Defining US: Voices of Change

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 a...

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...

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 ser...

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...

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 Pre...

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....

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 the...

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre. Patrick 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, couns...

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Alison Yoshimoto-Towery. Alison is the Chief Academic Officer for the Los Angeles Unified School District and one of the experts from the Defining US film. They discuss a variety of issues related to equity and how the pandemic is changing schools.   Powerful Moments  Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insi...

In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Troy Keller, a Director of Special Education for Maryland’s Frederick County Public Schools.  In the conversation, Stacey and Troy discuss the changed landscape of public education, the educator’s role in supporting students more holistically, and why our students with disabilities – and all students - need us to go all in on their behalf. ...

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 is joined by Josh, the Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide. Listen in as Josh shines light on the ways in which we can all come together to build trust, provide dignity for ourselves and...

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 is joined by Marybeth Gasman, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education, a Distinguished Professor, and the Associate Dean for Research in the Graduate School of Education at Rutge...

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 is joined by Tammy Thomas Garnes, Vice President of Education & Understanding at ARRAY, to discuss the role of media, the art of storytelling, and the impact on education and outreach. Sh...

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 is joined again by Paul Forbes, Defining US Advisory Board and Leaders Network to discuss the beginnings of Defining US and their journey to common understanding, respect, and friendship thro...

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 Darion Allen. Darion’s story is highlighted in our Flagship Documentary, Children at the Crossroads of Change. Listen in as they discuss Darion’s college experiences and his contin...

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 is joined by Molly Henricks, the Coordinator of School Safety and Risk Prevention at the San Mateo County Office of Education. As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 17 years o...

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 is joined by Cindy Simpson and Chris Purdy. Based on decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, Cindy and Chris offer unique insights on the immigration and refugee issues, trauma and its imp...

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. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, award-winning associate professor at Teachers College, Columbia University.   We invite you to join the conversation as she and Stacey DeWitt hold little b...

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 Paul Forbes. Stacey and Paul take a deep dive into problems and solutions regarding the daily work of promoting equity in schools. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there ar...

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 Terra Tadlock-Smith, the host of the Normal with Autism podcast. Their discussion includes not just Terra’s story about raising a child with autism, but also explores the ways that...

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 Tim Shriver. While many people know of Tim Shriver’s activism and philanthropic work, Tim also is a former teacher and has been instrumental in promoting quality educational opport...

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 George Patterson, the Senior Director for My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Grant Funded Programs in New York City Schools. George and Stacey discuss how the people who work within program...