reeducated

I finally mustered up the courage to do one of these all by myself. Here are some of my biggest educational findings and lessons from my time in Puerto Rico. I had such a lovely time on the island, and I am so thankful to the people I met there. I hope you enjoy this conversation! Let me know what you think.

In this episode, Julia Keleher, the former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, returns to the podcast to continue the discussion of her journey through education reform in Puerto Rico. She candidly shares her experiences in Puerto Rico, detailing the challenges of closing 450 schools, implementing controversial reforms, and navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. She then op...

In the first part of this two-series conversation, Julia Keleher, former Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, shares her transformative journey through the educational and criminal justice systems. Julia recounts her experiences with the Puerto Rican education system, including the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the controversial school closures. She opens up about her legal tro...

In this episode, Dr. Larissa Parrilla , a former computer technology teacher turned Montessori educator, delves into the transformative potential of educational technology in enhancing the learning process. We explore how tools like ChatGPT can be used to personalize vocabulary acquisition, particularly for English as a second language learners. Larissa shares her innovative approach of using tech...

Join us today in a conversation with Dr. Ricardo Nazario where we explore identity, belonging, and the complex political landscape of Puerto Rico in this episode. Dr. Nazario shares his personal journey from rural Puerto Rico to the South Bronx, reflecting on the cultural contrasts and the strong sense of community that shaped his identity. We delve into Puerto Rico's unique political status,...

In today’s episode Angel Laureano and I explore the complexities of identity, politics, and resilience. From naming conventions to family structures, we explore the cultural tapestry that shapes Puerto Rican identities, offering insights into the island's rich heritage. We cover Hurricane Maria's devastating impact as Angel shares firsthand experiences of survival and the challenges faced...

In today’s special episode to close out season 3, my best friend Mylon Kemp shares his experiences with his mixed-race identity, exploring the intricacies of belonging to multiple cultural communities. Mylon bridges his psychology, philosophy, and unique childhood experiences to speak on the nuances of race. He explains the psychological needs hierarchy, emphasizing the vital role of belonging in...

In today’s episode, I spoke with Dr. Ron Sundstrom, a professor of philosophy at the University of San Francisco. We begin by discussing the importance of avoiding assumptions about others and the role of humility in fostering understanding and respect. Dr. Sundstrom highlights the concept of 'racial ignorance' and its detrimental effects on social interactions, emphasizing the need for cr...

In today’s conversation, Dr. Darin Gray delves into the world of STEM education and design, exploring its intersection with society, equity, and core American values. Our guest unpacks the importance of representation and access in STEM fields, particularly for black students, and examines strategies for breaking down barriers and promoting diverse talent pipelines. We discuss the role of communit...

In today’s conversation Dr. Ricardo Nazario Colón , the Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at SUNY, and I dissect the importance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational pillars of education. Drawing on his wealth of experiences and insights, Dr. Nazario offers practical strategies for creating inclusive spaces, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue, an...

In today’s conversation Dr. David Kirkland shares his personal journey as a scholar and advocate for equity, highlighting the transformative potential of culturally responsive teaching and genuine inclusion. We explore the intersections of race, migration, and poverty in the education system, as we discuss the disparities faced by students from diverse backgrounds. From addressing racial inequalit...

In today’s conversation, Dr. Lisa Guenther and I explore the intersection of race, education, and the US prison system, delving into its embedded exploitation of labor, and the transformative potential of restorative justice and critical pedagogy. Dr. Guenther shares her firsthand experiences within the prison education system, from her involvement in inside-out programs to her critiques of carcer...

Hi! In today’s episode, I spoke with Dr. Naomi Zack, a Professor of Philosophy at Lehman College, CUNY. We unpack the complex history and implications of affirmative action policies in higher education, against the backdrop of recent seismic shifts in the US legal landscape. We begin with its inception as a mechanism for inclusivity to its recent dismantlement by the US Supreme Court, prompting a...

In today’s conversation, Dr. Lewis Gordon returns to the podcast to discuss race, poverty, and history. Today we explore the distinction between racialism and racism, reflect on the cyclical nature of poverty and race in certain neighborhoods, and the challenges of discussing these topics without perpetuating stereotypes. We talk about the human tendency to seek comfort in similarities, and the si...

In today’s episode, Dr. George Yancy returns to continue our conversation on race. Today we explore Dr. Yancy’s journey to becoming a philosopher, diving into his research and his childhood experiences. We reflect on the complex interplay between division and unity, questioning whether erasing one line of division may simply result in another. We then delve into philosophical inquiries on recogniz...

In today’s conversation, Rowan Baptiste and Keith Thomson share their experiences working with supporting at-risk youth. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Rowan and Keith shed light on the multifaceted nature of this challenge, emphasizing the need for genuine understanding and engagement. We explore strategies for motivating and empowering young people, as well as the r...

In today’s conversation, Dr. George Yancy and I navigate the intersections of race, safety, and education, grappling with systemic structures and dominant cultural narratives. We attempt to challenge conventional frameworks and deconstruct hierarchies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting differences without reinforcing power imbalances. We explore Dr. Yancy’s personal experien...

In today’s conversation Dr. Gordan Lewis and I delve into the intricate concept of race. From its historical and mythological origins in medieval Spain and Portugal to its impact on societies today globally, we explore the evolution of the term 'race.' Unpacking its violent constructs, we discuss how race goes beyond physical attributes, influencing socio-economic status and cultural backg...

In today’s episode, Jordan Davis reflects on his journey to establish JD Speaks, a platform dedicated to reshaping education and technology for black and Latinx students. This conversation starts with covers Jordan's experiences teaching where he discusses his joy of exposing students to new career paths, and the shift towards critical pedagogy to enhance his educational approach. We then delv...

In this episode we dive into the world of innovative language learning approaches and explore a language acquisition program inspired by children's experiences in Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia. In this discussion, the team explores the significance of discovery learning and nonverbal cues in language acquisition, the benefits of being multilingual, and strategies for teaching English in no...

In today’s conversation, Sangeeta Isvaran shares her personal journey from a dancer to a beacon of social change. In this episode, she opens up about using art as a tool for social transformation, highlighting its therapeutic and educational potential, especially for marginalized communities. We explore the philosophy and purpose of art, delving into concepts like 'rasa' and 'manodharm...

In today’s episode, Karthi Easwaramoorthy shares his experiences in the US leading to the inception of Ticketgo.com in India, commenting on his motivations and challenges that shaped his entrepreneurial path. The discussion explores the beauty and unique aspects of Sivagiri, a village in Tamil Nadu, delving into the landscapes, schools, and connectivity that make it a distinct haven. The conversat...

In this episode, Varsha delves into One All, an organization dedicated to imparting life skills to children in India through the unconventional medium of Ultimate Frisbee. Against the backdrop of the vibrant landscapes of Gulur, Tamil Nadu, Varsha shares the organization's origins and its profound impact on diverse communities. The episode unravels the intricacies of Ultimate Frisbee, highligh...

In today’s episode Fabia Postel, an Airbnb host and travel guide from Mumbai, shares her unique journey, travelling the world by hosting international travelers for over a decade. Fabia discusses the power of authentic hospitality, distinguishing it from performative gestures and the genuine connections formed through sharing stories and experiences. We also explores the concept of sharing, love,...

In this episode, Suganya shares her first-hand experiences, shedding light on the distinctive challenges faced by Adivasi communities and the profound impact of education as a catalyst for transformation. The conversation transcends traditional education discussions, venturing into the realm of architecture in education. Suganya delves into the innovative design of a school, echoing the open and f...