our poetry series with author Ummi Modeste explores immigration from a number of different angles. In this episode, Ummi reads the poem Dreaming A Decolonized Worldfrom her book Because I Knew. This is a passionate conversation that we invite you to join. Click the image above to listen to the episode now!
R. Ummi Modeste is a native of Brooklyn, NY where she attended and graduated from the New York City Public School System. She retired from that same school system in 2021, after nearly 30 years of service as a teacher and college and career advisor at City-As-School High School, a unique public school in Manhattan. Ummi holds one bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in Speech, Language and Hearing Services, another from the State University of NY Empire State College in Human Relations; American Sign Language, and a Master's degree in Special Education from Hunter College of the City of New York.
Ummi is an active member of the Breadloaf Teacher Network, an international group of teachers who strive to provide innovative and engaging ways for their students to become stronger readers and writers. Every summer, she is one of the facilitators of the Andover Bread Loaf Writing Workshop (ABL), a two-week professional development workshop held in Andover, MA that focuses on social justice work through literacy. ABL provides professional development for teachers and others who work with youth, as well as workshops for students in cities all over the US. ABL has also held international conferences for teachers and students in Karachi, Pakistan; Nairobi, Kenya and Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. (For more information about ABL, click here).
You may connect with Ummi for speaking engagements, poetry readings and to facilitate workshops at: ummi.modeste@gmail.com. or BecauseIKnewBook@gmail.com.
To purchase Because I Know, go to the bookstore at thebookpatch.com and search "Because I Knew".
The Ant Racist Teacher Video Course is available now and includes a copy of The Anti Racist Teacher: Reading Instruction Workbook (E-book).
In this course, you'll find:
- The Anti Racist Teacher: Reading Instruction E-book
- 16 lessons w/ tasks for your learning
- Videos w/ closed caption accessibility
- Reflection questions to support your teaching
- Writing prompts to guide your planning
- Access to a community of learners processing along w/ you
- Opportunities for live/synchronous sessions w/ Lorena & guest speakers
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com.
poetry #immigration #culturallyresponsiveteaching #teacherssupportteachers #teacherauthor #teachergoals #education #school #educators #teaching #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #ABAR #socialjusticeeducation
If you dig poetry then you are in for a treat! This is part one of a 3-part poetry series w/ author Ummi Modeste. In this episode, Ummi reads the poem Quien Soy Yo from her book Because I Knew. We then had the opportunity to analyze the poem and discuss ways to apply it in the classroom.
R. Ummi Modeste is a native of Brooklyn, NY where she attended and graduated from the New York City Public School System. She retired from that same school system in 2021, after nearly 30 years of service as a teacher and college and career advisor at City-As-School High School, a unique public school in Manhattan. Ummi holds one bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, another from the State University of NY Empire State College in Human Relations: American Sign Language, and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Hunter College of the City of New York. Ummi is the mother of Adunni and second mom to Tarence, mom-in-law to Jean-Marie, and Grammie to Nasir and Skyler. No matter how old she gets, she’ll always be “Baby Sis” to her brothers, Leon and Keith.
Ummi is an active member of the Breadloaf Teacher Network, an international group of teachers who strive to provide innovative and engaging ways for their students to become stronger readers and writers. Every summer, she is one of the facilitators of the Andover Bread Loaf Writing Workshop (ABL), a two-week professional development workshop held in Andover, MA that focuses on social justice work through literacy. ABL provides professional development for teachers and others who work with youth, as well as workshops for students in cities all over the US. ABL has also held international conferences for teachers and students in Karachi, Pakistan; Nairobi, Kenya and Port-Au-Prince, Haiti (For more information about ABL, here).
A founding member of the former East Brooklyn Poets, Ummi seeks to create opportunities for herself and her friends to grow in their own creativity and share it with others. EBP performed in Brooklyn, Harlem, Lawrence and Andover, MA, and its members continue to facilitate workshops, coach other performers and work with young writers. She gives honor to the memory of fellow founding members and dear friends, Tray Jackson and Keith “Just Sayin” Richards.
Upon retiring, Ummi fulfilled a long-held dream of owning a home in a quieter place, and she now happily resides in Laurel, MD, where she reads and writes every day, with the sun streaming through her kitchen window.
You may connect with Ummi for speaking engagements, poetry readings and to facilitate workshops at: ummi.modeste@gmail.com or BecauseIKnewBook@gmail.com.
To purchase Because I Knew, go to the online bookstore at thebookpatch.com and search “Because I Knew”.
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com
poetry #culturallyresponsiveteaching #CSP #teacherssupportteachers #culturallysustainingpedagogy #teacherauthor #teachergoals #edupreneur #education #school #educators #teaching #consulting #writing #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #ABAR #socialjusticeeducation
Welcome to Our Classroom! In this brief episode, Math Educator and Consultant Kwame Sarfo-Mensah wraps up our conversation about math including talking about supporting bilingual learners.
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is a 15-year veteran urban educator and the founder & CEO of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC., an independent educational consulting firm that provides professional development and consulting services to K-12 school districts, educators, colleges & universities and educational non-profit organizations. He is also the author of two books: "Shaping the Teacher Identity: 8 Lessons That Will Help Define the Teacher in You" and "From Inaction to 'In Action': Creating a New Normal for Urban Educators". A proud graduate of Temple University, Kwame holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. He was honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Inc. for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of the teacher profession. Kwame's work has also been featured on The Tavis Smiley Show, Edutopia, Education Post, Teaching Channel, WGBH News, The Educators' Room, LLC., and Medium.
Follow Kwame Sarfo-Mensah-Mensah @kwam_the_identity_shaper, @radicalmathtalk and the Identity Talk Website
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
Start Here Start Now by Liz Kleinrock is a practical guide to antibias and antiracist work in schools.
“There is no ‘one and done’ lesson or book when it comes to social justice and culturally reflective teaching. This book is meant to help educators break habits that are holding them back from this work, as well as build positive, sustainable teaching for the future.”
Learn more and purchase Start, Here, Start Now at Heinemann.com
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com
matheducation #culturallyresponsiveteaching #mathteacher #teacherssupportteachers #mathteachersofinstagram #teacherauthor #teachergoals #edupreneur #education #school #educators #teaching #consulting #mathematics #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #Ghana #ABAR #socialjusticeeducation
As we proceed (P. Diddy voice) with the math strategies you need! In part 2 of Mathin' It Up w/ Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, we discuss Math & Hip Hop, creating a STEM Speaker Series, Culturally Responsive Teaching in math, standardized testing, and the difference between math in the USA and math in Western African countries.
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is a 15-year veteran urban educator and the founder & CEO of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC., an independent educational consulting firm that provides professional development and consulting services to K-12 school districts, educators, colleges & universities and educational non-profit organizations. He is also the author of two books: "Shaping the Teacher Identity: 8 Lessons That Will Help Define the Teacher in You" and "From Inaction to 'In Action': Creating a New Normal for Urban Educators". A proud graduate of Temple University, Kwame holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. He was honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Inc. for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of the teacher profession. Kwame's work has also been featured on The Tavis Smiley Show, Edutopia, Education Post, Teaching Channel, WGBH News, The Educators' Room, LLC., and Medium.
Follow Kwame Sarfo-Mensah-Mensah @kwam_the_identity_shaper, @radicalmathtalk and the Identity Talk Website
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
Start Here Start Now by Liz Kleinrock is a practical guide to antibias and antiracist work in schools.
“There is no ‘one and done’ lesson or book when it comes to social justice and culturally reflective teaching. This book is meant to help educators break habits that are holding them back from this work, as well as build positive, sustainable teaching for the future.”
Learn more and purchase Start, Here, Start Now at Heinemann.com
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com
matheducation #culturallyresponsiveteaching #mathteacher #teacherssupportteachers #mathteachersofinstagram #teacherauthor #teachergoals #edupreneur #education #school #educators #teaching #consulting #mathematics #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #Ghana #ABAR #socialjusticeeducation
I don’t even like math like that but this was fun! 😂 My mom commented, “I wish I had a math teacher like you when I was in school!” Brother Kwame Sarfo-Mensah out here getting love from mom dukes! I guess he was a good guest to have on the show and I will have to bring him back in the future! Yes, I used all exclamation points is this caption! Check out this lively conversation where we talk about math, culturally responsive teaching, supporting educators in growing their anti bias anti racist practices and more!
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is a 15-year veteran urban educator and the founder & CEO of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC., an independent educational consulting firm that provides professional development and consulting services to K-12 school districts, educators, colleges & universities and educational non-profit organizations. He is also the author of two books: "Shaping the Teacher Identity: 8 Lessons That Will Help Define the Teacher in You" and "From Inaction to 'In Action': Creating a New Normal for Urban Educators". A proud graduate of Temple University, Kwame holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. He was honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Inc. for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of the teacher profession. Kwame's work has also been featured on The Tavis Smiley Show, Edutopia, Education Post, Teaching Channel, WGBH News, The Educators' Room, LLC., and Medium.
Follow Kwame Sarfo-Mensah-Mensah @kwam_the_identity_shaper, @radicalmathtalk and the Identity Talk Website
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
Start Here Start Now by Liz Kleinrock is a practical guide to antibias and antiracist work in schools.
“There is no ‘one and done’ lesson or book when it comes to social justice and culturally reflective teaching. This book is meant to help educators break habits that are holding them back from this work, as well as build positive, sustainable teaching for the future.”
Learn more and purchase Start, Here, Start Now at Heinemann.com
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com
matheducation #culturallyresponsiveteaching #mathteacher #teacherssupportteachers #mathteachersofinstagram #teacherauthor #teachergoals #edupreneur #education #school #educators #teaching #consulting #mathematics #teacher #multiculturalclassroom #ourclassroom #Ghana #ABAR #socialjusticeeducation
Henry J. Turner and Kathy Lopes join Roberto to discuss their new book Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist Culture in Your School. In addition, they share about their co-authoring process, their challenge in writing about assessments, and the content that most resonates with them.
Henry J. Turner serves as principal at Newton North High School in Newton, Massachusetts. He is most proud of the collaborative community he works within to empower students to fight hate and bigotry in their school. Pointing to his unwavering commitment to equity and a student-centered culture, Henry was named 2020 K–12 Principal of the Year by the industry news site K–12 Dive.
A national speaker, Henry shares his experience as an innovative instructional leader, passionate advocate, and committed antiracist. Henry works with educators, leaders, and communities on how to create a culture that commits to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowers students’ voices, and addresses economic and racial disparities.
Henry is an instructor at the Educator Leadership Institute (ELI). He serves on the University of Massachusetts Commonwealth Honors College Advisory Board and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association Board. He received his doctorate in education from Boston College, a master’s in education from Framingham State University, and an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has a biweekly newsletter, Lessons on Social Justice Leadership.
Kathy Lopes is a clinical social worker and educator with over twenty years of experience ranging throughout primary, secondary, and postsecondary education. She currently serves as the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Newton Public Schools in Newton, Massachusetts, leading the district’s work in their antiracist leadership practices and principles. Additionally, she holds a long-standing adjunct faculty position at her alma mater, Simmons University School of Social Work.
Lopes is known as a local and national public speaker on topics of cultural humility, racial identity, and antiracism in education and mental health organizations. Recognized early in her career by the US Department of Justice with the Justice for Victims of Crime Award, social justice and equity have remained a consistent part of her leadership and strategic planning vision.
Follow Henry J. Turner on IG @turner_hj
Follow Kathy Lopes on Twitter @kathylopes21
For more education resources subscribe to multiculturalclassroom.com
It’s great to learn and journey with others. Thom Gibson is my go-to person for all EdTech related questions. In this episode of Our Classroom, we discussed EdTech and Edupreneurship. We also touched up fatherhood and the challenge of trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Thom Gibson is a two-time teacher of the year educator, creative director at New EdTech Classroom, educational consultant, and an Adobe Education Leader. He has taught middle-school math, robotics, and YouTube Video Production
Outside of education, he's a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, an avid runner, a chicken wing (and ranch) connoisseur, and is actively involved in his church. He, his wife Sara, and daughter Audrey live in Austin, TX.
Listen to this short episode now!
Follow Thom on IG @gibsoneducation
Student voice matters! In this episode of Our Classroom, I had my first student guest, Clara Mangali. We discussed how her senior research project led to her creating a Justice & Healing virtual workshop for educators and students.
Clara Mangali (she/her) is a student seeking to affect change through activism, community building, and identity development. She currently resides on the ancestral land of the Kizh people and is a senior at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, California. After attending the National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference in 2019, she went on to serve as a co-leader of her school’s Multiracial and Asian American student associations. For the past two years, she has served as the co-chair of Chadwick’s Student Diversity Council.
Recently, Clara conducted her senior research project on how schools can better support educators of color. Through her project, she hosted the virtual Justice and Healing workshop, which offered students and educators of color a space to share their stories and radically reimagine how equity work in schools can more authentically center the humanity and experiences of people of color.
Outside of school, she is involved in community organizing through GABRIELA South Bay, an anti-imperialist grassroots organization that fights for the liberation of all Filipino women. Additionally, Clara recently joined the writing team at Radical in Progress, an organization that provides free study guides for must-read social justice literature.
In college, Clara aspires to study sociology, education, and ethnic studies, with the ultimate goal of undertaking research that investigates the relationship between culture and trauma. In her free time, she enjoys running, tending to her army of plants, and reading tarot.
To learn more about Clara follow her on IG at @Clara.mangali. Clara is also involved with GAB South Bay and they are engaged in two campaigns, the Philippine Human Rights Act and Kontra Day 2022.
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
We Got This by author Cornelius Minor is a book you must have!
We Got This explores how the work of creating more equitable school spaces is embedded in our everyday choices—specifically in the choice to really listen to kids.
This book addresses advocacy, Inclusivity and building bridges, while making learning relevant and accessible.
“You can transform your teaching; your team can transform your school; your school can solve real community problems. If you listen.”
Learn more and purchase We Got This now at Heinemann.com
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
podcasts #teachersofinstagram #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #teachersofinsta #teachersofcolor #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy #advocacy #affirmation #socialjustice #California #Filipina #SDLC #POCC #NAIS #ChadwickSchool
Since y’all kept stressing me about bringing Lorena Germán back on the podcast, I found a way to do it without giving her an opportunity to turn my interview into a flirt session with me! This is the shortest episode that I have published, yet it is fruitful. This is an excerpt from her Textured Teaching presentation several months ago at the ICTE (Iowa Council of Teachers of English) Conference. In this excerpt Lorena emphasizes the fact that You Have Agency!
Lorena Germán is a two time nationally awarded Dominican American educator focused on anti racist and anti bias education. She has taught English Language Arts from 6th through 12th grades in both public and private schools. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NCTE’s journals, ASCD, and more. She’s a co-founder of #DisruptTexts through which she encourages teachers to work toward an inclusive ELA curriculum. As Co-Founder and Academic Director at Multicultural Classroom she leads professional development for teachers and creates teaching materials with and for leading literacy organizations. Lorena is also the Chair of NCTE’s Committee Against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English. She lives in Tampa, Florida.
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
Textured Teaching by author Lorena Germán is a must read book!
This secondary professional learning guide will help you:
- Implement social justice work while building literacy skills
- Add layers of “texture” into the English curriculum inclusive of diversity
- Create a framework for teaching and learning centered in love
“In our fight for positive social transformation, we nurture and sustain students’ hearts through the tool of books.”
Learn more and purchase Textured Teaching now at Heinemann.com
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
Well… I tried to keep the interview focused on Textured Teaching but your girl Lorena was wildin’ (dropped the “g” because she was out of control)!
Nonetheless, before she snuck in to give me a kiss, we managed to discuss:
◦ The impact of Textured Teaching since being published in Sept 2021
◦ What has surprised her along the way
◦ Textured Teaching can being utilized on the college/university level
I hope y’all enjoy this interview because it might be the last! I ain’t gon’ let Lorena turn Our Classroom into Love & Hip Hop! Sorry, not sorry!
Lorena Germán is a two time nationally awarded Dominican American educator focused on anti racist and anti bias education. She has taught English Language Arts from 6th through 12th grades in both public and private schools. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NCTE’s journals, ASCD, and more. She’s a co-founder of #DisruptTexts through which she encourages teachers to work toward an inclusive ELA curriculum. As Co-Founder and Academic Director at Multicultural Classroom she leads professional development for teachers and creates teaching materials with and for leading literacy organizations. Lorena is also the Chair of NCTE’s Committee Against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English. She lives in Tampa, Florida.
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
Textured Teaching by author Lorena Germán is a must read book!
This secondary professional learning guide will help you:
- Implement social justice work while building literacy skills
- Add layers of “texture” into the English curriculum inclusive of diversity
- Create a framework for teaching and learning centered in love
“In our fight for positive social transformation, we nurture and sustain students’ hearts through the tool of books.”
Learn more and purchase Textured Teaching now at Heinemann.com
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
All the way from London, UK! Author Marisa Taylor checked into Our Classroom to discuss Using Bilingual Books to Teach Self-Love & Diversity. She touched upon:
-The personal experiences that inspired her book ´Happy within´
-Her observations of how other countries responding to the concepts of bilingualism and diversity
-Steps monolingual families can implement now to learn a new language and connect with people from other cultures
Marisa Taylor lives in London, UK. Her first book ´Happy within´ has been translated into +15 different languages. The idea behind the bilingual books is to create diverse resources that help encourage children to learn a second language, while celebrating multiculturalism.
Marisa is passionate about learning & teaching languages as it is a key element to connecting with people from other cultures.
To learn more about Marisa and her upcoming books, you can also follow her on IG @lingobabies
This episode is sponsored by Heinemann --- a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college.
Textured Teaching by author Lorena Germán is a must read book!
This secondary professional learning guide will help you:
- Implement social justice work while building literacy skills
- Add layers of “texture” into the English curriculum inclusive of diversity
- Create a framework for teaching and learning centered in love
“In our fight for positive social transformation, we nurture and sustain students’ hearts through the tool of books.”
Learn more and purchase Textured Teaching now at Heinemann.com
MulticulturalClassroom #OurClassroom #bilingualteachers #bilingualbooks
booksforblackkids #blackkidsmatter #contraracismo #diversitätinkinderbüchern #gegenrassismus #boybooks #selflovematters #raisingreaders #raisingconfidentkids #happywithin #lingobabies #teachersofinstagram #teachersofinsta #teachersofig #teachersofigau #iteach #teacherpodcast #teacherpodcasts #professionaldevelopment #texturedteaching #education #educhat #tlap #leadlap #teacherlife #teachrgram
It's Women's History Month and fortunately an Extraordinary Latina was the most recent guest .In this episode of Our Classroom we were joined by Isis Ortiz-Belton who is making power moves in the financial services and banking industry. We discussed Isis':
- Education journey
- Co-authorship of the book Extraordinary Latinas
- Women she admires
ISIS ORTIZ-BELTON is a financial services and banking professional with over 12 years of credit risk, corporate finance, and underwriting experience. She is a Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Eastern Bank where she manages a portfolio of commercial banking relationships with a broad array of middle market and security alarm companies. Prior to joining Eastern, Isis was Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Citizen’s Bank independently managing over 30 middle market client relationships in the public and private sectors. She has also held positions at Santander Bank and at John Hancock Financial Services. Her career began in the non-profit sector at ACCION International, now a pioneer in the fields of microfinance and fintech impact investing.
Isis is an active community leader and diversity, equity and inclusion champion. She’s a strong advocate for the education and financial literacy of minority students and the rights of women, BIPOC and those identifying as LGBTQ+. Notably, Isis is the President for the Boston chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (“ALPFA”), the first and largest Latino professional association serving over 95,000 professional and student members across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. She sits on the Board of Trustees for Phoenix Charter Academy Network and she is a member of the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club Advisory Council.
Isis holds a B.A. in Mathematics and a B.A. in Business Management from Emmanuel College, a Master of Science in Finance from the New England Institute of Business at Cambridge College, and a Master of Business Administration from Bentley University. She’s a recipient of the 2014 McCallum Leadership Scholar Award, a 2018 Latinos for Education Board Fellow, a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce 2021 Boston Future Leaders fellow, and a 2021 Leaders Engaged and Activated to Drive System-Wide Change (“LEADS”) Lawrence fellow. Most recently, Isis was recognized as a 2021 Latinx Amplifier and co-authored her first book, Extraordinary Latinas.
Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Isis lives with her wife in Lawrence, MA.
Follow Isis on LinkedIn or via Twitter @iceychill
New York City represent, represent! Dr. Gloria Rosario Wallace dished out the marvelous as we discussed Liberation Pedagogy including:
- What is Liberation Pedagogy and why should people learn about it?
-The trials and triumphs of co-founding a high school in Brooklyn, NY where she implemented Liberatory and Critical pedagogy to design an inclusive learning community
-Considerations for school leaders getting started on the journey of Liberation Pedagogy
Dr. Gloria Rosario Wallace (she/her) is a Black Dominicana educator-scholar-activist committed to supporting racially conscious, human-centered school and organizational leadership. In her professional and personal worlds, she aspires to center and hold space for Black women and femmes and celebrate Black joy in its many forms.
As a former Global History teacher, Lead Teacher, Staff Developer, Assistant Principal, and Principal her focus remained on developing loving, safe, affirming, intellectually curious, and culturally reflective communities for our children. She spent thirteen years working in transfer high schools where she co-founded a high school in Brooklyn, NY for overaged, under-credited students. An opportunity that allowed her to use Liberatory and Critical pedagogy to design an inclusive learning community.
Gloria is a proud graduate of the Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development, the Bank Street College of Education, and the Urban School Leadership division within the Graduate School of Education at Fordham University. She is currently an Executive Director with the Chief Strategy Team of the New York City Department of Education.
Follow Dr. Rosario Wallace via Twitter @GRosarioWallace
podcasts #teachersofinstagram #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofinsta #teachersofcolor #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy #activist #scholar #NYCDOE #NYC
After a brief hiatus, it felt great to be back in conversation with amazing people! Tonight in Our Classroom Roberto was joined by Alexis and Chanté @letstalk_sis. They discussed Advocacy & Affirmation in Predominantly White Spaces including:
- The top two or three most difficult topics that they find themselves addressing
-The Utah Parent Opt-Out Law and what race-related advocacy looks like in Utah
-Affirming the identities of their children and how are they support them in their own advocacy?
Alexis and Chanté @letstalk_sis have created an Instagram platform where they seek to bring awareness to difficult topics – specifically race, diversity, and inclusion – to promote dialogue and initiate positive change. They are committed to making change through connection and humanity one conversation at a time.
Both Alexis, whose background is in sociology, and Chanté whose background is in psychology, have spent the past 20 years advocating for youth in a variety of platforms including inclusion and diversity, education, empowerment, safety, leadership, career development, and self-esteem as well as working diligently to make schools and communities safer.
Alexis and Chanté have been keynote speakers/presenters/panelists at national and international conferences and served on the Board of international organizations. They have emceed events such as TEDX SLC, spoken and presented at colleges and state educational organizations, at city town meeting halls, and to mayors and law enforcement. They have written magazine articles, study guides, and sections of published books. They have done consulting and training for businesses and worldwide organizations and they created their own Let’s Talk Sis workshop!
podcasts #teachersofinstagram #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofinsta #teachersofcolor #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy #advocacy #affirmation #utah
In honor of Black History Month, Lorena German and Britt Hawthorne came together to talk about different aspects of Blackness. Like the last one, this mini summit featured short 20 minute conversations with guests.
This bonus episode features Lorena & Tanesha B. Forman breaking colorism all the way down.
podcasts #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofcolor #BlackHistoryMonth #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy
Follow our guest(s) @multiculturalclassroom, @love.tanesha
Buy Lorena German's new book Textured Teaching here.
With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching shares lesson design strategies that build traditional literacy skills while supporting students in developing their social justice skills at the same time.
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
In honor of Black History Month, Lorena German and Britt Hawthorne came together to talk about different aspects of Blackness. Like the last one, this mini summit featured short 20 minute conversations with guests.
This bonus episode features Lorena & Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz talking about healing and Blackness, as well as what it should look like in schools. They talk about love- what it is and what it isn’t.
podcasts #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofcolor #BlackHistoryMonth #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy
Follow our guest(s) @multiculturalclassroom, @yolie_sealeyruiz
Buy Lorena German's new book Textured Teaching here.
With Culturally Sustaining Practice as its foundation, Textured Teaching shares lesson design strategies that build traditional literacy skills while supporting students in developing their social justice skills at the same time.
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
In honor of Black History Month, Lorena German and Britt Hawthorne came together to talk about different aspects of Blackness. Like the last one, this mini summit featured short 20 minute conversations with guests. This bonus episode features Britt & Roberto talking about Blackness, the diaspora, and Latinidad.
podcasts #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofcolor #BlackHistoryMonth #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy
Follow our guest(s) @multiculturalclassroom, @britthawthorne
Buy Britt Hawthorne's new book Raising Antiracist Children here.
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
This episode is sponsored by Teach With Love Global.
Browse the 2022 & 2023 Travel Trips https://www.teachwithlove.com/our-trips
Donate the LOVE, spread the word, partner with TWL https://www.teachwithlove.com/get-involved
In honor of Black History Month, Lorena German and Britt Hawthorne came together to talk about different aspects of Blackness. Like the last one, this mini summit featured short 20 minute conversations with guests. This bonus episode features Britt & Lorena talking about Black biracial identity, teaching about Black History Month, the difference between race, culture, and ethnicity… and more.
podcasts #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofcolor #BlackHistoryMonth #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy
Follow our guest(s) @multiculturalclassroom, @britthawthorne
Buy Britt Hawthorne's new book Raising Antiracist Children here. For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
On this first day of Black History Month 2022, we had the privilege of hearing from Amelia Allen, founder of Sankofa Learning Center, about Centering Black Children. Amelia shared touch upon the following:
- Why she took this leap of faith
- Meaning of Sankofa
- The trial & triumph of purchase her first home
- Learnings from starting her own school
- Strategies that center Black children and create an environment where they experience joy
Amelia Allen Sherwood is a mother, educator, and anti-bias & anti-racist organizer. She had a vision with her eyes wide open one day and it revealed an African-Centered learning space that centered Black children. It is her hope that Sankofa Learning Center can be a high-quality early childhood program that uses Montessori pedagogy as a tool, Black Homeschooling Collective, and healing hub for the community. She currently works at Elm City Montessori School as the Anti-Bias & Anti-Racism Director on Quinnipiac land, but you may know it as New Haven, Ct.
podcasts #teacherpodcast #abar #education #educationmatters #multicultural #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #podcast #education #teachersofcolor #BlackHistoryMonth #inclusionmatters #iteachtoo #pedagogy
This episode is sponsored by Teach With Love Global---an organization focused on bringing teachers, who LOVE to travel, around the world for ‘authentic culturally immersive’ travel, while also giving back to the Edu Community!
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
Fun, joy and love when chopping it up with Taína Benitez from Teach With Love Global. We talked about Exploring Culture on a Global Level. We also talked about some immersive travel trip opportunities including the Egypt 2023 trip that Roberto and Lorena Germán will be leading.
Taína is a Spanglish-speaking advocate, speaker and educator. A true lover of helping people, she has been an advocate for inclusivity, social justice and bringing opportunities to underprivileged teachers and students, for over two decades.
While working to bring a perspective that has historically been missing in travel education, Taína founded Teach With Love in 2012. In 2019, she formed the philanthropic arm, Teach With Love, Inc a 503 (c) non-profit organization dedicated to giving opportunities and resources to underrepresented and disenfranchised teacher communities. The programs are funded through TWL’s cultural immersion trips that are a seed to having culturally informed practices. Taína, a former Instructional Coach, has worked with Ministers of Education, Visionary Edu Leaders, UN Representatives, and some of the National and Global Top Teachers around the world.
Taina has spoken at over 20+ conferences giving workshops that have been featured in many media outlets, including a feature on MSNBC Latino. This episode is sponsored by Teach With Love Global. If you’re an educator who loves to travel, then join us on a trip with our friends at Teach With Love Global. They’re a woman and BIPOC owned teacher travel organization that offers stress-free teacher retreats where you can unwind with a community where you’re being understood. 100% of the proceeds go to helping underserved students travel the world. The vibe on these trips is always lingering rather than rushing where you’ll expand your cultural knowledge, gain personal breakthroughs while you travel in places like Switzerland, Peru, Spain and Egypt (where Roberto & Lorena Germán will be leading a trip in 2023!) Spots are limited, so check availability at www.teachwithlove.com.
This episode is sponsored by Teach With Love Global.
Follow Taína Benitez @teachwithloveglobal
Browse the 2022 & 2023 Travel Trips https://www.teachwithlove.com/our-trips
Donate the LOVE, spread the word, partner with TWL https://www.teachwithlove.com/get-involved
For more education resources subscribe to: www.multiculturalclassroom.com
It’s about building relationships and effective communication! Great talk with Katie Malinski as we discussed her book How to Talk to Your Teen About Anything. She shared strategies that parents and educator alike can implement.
Katie Malinski, LCSW-S, is an Austin-based parenting coach and family therapist. With over 2 decades' experience, Katie helps parents see the key connections that help resolve family difficulties, strengthen the parent-child relationship, and get families back on balance and moving forward together. She presents parenting workshops on a broad spectrum of topics, including managing difficult behavior in children, parenting through divorce, parenting teenagers, and communicating about sexuality. Katie is also the author of the book "How to Talk to your Teen about Anything," available online and in indie bookstores near you. Katie’s calling – and passion – is improving family lives by offering understanding, a fresh perspective and hope. Learn more about her approach, practice and workshops at ParenthoodUnderstood.com.
Follow Katie @parenthoodunderstood
For more education resources subscribe to:
www.multiculturalclassroom.com
On Monday, January 17th, Multicultural Classroom hosted an MLK, Jr. Summit. Lorena Germán facilitated brief conversations all day long. Our guests included José Luis Vilson, Tiffany Jewell, Tamara Russell, and Tricia Ebvaria. This episode weaves the four conversations together for insightful and fruitful reflections about Martin Luther King, Jr's life and legacy, and the impact his work still has on us today.
Follow our guest(s) @multiculturalclassroom @thejosevilson @tiffanymjewell @mrsrussellsroom @triciaebarvia
For more education resources subscribe to:
www.multiculturalclassroom.com
Say my name, say my name! Yes, a throwback Destiny’s Child reference but it works in this case. Katherine Trejo is today’s guest and we are discussing her book Yefferson, Actually / En Realidad, Yefferson.
Katherine Trejo is a first-generation Salvadoran-American college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in politics and Latin American/Latino studies from UC Santa Cruz. She lives in Historic Filipinotown with her Boston Terrier Lily, mom, brother, cousins, aunts, grandma, niece, and nephew in the same apartment complex where she was raised. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and watching cartoons. She co-authored Yefferson, Actually/En Realidad Es Yefferson with Mr. Scott Martin-Rowe, one of her most influential and favorite teachers in high school.
Follow Katherine via Instagram @katbaggins
Follow Scott Martin-Rowe @scottmartinrowe
Follow Karla Monterrosa @internetkarla
Follow Lil' Libros @lil_libros
Click here to purchase Yefferson, Actually / En Realidad, Es Yefferson
A couple months ago, Roberto was asked participate on a virtual panel regarding colorism in the Latina/o/e Community. The event was organized by AP for All NYC and hosted by Marisol Manríquez and Dr. Akua Kisiwaa-Adefope. In addition to Roberto, it featured Dr. Gloria Rosario-Wallacef, Rosa Bell and Dr. Soribel Genao.
The panelists were asked to consider the following questions:
1. What does colorism mean to you? What does anti-blackness mean to you? How are they the same/or different? How does it show up in your life?
2. How does racism and discrimination toward Afro & Indigenous-Latin/o/a/e/s differ in Latin America and the United States? What have been your experiences?
3. How do you see your role in working towards social and racial justice within the Latin/o/a/e community? What is your ask from White Latin/o/a/e co-conspirators?
4. Explain the origin and contexts of colorism in the Latin/o/a/e community. How would you describe the level of awareness of colorism within the Latin/o/a/e community?
5. What resources can educators use to educate themselves and guide them in supporting student experiences in the classroom? In what initiatives are you currently involved regarding this topic?
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Dr. Richard Reddick helps us unpack the notion of Restorative Resistance in Higher Education. He also shares his experience leading The Eyes of Texas History Committee and University of Texas-Austin. Finally, he shares a bit about how he engages in self-care.
Richard J. Reddick, Ed.D. is the inaugural Associate Dean for Equity, Community Engagement, and Outreach and Distinguished Service Professor in Educational Leadership and Policy in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. He is also faculty co-chair of the Institute for Educational Management (IEM) and Bravely Confronting Racism in Higher Education at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Reddick conducts ethnographic research on the experiences of faculty of color in predominantly White university settings, mentoring relationships in higher education, Black families in American society, and work-family balance in junior faculty fathers. A former elementary and middle school teacher, he remains active in scholarship and community work as a member of two charter school boards in Austin, Texas. Dr. Reddick is the co-host of the KUT public radio podcast and radio segment Black Austin Matters with Dr. Lisa B. Thompson, and regularly contributes opinion pieces to the Chronicle of Higher Education, CNN, NBC Think, Fortune, and major dailies across Texas and the nation. He is a graduate of Department of Defense Dependent Schools and public schools in East Austin, and earned his bachelors, master’s, and doctoral degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University. Dr. Reddick is a husband, son, brother, and father of two.
For more education resources subscribe to https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/
Dr. Lois Marshall Barker & Ava Barker discuss their picture book Ava’s Caribbean ABC. They express the importance of cultural affirmation.
Dr. Lois Marshall Barker is a Grenadian native and creative currently living in Houston, Texas. She has over 14 years of experience in education. Dr. Barker has served as a high school ELA teacher, instructional coach and now a curriculum developer. She works closely with educators to revamp curriculum and structures to ensure all students are seen and have an opportunity to be successful as defined by them.
Ava is a 12 year old creative and native Texan proud of Grenadian heritage. She is president of her school’s Theatre Club and landing roles in productions of Junie B. Jones and The Super Non-Heroes . Ava is an avid reader of graphic novels and historical fiction. At school, Ava is very passionate about having access to books that reflect all stories including hers. She is also very vocal about teaching history beyond the eyes of the settlers making sure all perspectives and truths are told.
Today’s episode features Ellison & Bavu Blakes discussing their self-published book El’s Mirror. El’s Mirror is an upper elementary picture book and a reflective tool for families, parents, mentors, leaders, and educators of children. Ellison Blakes is a scientist, pianist, researcher, athlete and baller, video game lover & designer, sports analyst, and author. After Mama’s prediction (with a wink) came true, Dad started helping him create El’s Mirror. Ellison is a 5th grader who still goes to the school up the street from the big house full of books and art on the West side of the South. Bavu Blakes is a Scholar Emcee deliberately walking through the intersection of Hip Hop, education, and spirituality. His research goals center the various ways that the Hip Hop generation leverages its resources for today's generation. Blakes is a national educational consultant as well as a celebrated songwriter whose studio collaborators include Grammy winners Adrian Quesada, Symbolyc One, Gary Clark, Jr., and several more. El’s Mirror can be purchased at the Hip Hop Grew Up website.
Today's episode features Roberto being interviewed on Rosa Bell's PLC (Professional Learning Community) discussing how to integrate culture in Spanish Language classrooms through poetry.
OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #SpanishTeachers #AfroLatino #languageteachers #podcast #OurClassroomPodcast #education #culture #PLC #ProfessionalLearningCommunity
Credits:
Host: Roberto Germán, Rosa Bell
Editors: Roberto Germán, Jabi Marketing (Javier Roche)
Today’s episode features Jordan Botello. He is a PhD Student and Graduate Teaching Fellow in the Department of Philosophy at The Graduate Center, CUNY in New York City. Currently he teaches at Brooklyn College. His areas of interest are Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Critical Philosophy of Race, Philosophy of Law and Philosophy of Religion. In particular, he has been doing research on the semantics/pragmatics of racial slurs and the implications this has for appropriation and free speech laws. He also does research on theorizing about racial justice. Before that, he was a J.T. & Margaret Talkington Fellow and Graduate Instructor in the Department of Philosophy at Texas Tech University, where he earned his MA in Philosophy. Jordan also founded the Minorities and Philosophy (MAP) chapter at Texas Tech. Jordan is also a TExES Social Studies 7-12 (232) Certified Educator in the state of Texas. He taught high school in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #criticalracetheory #criticalphilosophyofrace #charlesmills#CUNY #BrooklynCollege #podcast #OurClassroomPodcast #education
Credits:
Guest: Jordan Botello
Host: Roberto Germán
Editor: Jabi Marketing (Javier Roche)
Today’s episode features Yeimy Medina. She was born in Dominican Republic, grew up in Curacao. Growing up she never loved my natural hair and didn’t think it was beautiful. In the Dominican Republic if you have natural hair it is considered “bad” hair. In 2019, a friend inspired Yeimy and encouraged her to love her natural hair the way that God created it. Yeimy did her big chop in April 2019 and had to learn how to love and care for her natural hair. She created a natural hair page because she wanted to encourage other women to love themselves the way that God made them.
OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #NaturalHair #AfroLatino #bighairdontcare #podcast #OurClassroomPodcast #education #HairLove
Credits:
Guest: Yeimy Medina
Host: Roberto Germán
Editor: Jabi Marketing (Javier Roche)
Today’s episode features Deldelp Medina of Black and Brown Founders. Deldep has 10 plus years experience in Diversity and Inclusion, Design Thinking, Product Market Fit, Lean Startup, scaling and investment strategy. She brings her cross-cultural expertise engage in meeting the demographic shift. She does this by identifying, pitching, structuring, relationship building, negotiating and creating close strategic partnerships. Deldep was also listed as one of the 6 Latina Founders to Watch in TechCrunch. Deldelp joined to discuss the Chroma 2021 event taking place October 14th-16th.
Credits:
Guest: Deldelp Medina
Host: Roberto Germán
Editor: Jabi Marketing (Javier Roche)
Today’s episode features Dan Cummings. In this conversation, Roberto and Dan chop it up about the experience of leading a rural school, the common thread of poverty experienced in many rural and urban schools, and what justice work looks like in this setting.
Dan is a career educator who has taught in a variety of educational settings, from Alternative High Schools to College Prep Schools, parochial to public. He is in his 23rd year as an educator and 8th year as a principal. Degrees from Colorado State University and Middlebury College, he is an avid practitioner of the martial arts and an amateur photographer. He and his wife just celebrated twenty years of marriage and spent the last 6 months building a small, off-grid cabin in the middle of nowhere Colorado.
Credits:
Guest: Dan Cummings
Host: Roberto Germán
Editor: Jabi Marketing (Javier Roche)
people #students #community #families #school #poverty, #education #ruralcommunity #college #justice #ruraltown #colorado
Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space, we talk about education, which is inclusive of but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn.
Today’s episode features Starling The Kid. In this conversation Roberto and Starling chop it up about his educational journey, his aspirations to become the first Dominican Steven Spielberg and their recent collaboration on Yo Soy Un Plátano.
Born Estarlyn J. Hiraldo, Starling The Kid is a Dominican multimedia artist, filmmaker, and musician from Lawrence, MA. Art direction, music production, songwriting/lyricism, poetry, photography, painting, drawing, sculpting, and graphic design are all part of his artistic practice. His curiosity and creativity is ever-changing as he is constantly experimenting with different forms of art. Starling’s work heavily explores the immigrant experience and search for identity.
Starling utilizes his art to educate communities around the world about social injustices. His coming-of-age stories give a voice to the voiceless; they shine light on the perspectives of marginalized individuals and their respective groups. He tells underrepresented stories in relatable but compelling ways, stories that embrace the beauty to be found in hardship and struggle. This is often the nature of relationships and family ties in marginalized communities. In 2016, Starling paid homage to his adolescent journey growing up in his hometown upon releasing his first Hip-Hop music project "In the Midst of Adolescence." The mixtape was followed with the release of his first official single "L.A.W.R.E.N.C.E." earlier that year. Starling has written, directed, and produced a series of short films: "Heritage" (2018), "Poor Justice" (2019), and "Into the Frame" (2020). Starling has also acted in a series of indie short films, interviews, and documentaries. He was the producer for Michael.T’s third and upcoming short film “JUNE 22ND.”
Graduating from Providence College with a background in Sociology, Film/Video, and Business Innovation solidified his interest in pursuing a film/TV career in Directing/Producing. Starling’s goal is to make the world a more inclusive place by challenging what art is versus what it should be. He strives to redefine what storytelling does for society and how it defines the human experience. You can expect new project releases and unique ways to tell stories coming soon!
Credits:
Guest: Starling The Kid (Estarlyn Hiraldo)
Host: Roberto Germán
Editor: Jabi Marketing (Javier Roche)