Defining Us: America‘s Classroom for the Heart and Mind: Recent Episodes
Defining Us
Take a deeper look at the new teaching and learning strategies that are transforming our nation. Hear from the nation‘s leading voices in education and from students whose lives have been transformed through new culturally responsive programs and practices that focus on improving students‘ social and emotional well-being. Learn how to adapt successful solutions in schools to create positive change in your home and community.
Defining US uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US…Stacey DeWitt interviews the superintendent of the Salt Lake City Schools, Dr. Timothy Gadson. They discuss his work promoting equity in schools and many of the misconceptions that are creating a negative and false narrative about what is happening in classrooms.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast. • 2:58 – The power of one’s narrative
• 12:28 – Building strong children also builds strong families
• 16:12 – Protecting our mental health so we can keep focused on students
• 19:30 – “We should never have to explain who we are or what we are about”
• 22:15 – The challenges we are facing
• 23:51 – Misconceptions about what is happening in classrooms
• 25:53 – Critical Race Theory is not the same as culturally responsive education
• 29:01 – Understanding history in context
• 32:46 – The learning experiences every student should have
In this episode, Stacey DeWitt interviews Nicole Yarde, a passionate and dedicated educator and community leader committed to the development of students, educators, and families. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has made a career of developing programs that center on the social justice, liberatory education and social-emotional well-being. Nicole has developed several programs, including the Emerging Leaders for Social Justice Institute (ELSJI) within the Office of Equity and Access, with the goal of improving the personal relationships of youth and the way they relate and respond to injustice. Her recent project, The Change Agent Academy, focuses on liberatory education supporting the transformation of oppressive societal structures and promoting more just and equitable communities.
Nicole is resolute in dedicating her time, energy, and voice to disrupting historical, systemic, social and racial inequities that continually work to impede the advancement of students of color. Nicole holds a B.S. in English and Journalism from Medgar Evers College (CUNY) and an M.A. in International Education from NYU.
Powerful Moments
Pay attention throughout this podcast to powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed, including:
- 0:34 – Nicole discusses growing up in Barbados and how education played a key role in her life.
- 5:18 – Nicole discusses the stereotyping of black boys and the education practices surrounding them in this country.
- 9:24 – Nicole talks about Generational Trauma and the effect it has on a person. What does it mean to have a reinforced negative narrative?
- 17:53 – Nicole explains the approach of “starting with the mind” in her work and the importance of young men talking about how they feel. She speaks on educators and the need to begin with affirming young men, valuing them, and seeing them.
- 20:17 – Nicole explains what Generational Trauma means to her.
- 27:14 – Nicole explains her approach to social emotional learning and shares the story of the student who brought her to create the Change Academy.
Defining US uses the power of media and the promises of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US… Stacey DeWitt interviews Tami Pyfer. Tami Pyfer is the Vice President of External Affairs for UNITE – a nonprofit organization that promotes national unity and solidarity across differences. Tami also serves as Chief of Staff to UNITE President and CEO, Tim Shriver, and is the Utah Project Lead for the Dignity Index initiative. Before joining UNITE, Tami served as Education Policy Advisor to former Utah Governor Gary Herbert, where she was involved in state-level education policy development, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. She held local and state elected office for 12 years, including 4 years on the Utah State Board of Education. Tami’s professional training is in Special Education and before her appointment to serve on the Governor's executive team she worked at Utah State University, teaching coursework and supervising student teachers in the Special Education teacher preparation program. Tami and her husband Aaron are the parents of 5 children, and grandparents of 10.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
- 1:11 - Tami discusses her experiences and background in education and working on the State Board of Education in Utah.
- 5:58 - Tami discusses her experience with policymakers and the disconnect in communication between them and students, educators, and parents.
- 10:46 - Tami introduces the real meaning behind UNITE that it is not that everyone’s voices should be the same, it means that everyone’s diverse voices have a seat at the table and are heard.
- 19:33 - The introduction and importance of the Dignity Index.
- 26:10 - The introduction of the Dignity Index scale going from 1 through 8 and it is meant to ease divisions, prevent violence, and help us solve problems.
- 55:25 - The Dignity Index is not only for political conflict resolution, but also can apply to any conflict resolutions especially among educators.
For forty years, I was fortunate to lead the assessment, evaluation, and accountability departments of nine public school districts, including six of the largest in the nation – Washington, DC, Baltimore, St. Louis, Austin, Atlanta, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). In almost every instance, my position was relatively independent of the internal and external “politics.” As a result, I am not biased toward or against any particular theory, philosophy, or program. My only bias is to results. Over the years, I have had a wide range of responsibilities including state and local test development, standards alignment, school improvement, information technology, and instructional technology. From 2014-2021, I supervised the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Information Technology, Instructional Technology, Assessment, Research, Evaluation, and Data and Information divisions. Over that period, our teams were credited with restoring the integrity and public trust in the district’s assessment, accountability, and data and information systems after the cheating scandal of 2008. During the COVID pandemic, these outstanding teams were also responsible for enabling and supporting the high quality, virtual programs provided each day to over 50,000 students who were forced to receive their daily instruction at home. Since “retiring” from the Atlanta Public Schools, I’ve been very busy – working on a book, “How to Fix Our City Schools”, publishing a monthly newsletter (of the same name), and launching the Capital Schools Consulting Group (CSCG). CSCG services include executive coaching, training, evaluation, and data analytic services to district leaders and school boards. “How to Fix Our City Schools” is part memoir and part handbook and while I am very excited about finally completing an almost final draft, the process has made me even more acutely aware of the disappointment I feel about the missed opportunities and failures of the last forty years and my fear that they will continue indefinitely for future generations of poor and disadvantaged children.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
- 1:54 – Bill’s background and history of his career
- 6:30 – Creating a teaching strategy myths and truths
- 8:15 – Restoring public trust in public education
- 13:19 – Standards and evidence-based designations around curricula
- 19:00 – The effects of reading reform on students
- 21:57 – The effects of reading reform on equity
- 29:14 – Addressing all needs of all children
As a passionate advocate for equity and access, Sikirat Mustapha uses her multifaceted interests in educational policy, finance and business to elicit change in her community. She attends Columbia University studying Statistics, Political Science & Business Administration. Sikirat can be seen mobilizing thousands at town halls, organizing rallies, speaking on panels, and constructing policies that work to eradicate the inequitable practices in NYC public schools through her work as the former Executive Board Member of the Chancellor's Student Advisory Council. As the founder and CEO of Sikirat Tutors, she developed an all encompassing youth enrichment curriculum that prioritizes a unique education where students are taught and mentored by other students. Sikirat's love for equity also branches outside of education, where she can be seen advocating for financial literacy, fair housing, and racial justice. This summer she spent time exploring Venture Capital with a boutique fund, actively investing in organizations impacting social reform for young people in NYC. With her free time, she enjoys exploring different cultures through food, music and dance.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
- 1:40 – Sikirat’s background and what she is currently working on
- 4;15 – Addressing inequities in marginalized communities and educational policy with the proper tools
- 7:01 – “The only thing that we can do is change the future.”
- 8:32 – Sikirat discusses her education endeavor, Sikirat Tutors.
- 12:56 – Importance of studying and understanding other cultures
- 18:06 – Students of color don’t see themselves in higher positions in education or even in teachers and administrators
- 23:38 – “Where does your hope come from?”
- 26:10 – Darion and Sikirat discuss Defining Us: Children at the Crossroads of Change.
- 27:35 – Darion shares his thoughts about the teacher shortage crisis and offers support
As the first female CEO of the YMCA in 171 years, Suzanne McCormick joins the Defining US podcast with Stacey DeWitt to share her bold vision for the future. YMCA of the USA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, engaging 11 million members annually, including 4 million under the age of 18.
Suzanne became President and CEO of YMCA in September 2021. She has 27 years of experience as a local and national executive leader in the nonprofit sector, most recently as U.S. President for United Way Worldwide and a member of its global management team. As President, Suzanne was responsible for helping the 1,100 United Ways across the U.S. build more resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. Under her leadership, the United Way tackled community challenges with innovative, equitable and systemic solutions.
“Defining US” uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on social, political and cultural issues that matter.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
- 1:08 – Suzanne McCormick discusses her experiences and the key things she’s learned in the changing times we’re living in
- 3:20 – The purpose the YMCA serves and its true impact on the community
- 6:40 – The importance of “local solutions”
- 9:40 – Suzanne’s background and what her motivator is for the work she does
- 14:50 – We need a moment of reconciliation
- 19:10 – The values of the YMCA
- 22:50 – Suzanne’s outlook for the YMCA in the future and the impact they can continue to have
- 26:15 – Working with the YMCA
Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening)
Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode.
- How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?
- How does this topic connect with my current context?
- What are the implications to my practice?
- How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
- How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization?
Inside the Conversation
Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode.
- The Y on Facebook
- YMCA Twitter
- YMCA Instagram
- YMCA YouTube
- Listen to our previous podcast with Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide, Joshua B. Pedersen
Follow Us to Join the Conversation
Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.
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- Stacey DeWitt on Defining US
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Contact Us for Additional Information on:
- Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel
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https://definingus.org/take-action/
Check Out More Defining Us Programming
If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you. Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!
Defining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Paul Nussbaum. Dr. Nussbaum is board-certified in Clinical Psychology and Geropsychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. He is the Founder and President of Brain Health Center, Inc. that provides independent medical examinations, record reviews, and case management for those suffering neurological and neurobehavioral disorders. An expert in neuroanatomy and human behavior, he has published many peer reviewed articles, books, and chapters within the scientific community. Dr. Nussbaum educates the public on the basics of the human brain and how to keep the brain healthy over the entire lifespan. He has presented his views on brain health at the United Nations, National Press Club, Mensa, Sirius Radio, and CSPAN. His keynote presentations are both informative and fun and he is often interviewed by the local and national press/media.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
- 0:42 – Dr. Paul Nussbaum’s background and why he became passionate for the work he does
- 4;09 – How to position our brains to be loving, kind, and nurturing
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6:07 – The pressure for us to focus on how we perceive things
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10:03 – The Importance of Mindfulness
- 11:55 – The Reflex Metaphor
- 14:15 – Use your cell phone in a good way
- 22:59 – Developing new strategies for constructive conversations
- 24:23 – Emotional intelligence in teaching
Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening)
Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode.
- How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?
- How does this topic connect with my current context?
- What are the implications to my practice?
- How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
- How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization?
Inside the Conversation
Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode.
- Dr. Paul Nussbaum's Brain Center Lifestyle Website
- Dr. Paul Nussbaum's YouTube Channel
- Dr. Paul Nussbaum on Instagram
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Brain Health Lifestyle on Twitter
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@DrNuss
Follow us to Join the Conversation
Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.
-
Instagram
-
Defining US | Facebook
- Spotify
- Podbean
- Apple
Follow our Host
- Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
- Stacey DeWitt on Twitter
Contact Us for Additional Information on:
-
Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel
-
Network Experts and Organizations
- Professional Learning
- Multi-Media and Print Resources
https://definingus.org/take-action/
Check Out More Defining Us Programming
If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you. Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!
Defining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Scott Lee. Scott directs curriculum design at the CWK Network and is the producer/host of The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast. They discuss a variety of issues related to teachers, the struggles they face in and out of the classroom today, and how asking the right questions can be a start for change.
Powerful Moments
Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
- 1:25 - Scott’s backstory as a teacher and the inspiration behind his podcast, The Thoughtful Teacher.
- 3:41 – Importance of developing the positive relationship as a teacher.
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5:30 – Issues in teacher retention.
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7:20 – The three issues teachers are facing today: COVID, Communication Issues, Control Issues.
- 10:00 – Teachers are feeling scapegoated by issues in the world.
- 12:01 – Importance of a teacher in helping students deal with social issues impacting them.
- 13:15 – Unintended consequences of telling teachers to not talk about certain subjects.
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17:25 – What should school look like in the 21st Century?
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18:32 – We have to be asking the right questions.
- 19:00 – What are some solutions and how can everyone help?
- 21:45 – Take a lead from educators.
- 23:00 – Everyone remembers the best teacher(s) they had.
Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening)
Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode.
- How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?
-
How does this topic connect with my current context?
-
What are the implications to my practice?
- How can I support students in taking on and solving big important problems?
- How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization?
Inside the Conversation
Want to know more? Continue the learning with some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode.
- Scott Lee on Twitter
-
The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast
-
Chief Academic Officer of LA Unified School District
- Marc Brackett, Ph. D. – Yale University
- Defining Us Podcast with Tim Shriver
Follow us to Join the Conversation
Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.
- Defining US | Facebook
-
Spotify
-
Podbean
- Apple
Follow our Host
- Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us
- Stacey DeWitt on Twitter
Contact Us for Additional Information on:
- Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel
- Network Experts and Organizations
- Professional Learning
- Multi-Media and Print Resources
https://definingus.org/take-action/
Check Out More Defining Us Programming
If you are a new listener to Defining Us, we would love to hear from you. Please visit us at www.definingus.org today!
Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre is the Principal of Paige Elementary in the Schenectady City School District. Dr. Jean-Pierre has years of combined experience in urban educational settings, which includes public schools, charter schools and universities. His range of professional experiences in the field of education includes teaching, counseling and leadership development, as well as organizational consulting that fosters systemic change. Patrick served as the former Assistant District Director of Diversity, Recruitment and Retention at the Schenectady City School District and additionally has held positions as Deputy Assistant Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University at Albany and Director of New York State Technical Assistance Center on Disproportionality at Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools at New York University. Patrick taught at the Andries Hudde in Brooklyn, NY and while at Rutgers University, he served as a Senior Consultant to the NJ Department of Education and developed programs for students from vulnerable populations for the Rutgers Somerset project. This week Patrick talks to host, Stacey DeWitt, about how we can foster systemic change on a new level. With a plethora of experience and the knowledge to inspire change, Patrick breaks down the importance of looking at everything you do with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind
Alison Yoshimoto-Towery is Chief Academic Officer of Los Angeles Unified, leading instructional strategies for almost 500,000 students in one of the nation’s largest and most diverse school districts. She oversees preschool to adult education, including specialized programs for English learners, Standard English learners, Gifted learners, Academic counseling, guiding post-secondary success, advanced placement programs, linked learning and career technical education are a few of the programs within the Division of Instruction. Most important to Alison is leading from an equity lens and rethinking how “business as usual” is done to meet the needs of those students and communities traditionally underserved by public education.
Alison has served Los Angeles Unified for more than 25 years as a teacher, principal, director, and top administrator. She is a fierce advocate of high expectations for all students and believes it is up to educators to find a way to reach every child.
The great-granddaughter of Japanese American migrant farmworkers, Alison learned the values of hard work and perseverance during her childhood in Boyle Heights and Monterey Park. Through her family’s experience, she understands the importance of ensuring all students feel proud of their heritage and is dedicated to providing them with opportunities that celebrate biculturalism and bilingualism.
Since October 2020, Troy has served as a Director of Special Education for Frederick County Public Schools in Frederick, Maryland. Troy has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 15 years and began teaching special education at the age of nineteen in Austin, Texas. To continue his advocacy for individuals with disabilities, specifically individuals with autism and behavior disorders, Troy earned his Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through Texas State University. In addition to teaching in the public school system, Troy has supported Special Education initiatives in multiple school districts (both urban and suburban in TX, GA, and now MD) as a Behavior Analyst, Autism Supervisor, and Assistant Director of Special Education. These positions have allowed Troy to partner with district and school leaders to create systemic initiatives to deploy evidence-based practices in the areas of behavior, mental health, and academics. This has resulted in narrowing achievement gaps, increasing graduation rates, and addressing the disproportionate representation of marginalized groups in special education.
Joshua has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit industry for more than 25 years. He led the implementation of the 211 service throughout Utah, has served as Director of Services for the Utah Food Bank, as Vice President of United Way of Northern Utah, CEO of United Way of Frederick County, Maryland and as President & CEO of 211 Maryland. Today Joshua works as the Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide.
Joshua has served on multiple boards including the Frederick County Healthcare Coalition, Catholic Community Services, West Valley City’s Cultural Arts Foundation, Murray City Arts Council, the Utah State Commission on Volunteers, Salt Lake Community College Thayne Center for Service & Learning, and as board president for both the Utah Nonprofits Association and Maryland Nonprofits Association.
Today he is a Commissioner on the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Service & Volunteerism and is a Trustee for the Ausherman Family Foundation. Joshua has a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Weber State University.
Marybeth Gasman is the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education, a Distinguished Professor, and the Associate Dean for Research in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity & Justice and as the Executive Director of the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions. Marybeth’s areas of expertise include the history of American higher education, Minority Serving Institutions (with an emphasis on Historically Black Colleges and Universities), racism and diversity, fundraising and philanthropy, and higher education leadership. She is the author or editor of 30 books, including Educating a Diverse Nation(Harvard University Press, 2015 with Clif Conrad),Envisioning Black Colleges(Johns Hopkins University Press, 2007),Making Black Scientists(Harvard University Press, 2019 with Thai-HuyNguyen), and her forthcoming book Doing the Right Thing: How to End Systemic Racism in Faculty Hiring (Princeton University, 2022). Marybeth has written over 250 peer-reviewed articles, scholarly essays, and book chapters, has penned over 450 opinion articles for the nation’s newspapers and magazines and is ranked by Education Week as one of the most influential education scholars in the nation. Join Stacey DeWitt as she explores with Marybeth their respective roles in the work of disrupting inequities, challenges faced, and why conscious conversations on race are critical to building a better future for everyone.
Tammy Garnes is the Vice President of Education & Understanding at ARRAY, overseeing education and social impact projects including ARRAY Crew. Garnes’ previous experience includes being a communications executive in the public education sector and a film producer in the entertainment industry. A graduate of the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California, Garnes is a former producer whose credits include: Roots – Celebrating 25 Years, Dancing in September, and Biker Boyz. Join Tammy and Stacey Dewitt as they discuss media, education, and outreach. She and Stacey go deep into several projects from ARRAY as well as discuss our upcoming flagship documentary Children at the Crossroads of Change and how these resources can be used to develop change in your community.
For several years, Paul Forbes was at the forefront of providing support for students, especially students of color, in our nation’s largest school system, New York City Public Schools. He is the former Executive Director for the NYC Department of Education Office of Equity and Access and today continues his service to students and educators as the founder of Leading with Hearts and Minds, an entity dedicated to the necessary inner “work behind the work”. As a native New Yorker who still lives in Brooklyn, Paul has dedicated his professional life to serving students and families from historically underrepresented neighborhood communities. With nearly three decades of experience as an educator, he understands how schools are a key place where a lasting and positive difference can be made in a young person’s life. Listen in as Paul has a follow-up conversation with Stacey DeWitt on the initial concept of Defining US and the evolution of their work together as they engaged in Critically Conscious Conversations. A model for us all!
Born and raised by his mother and grandmother in the Florence-Graham neighborhood of Los Angeles, Darion Allen is a young Black man with a strong sense of self and unwavering respect for all cultures. From a young age he developed a “by any means necessary” mentality that helped him overcome the perils of his environment that continues to motivate him as a filmmaker.
Currently Darion is in his fourth year of undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he is pursuing a B.S. in Personal Finance, B.S. in Communication Arts, Certificate in Digital Studies, and Certificate in Digital Cinema Production. In addition to his academics, he serves as the Talk Director and host of a radio talk show with WSUM 91.7 FM Madison Student Radio.
With a goal to become a prominent figure in contemporary Hollywood cinema, he is dedicated to writing and directing films that encapsulate the essence of the Black experience and contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop a holistic image of Blackness in film. In addition, he plans on serving Black and Brown communities by designing film curriculum to instill the fundamentals of filmmaking in the next generation of visionaries. By focusing on creating authentic depictions of Black culture, he hopes to bring people closer to understanding what it truly means to be Black in this world.
Molly Henricks is the Coordinator of School Safety and Risk Prevention at the San Mateo County Office of Education. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 17 years of experience working with youth, has been a Case Manager for youth with issues surrounding substance use and the foster care system, and was a high school crisis counselor. Molly has managed countywide homeless youth programs, crisis services and an early psychosis program. In her current role, she provides professional development and support to educators on topics of trauma, mental health, crisis response, student violence and school safety. Join Stacey DeWitt as she and Molly take a deep dive into the trauma and stress that is prevalent in so many of our students today. With years of experience and a personal obligation to get the work done, Molly knows that we must address issues holistically, including supports for the whole family, if we want to achieve lasting positive change.
Defining Us is centered around change for the good and we welcome the voices of Cindy Simpson and Chris Purdy, both of whom work diligently for positive change. Cindy has more than 35-years of experience working in social welfare, youth homelessness, and mental health systems. She is a published author with articles on subjects such as adolescent substance abuse and behavior management and has helped develop guidelines that enable LBGTQ youth to feel valued and accepted. Currently, Cindy serves as the Deputy Director for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services.
Chris, who has worked as a teacher and district-level student support professional, is the Director of Veterans for American Ideals and Outreach at Human Rights First. He is a member of the Truman National Security Project and serves on the Welcome Council for Welcome.US.
Through their varied experiences, Chris and Cindy can provide a unique perspective into issues that affect youth and families today, including immigration, the needs for our refugee population, and the escalated mental health challenges that affect so many in our world today.
Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz is an award-winning associate professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Developing her passion for education at an early age in the South Bronx, Dr. Sealy-Ruiz’s current research focuses on racial literacy in teacher education, Black girl literacies, and Black and Latinx male high school students. Dr. Sealy-Ruiz is now one of the most sought after voices in professional development focused on race and culturally responsive education. We invite you to join the conversation as she and Stacey DeWitt hold little back when discussing the current debates that are playing out in our schools and communities. Can we learn from past mistakes on behalf of current and future generations of students? As Dr. Sealey-Ruiz says, “It goes beyond our own children, it’s the children that come after us.”
For several years, Paul Forbes was at the forefront of providing support for students, especially students of color, in our nation’s largest school system, New York City Public Schools. He is the former Executive Director for the NYC Department of Education Office of Equity and Access and today continues his service to students and educators as the founder of Leading with Hearts and Minds, an entity dedicated to the necessary inner “work behind the work”. As a native New Yorker who still lives in Brooklyn, Paul has dedicated his professional life to serving students and families from historically underrepresented neighborhood communities. With nearly three decades of experience as an educator, he understands how schools are a key place where a lasting and positive difference can be made in a young person’s life. Listen in as Paul discusses his journey and how he sees the state of education today. We invite you to listen and learn more about The Narratives of Us. You won’t want to miss it!
We are thrilled to be joined by Terra Tadlock-Smith, creator and host of the podcast Normal with Autism. Terra works with children, adolescents and adults presenting with a range of emotional and behavioral problems. Terra’s areas of counseling and treatment include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, relational issues, communication, and ADHD. Terra is also a special needs mom and understands the unique challenges faced by special needs families. Terra gives a very personal, in-depth look into children with autism and how we, as a society, can be the driving force behind the necessary change our world must undergo to ensure everyone is accepted and understood. WIth over 15 years of professional experience and a lifetime of personal experience, Terra knows what needs to be done and how we can create a better world for everyone.
Tim Shriver is a social leader, educator, activist, film producer, and business entrepreneur. He earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University, a master’s degree from Catholic University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Connecticut. As chairman of the Special Olympics, he serves more than four million athletes in over 180 countries and is focused on inclusion and acceptance around the world. He also co-founded and currently chairs the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the leading research organization in the United States in the field of social and emotional learning.
In the first episode of the Defining Us Podcast series, George Patterson, Senior Director of My Brother’s Keeper in the New York City Department of Education, discusses race, equity, and justice in America. George Patterson takes a deep, honest dive into what it means to be a young person of color today. While discussing the pain these young people feel and the trauma that they come to school with everyday, Mr. Patterson also outlines how initiatives, such as My Brother’s Keeper, are working successfully to make sure every young person of color has the tools and opportunities to make a difference in this world. With a deep understanding of the education system and a personal connection to the stories of these young people, George Patterson knows what it will take to create true equity in America and what we can do to help make it possible.