Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

“We realize that we are the answer. We not gonna be saved, we gotta save ourselves. And that’s what we’re doing.” Alonzo Nelson, Athlete / Educator / YouTuber / Yoga Instructor Youtube: Alonzo Nelson, Jr. Twitter: @MrAlgebraNelson https://www.thecollectivestl.org/ www.mrdothemath.com On today’s episode, we are joined by Math Teacher Mr. Alonzo Nelson. He speaks on the impact and influence he has a...

“If I can’t go to an instrument and play your song, how is it music?” Mr. Phil O'Neal, Performer, Choir Director YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtyJoIj9NlQHXH2BfoAR2A “In 2020, how are you not going to put yourself out there?” Let’s give it up one time for the performers! On today’s episode, we are joined by Choir Director/  Educator Mr. Phil O’Neal. With a background in gospel, R...

Angela Hayde, Retired English Language Arts Teacher & Guidance Counselor; Current Adult Education Teacher “It’s getting better.” #Shoutout to the retired educators!! Thank you for your service! Join us on today’s episode as we speak with Ms. Angela Hayde, who has dedicated over 40 years (and counting!) as an educator. Ms. Hayde speaks about her experiences as an educator in Barbados and the Un...

Tiffany Bostic, MSW “We got each other. We saw each other.” #Shoutout to the mental health professionals!  On today’s episode, we are joined by HBCU graduate and career changer Tiffany Bostic. Tiffany speaks on her evolution into the mental health professional / Social Worker that she is today, and how her cultural competency and identity has been shaped throughout her career. Let’s talk abou...

The Pruitt Family Nayesha Pruitt, School Counselor Terrence Pruitt, Founding Principal Consultant of Project Restore Initiative “This system of Black education…  the hope lies in the fact that… maybe we will unwed ourselves from the way things were, and fight for a type of education that first affirms my identity.” - Terrence Pruitt “I know who my child is… why aren’t yall supporting her, the...

The Adderley Group Ky Adderley, @kyconnex Teacher, Founding Principal, Education Consultant, Athlete www.kyadderley.com “The awesome responsibility of getting this right…” Tune in as Ky Adderley walks us through his educational experiences, and shares his perspectives on role models, change makers, and problem solvers in the community. Part 1: The Journey “It’s in the blood, it’s in the DNA” Refle...

“Being younger, having representation… I didn’t know where I would fit. Being an image to someone, that is relatable… that’s kind of a big thing for me” - Tiffany “Being an educator… your job is to make an impact” - Michael Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Physical Education Teacher / Athletic Director) & Tiffany Norwood (First Grade Teacher Assistant) Advocacy, Relatability and Representation It truly d...

Chill & Chat Kristen Strickland U.S. History Teacher, Middle School “Do what’s right… not what’s popular.” New Teacher Mentor, Cheerleading Coach and History Teacher Kristen  Strickland walks us through her educational journey, and how a volunteer opportunity confirmed her calling into the classroom. As an educator, Ms. Strickland advocates for families, coaches new teachers, and creates...

"I always want to be an advocate for families, an advocate for people." Cheryl-Lyn Bentley Attorney, Educator, Podcast Hostess Break Concrete www.breakconcrete.com breakconcrete@gmail.com Today, we are joined by Cheryl-Lyn Bentley, an attorney in the field of civil rights/education. After moving to New York from Barbados, Cheryl-Lyn reflects on the differences in discipline, tracking programs (and...

Nicole Johnson @NicoleJChi Educator, Former 20th Ward Candidate “I walk around my community, and I take pictures… I ask myself… what can grow here?” On today’s episode, Nicole Johnson is teaching a lesson in vigilant leadership and bold possibilities. As a leader, how do you impact your community? What could communities accomplish if we dreamed bigger? Reflecting on the lessons learned as she work...

“You cannot teach a child without teaching them self love first.” KeAnne C, Williams 1st Year Teacher, 4th Grade (math & social studies), Teach for America Gathering Information Related to Ladies (G.I.R.L), President 4th grade teacher KeAnne Williams has been preparing to lead a classroom of students since childhood. 2019-2020 was her first year as an educator. Nobody could have imagined how 2...

“Stand taller… look up! Stand taller…” Special Education Teacher, Case Manager, Nail Technician Maricha Matthews Let’s break down the stigmas around special education. #Shoutout to the mentors of the world! On today’s episode, Marisha Matthews speaks about the power of self care and having a quality support system, while reflecting on the challenges that exist within the special education classroo...

"I came up with the style to teach emotional learning... if we don't get that down, we can't even get to the academic part." - Antoinette An Author Brasfield, 4th Grade Teacher, Author www.antoinettebrasfield.com antoinettebookscan@gmail.com Teaching is emotional. Let's learn about R.E.D. - Releasing Emotional Drama. After 20 years in the classroom, Dr. Danielle Antoinette Brasfield joins the podc...

"My Principal is Black!" Dr. Ayanna Gore, Executive Director/Principal, Science Teacher Fitness Instructor, Hit The Floor Studies highlight how having Black educators is a benefit for ALL students. On today's episode, we are joined by my high school classmate, former colleague Dr. Ayanna Gore, Executive Director/Principal, Science Teacher, Rapper, Dancer, Fitness Leader (she's so much more than a...

"We have to do better." Erica Burrell, Author, Educational Consultant and Entrepreneur www.burrellacademy.com IG: @EricaMBurrell Youtube/EricaBurrell Books available on www. PublishedPower.com Childhood experiences, global exposure and nontraditional classrooms provided the framework for the creation of Burrell Academy. On today's episode, Reading Specialist and Special Education Teacher Erica Bur...

"Start somewhere!" Ms. Brya Potter, School Counselor How can schools become more inclusive and reflective spaces? Let's take a trip to the Counselor's Office! Today, we are joined by Ms. Brya Potter, former substitute teacher, current School Counselor, and future administrator. During our conversation, we unpack the blessing and heaviness of sitting in the Counselor's seat. Ms. Potter speaks about...

We can agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, working together is going to get us where we need to be. - Dr. Natalie Williams-McMahon, Can and Will Help Foundation www.canwillhelpfoundation.org Have you ever had a bad boss or biased colleagues? This week, we are joined by Dr. Natalie Williams-McMahon (4th and 5th grade, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science Teacher, ESL / GED Adult E...

Black Educators Matter, because Black Children matter. - Ms. Priscilla Dixon (Caretaker, Educator, Mother, Lawyer) 12th Grade History Teacher It's in her history. Ms. Priscilla Dixon walks us through her educational experiences, and how the evolution of her career prepared her for the classroom. Understanding the history of education in the United States of America is complex, and Priscilla breaks...

"Even if I can't reach every kid... my hope is to reach one." Ms. Darnesha Miller Adjunct Professor, Restorative Justice, Criminology, Law and Society; Substitute Teacher (K-12) "For me, with college... I really don't even know if it's the great equalizer like they told us it was." Is there a future doctor in the house! On today's episode, I am joined by my high school friend (and extremely talent...

"These children count, and they matter. Every single one of them." - Takisha Lindsey, Mom, Substitute Teacher, Paraprofessional #Shoutout to the Paraprofessionals! Special Shoutout to the ParentProfessionals (I made that up!)! What does it mean to hire "quality teachers"? On today's episode, Ms. Takisha Lindsey discusses her personal pathway into education. Shaped by her childhood experiences in C...

"College... it's not the only option... we have to give students all of the options." Danielle Sims Brooks Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Jefferson Community & Technical College "We have to take our career paths in our own hands... ." Dr. Darius Brooks Executive Director, Kentuckiana Works It's a Family Affair! This week, we are joined by Dr. Darius and Mrs. Danielle Brooks, and...

"This is my story... this is my song." - Gerald Chaney, High School ELA, Drama, History Teacher Educator / Musician Mr. Chaney ( regyen@ameritech.net ) shares his story, and how a visit to Chicago changed his life. Through relationships with amazing managers, supportive organizations and golden opportunities, Mr. Chaney is a fixture at Chicago sporting events, singing for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago...

"What are my passions? What would I do for free?" - Cordney McClain, Poet, Financial Educator From corporate America to the classroom, Cordney McClain (Founder, www.macwoodsink.com , IG: @mac_since1985) walks us through his dynamic career. Through his experiences in banking, the oil field, car sales, the military, he was able to realize his passion, and used it to find his happy place in education...

"She helped me to see outside of my world... she said there's a whole other world out there... and you gotta see it."  - Ms. Prater, Special Education Lead Teacher, NSPDK member It's a Sweet 16 reflection! On today's episode, Nicole Prater joins us to reminisce on her 16 year journey as an educator. We discuss how Special Education has evolved over the years, why so many Black boys are recomm...

"What can I do for the rest of my life that's going to bring me happiness, make me money, and keep me sane?" - Jayinex, Be Creative While Building Community, www.jayinex.com "The best way to combat the system... is to build your own system." Heavily influenced by the University of H.I.P. H.O.P. through his English teacher, Mr. Corey Jenkins reflects on his journey as an educator. We discuss being...