Books over Bars

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. (stude...

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...

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:...

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 Break...

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 a juvenile 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...