This is a series of interviews I recorded with parent liaisons, teaching and learning specialists, school counselors, teachers and students to experiment with podcasting for a nuclear audience. I think the conversations are important and they are also a way to get to know movers and shakers inside the school district. While they are focused on Pleasanton schools, it was an independent project I put together without any oversight.
Dennis & Steven and I reflect on the year and talk about our thoughts on school and how it may look moving forward.
Jessica shares with me her approach to skills-based assessment and math instruction in general. She talks about motivating students in her intervention class and how she fosters a sense of curiosity while also solidifying fundamental skills.
Tasha, Anshika, Sahana and Dylan talk about the year they have just been through. The stresses of distance learning, the pressure of college applications and reflections on how it has influenced are topics that come up.
Lauren talks about growing up in Shreveport, LA and going to UCLA. We talk about mental health and issues facing our most at-risk students. We talk about how to respond to sensitive situations and how to create a dialogue between adults that serves our students' best interests.
Audrey talks about student-centered issues, her personal background and suicide and depression awareness. The question about how do we, as teachers, respond to a possible suicide attempt is a valuable conversation. She also talks about her background and even a bit about the history of Iran.
Diana is a Foothill graduate who shares her experience in Pleasanton and at Northwestern and in New York City. We talk about race, ethnic identity, culture and her creative process, writing, art and expression.
Isela talks about Lectura Latina parent group, her role supporting the Latin@ community inside of Pleasanton and her cultural identity and background growing up in Mexico City.
Lisa talks about teaching to 5th graders and generating curiosity and creativity. She has a wealth of knowledge and a broad skill set and she talks about Universal Design for Learning and offers insight for education into the future.
Tonya talks about her role as African American parent liaison and her background. I talk a little bit about the term intersectionality and we discuss and interview I had with a former student who is now a school counselor in Oakland.