BreakFree Education: Recent Episodes
BreakFree Education
Highlights and stories of student success inside juvenile justice facilities. At BreakFree Education, we believe that all children have the right to learn, grow, and dream, so our mission is to radically improve education in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Storrs, a teacher librarian at a youth detention facility. Jessie shares her "ask for forgiveness later" approach to innovation, including how she used board games in the library to build crucial social-emotional skills and foster student connection.
We discuss the importance of introducing students to new opportunities and how genuine teacher passion is the key to unlocking student engagement. Join us as Jessie reminds us what it takes to make a real difference in the classroom.
In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Amanda Johnson, a dedicated educator from Passages Academy in New York. Amanda shares how she creates a classroom that welcomes students in and empowers them to make it their own. We'll explore her "Real World Fridays" initiative, which turns classroom discussions into platforms for authentic, student-led conversations on big issues.
Join us as we learn from Amanda about leading with a focus on connection and creativity to create a learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.
What makes a technology program truly successful, especially in challenging, restricted spaces? In this episode of Tech Check, we're taking a '1000-foot view' to analyze the key elements that contribute to a program’s success. We'll break down the importance of devices, software, network infrastructure, and policies, but most importantly, the people who make it all happen. Join us to understand how these elements work together to create a cohesive and effective program.
Shownotes: Nothing this week.
This episode is PART TWO of diving deep into the critical questions you need to ask before introducing new tech into your secure school environment. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini discuss the importance of technology access for students, who needs to be involved, and the best path for getting started when implementing a new technology program.
In this special episode, we showcase the winning podcast segments from BreakFree Education's "Unspoiled" initiative, where students explored America's National Parks through creative storytelling. Listen as young learners from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Arizona share their research and passion for places like Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Biscayne through engaging original podcasts. These segments highlight how meaningful, project-based learning can spark curiosity and give students an authentic platform to share their knowledge with the world.
Shownotes:
BreakFree Initiatives
In this episode, we're chatting with Chassidy Williams, an Educational Technology Specialist at Harris County Juvenile Probation in Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Chassidy sheds light on the often complex dynamic between school tech coaches, like herself, and facility tech directors. We'll explore the ins and outs of their relationship – is it a mentorship, a partnership, or something else entirely? Chassidy will share insights on the common challenges faced by tech directors in secure settings, and how she helps them navigate those obstacles. We'll discuss the importance of building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of innovation, even within the constraints of JJ spaces. Join us for 'Tech Without Fear,' a conversation that's sure to provide valuable perspectives for anyone working at the intersection of technology and education in challenging environments.
Ever wondered what it's like to be a teacher AND a tech coach in a juvenile justice school? In this episode of Books Over Bars, guest Ana Roper shares the complexities of educational technology in secure settings as a math teacher and tech coach. Learn about the challenges she faces, the strategies she uses to encourage tech integration, and the ways schools can better support teachers in using technology effectively.
Shownotes:
Desmos: free graphing calculator
NotebookLM
What does it take to prioritize student learning in even the most challenging environments? Join us for a conversation with Gena McGill, a dedicated educator who shares her experiences and insights on creating a student-centered classroom in a highly restricted setting. Discover how Gena advocates for her students, adapts to their unique needs, and fosters a love of learning despite the obstacles.
Can theatre-based practices help unlock the potential of confined youth? In this episode of Books Over Bars, Kaylah and Christina explore the innovative collaboration between Blake Tobey, a teaching artist, and Jodie Morgenson, a teacher in a juvenile justice school. Discover how they brought theatre-based therapeutic practices into the classroom, the impact it had on students, and the valuable skills these activities foster. Gain insights into this unique approach and learn how it can be adapted to empower youth in your classroom!
Shownotes:
Augusto Boal - Games for Actors and Non-Actors & Theatre of the Oppressed
Rehabilitation Through the Arts
Viola Spolin - Theater Games For the Classroom
“Lone nut” exercise link
Lesson Plans
How do you create a school culture where teachers thrive and students excel? Join us as we speak with Simone Garwood, a dynamic principal who shares her insights on fostering continuous improvement, holding teachers accountable with compassion, and building a school community where everyone feels valued and supported.
Show notes:
Hidden Opportunity: Youth in Detention
Intro and outro music created by students at J.C. Montgomery School in King County, CA; Mastering by NEONMYST
How can we create truly innovative tech programs within the unique environment of secure schools? In this episode of Books Over Bars, Kaylah and Anthony welcome Derek Gagnon, DYS Director of IT for the Collaborative Educational Services in Massachusetts, to explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing cutting-edge technology to juvenile justice education. Derek shares his expertise in fostering innovation, navigating security concerns, and building programs that empower students and educators. Derek provides practical advice, leaving listeners with the adage of 'trust, yet verify.'
Shownotes:
safedoc (prevents collaboration in Google Workspace)
Senso
Managing Wi-Fi networks while enrolling Chromebooks
Magicschool MagicStudent
TransfrVR (Derek’s one new thing)
ClassVR
Intro and outro music created by students at J.C. Montgomery School in King County, CA; Mastering by NEONMYST
Ready to break down the barriers between your classroom and the real world? Join us as we talk with Ruth Edge, an inspiring educator who has mastered the art of connecting her students with authentic audiences in the community. Discover how Ruth's innovative approach fosters student engagement, builds real-world skills, and makes learning relevant and meaningful.
Show notes:
9 years by K.E. (student poem)
Out of Akron (student poem + artwork)
Get ready to reimagine English class! Join Kaylah Holland and Christina Campbell as they chat with Bill Laforme, an incredible English teacher from Massachusetts, about innovative ways to engage students and create unique experiences in the classroom. Discover how Bill sparks creativity and fosters a love of literature in his students.
Show notes:
Unworldly Winners
Jason Reynolds (Author)
Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Bill’s news clippings:
A Look At Lynnfield In The American Revolution
Christmas 1941: A Surreal Time For Lynnfield
Are There Ghosts In The Old Meeting House?
This episode is PART ONE of diving deep into the critical questions you need to ask before introducing new tech into your secure school environment. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini guide you through allowing technology into juvenile justice spaces while also keeping kids safe and secure online. Don't miss this essential guide for any tech specialist working in juvenile justice!
Shownotes:
Hapara
BreakFree Base
NoteBook LM
This episode kicks off a tech series focused on accessible technology in secure schools. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini dive into preparing devices for the new school year and introduce BreakFree Base, a brand new online community. If you're a tech specialist in this space, you won't want to miss this!
Reach out to us at podcast@breakfree-ed.org
Shownotes:
NIST password guidelines
BreakFree Base: breakfree-ed.org/base
One new thing:
AI educational platforms: DreamBox Learning Edmentum Zearn
VR platforms: ClassVR TransfrVR
Sharnette Sims, Principal of the Consuela B. York High School, located inside the Cook County adult jail, offers some terrific tips on leadership, including how she ‘calls people in’ instead of ‘calling people out.’
A group of tech-educators share what it takes to get the internet up and running inside of youth facilities, and ensure the technology gets used to make school engaging and meaningful, not simply as a tech-based substitute for packets.
Henderson Lewis, outgoing Superintendent of New Orleans Public Schools, talks about how he sees his work in New Orleans–and ensuring that students held in detention get a quality education–as a part of the larger civil rights struggle.
A group of students from the Wilson Creek youth facility in Missouri remind us how important it is to offer them choice, to trust in them, and see them as capable.
Robert Alexander, a tradesman turned teacher shares how he and a group of students designed and built a Tiny House, inside of a youth facility. You can access photos of the tiny house under "Podcasts" on our website at https://www.breakfree-ed.org/edupalooza-content.
David Domenici is the Executive Director of BreakFree Education and a longtime juvenile justice and education advocate. He joins us to talk about the many different people that play a role in a young person finding success in the juvenile justice classroom.
In this episode we’re joined by poet Sha’Condria "iCon" Sibley and Christopher, a winning student from our 2021 Words Unlocked contest. Words Unlocked is a nationwide poetry initiative and contest sponsored by BreakFree Education during National poetry month in April for students in juvenile justice facilities.
Music from this episode was created by students and staff at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles in 2016.