Our Classroom

Today, we are honored to have Dr. Amira Rose Davis as our special guest. Dr. Davis, an assistant professor specializing in 20th-century American history with a focus on race, gender, sports, and politics, will be joining us to delve into the intricate histories of Black athletes, especially Black women in sports. In this episode, Dr. Davis sheds light on the dualities Black athletes face, the role...

In this episode, we'll explore the foundational principles of NVC, including the profound understanding that all behaviors are attempts to meet needs. Mike Tinoco shares powerful real-life examples from his teaching career and personal journey, shedding light on how recognizing and addressing unmet needs can reshape interactions and build stronger, more empathetic communities. We'll also discuss t...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Chris Lehman, the visionary Founding Director of the Educator Collaborative, joins to explore the critical importance of partnership in educational leadership, balancing autonomy and rigidity, and the power of co-creation tailored to the needs of schools and districts. Chris sheds light on the significant work the Educator Collaborative is doing to offer accessibl...

In this episode of Our Classroom, we're thrilled to present an eye-opening conversation with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah , a former 7th and 8th grade math teacher from Boston Public Schools and now a passionate education advocate. This episode dives deep into Kwame's journey from classroom challenges to global experiences in Sierra Leone. Kwame shares his frustrations and realizations about the varyin...

In today's episode, Roberto reconnects with Tony DelaRosa , a multifaceted educator, poet, and PhD student at UW Madison. It's been nearly three years since their collaborative poetry session, and now they dive deep into the complex impacts of affirmative action bans on education and racial dynamics. Tony, the author of " Teaching the Invisible Race ," shares insights from his extensive research o...

In today's episode, we're thrilled to dive into the inspiring world of language education with our special guest, Gretchen Melo. Gretchen is the visionary founder of El Puente Bilingüe , a Spanish language curriculum infused with Montessori principles. Roberto and Gretchen explore the development and impact of this innovative curriculum, which not only fills gaps in traditional Spanish teaching bu...

Today we're celebrating the vibrancy of Dominican culture and the power of family through literature. Joining us is the inspiring author and poet, Lissette Norman , known for her evocative books like "Plátanos Go With Everything" and "My Feet Are Laughing." In this episode, Lissette shares her unique writing styles and the journey behind her works, emphasizing the impact of Afro-Latino representat...

Today we’re delving into a transformative approach to grading and assessment in education with our special guest, Sarah M. Zerwin . Sarah is a high school English teacher at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, with three decades of experience, and the author of the eye-opening book "Pointless, an English Teacher's Guide to More Meaningful Grading." In this episode, we explore radical yet pr...

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. JPB Gerald, an inspiring adult educator and theorist, join us to discuss his groundbreaking work and upcoming book, " Embracing the Exceptions: Supporting Neurodivergent Students of Color in Education ." 🎓 Join us as we delve into Dr. Gerald's personal journey with ADHD, his commitment to justice for racially, linguistically,...

Welcome to Our Classroom! Stay tuned as we delve into the transformative power of illustration with the incredibly talented Bea Jackson , New York Times best-selling illustrator. In this episode, we explore the captivating world of Bea's vibrant illustrations, which bring to life the enchanting book "Summer is Here" by Renee Watson.   Join us as we: Discover practical ways to capture childhoo...

Today, we are going to listen to a reflection by Lorena Germán as she dives deep into the intersection of education and the current political climate. With the upcoming school year coinciding with another intense election cycle, Lorena calls on educators and caregivers alike to prepare for the emotional and social challenges that lie ahead. Drawing from her rich experience, she outlines a three-st...

  Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, we are honored to host Dr. Sonia Cherry-Paul, a trailblazer in the field of anti-racist education. Dr. Cherry-Paul, founder of Red Clay Educators and co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity and Literacy, brings over 20 years of classroom experience and a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Join us as we delve into practical ways to transf...

In this episode, Dr. Roger A. Gerard  sheds light on the concept of "commodification," where educators are treated as replaceable units constrained by standardization and systemization. We discuss how this approach strips teachers of their joy, creativity, and sense of purpose, leading to significant burnout and high turnover rates. You'll hear poignant anecdotes from both educators and healt...

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges educators face, the signs of mental health issues, and practical self-care strategies. We'll discuss mindfulness, setting boundaries, seeking professional help, and leveraging community resources, all aimed at maintaining a positive, effective teaching environment. Let's prioritize our mental well-being to better inspire and educate our students. W...

In this episode, Roberto Germán welcomes award-winning author Ismée Williams and Brazilian-born illustrator Tatiana Gardel to discuss their collaborative work " Abuelo, The Sea, and Me " published by Roaring Book Press. Through heartfelt storytelling and captivating illustrations, Ismée and Tatiana explore themes of immigration, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate with personal experiences and...

Today we're honored to have Traci Huahn join us. Traci, a former attorney and daughter of Chinese immigrants, has recently transitioned into the world of children's literature with her debut picture book, Mamie Tape Fights to go to School. This captivating story, based on true events, delves into the fight against racial discrimination and school segregation, rooted deeply in Asian American cultur...

This is the third and final installment of our series on Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the significance of humanizing approaches to bilingual education and how these methods help cultivate a respectful and dignified learning environment for students and their families. We also explore the crucial role of community and family engagement in supporting studen...

Today, we delve deeper into the experiences and challenges faced by multilingual speakers in the U.S. , specifically focusing on students of color. Returning guest, Lorena Germán, joins host Roberto to explore the systemic undervaluing of these students within our current education system. They examine a range of dynamic strategies that schools and districts can apply to better support, celebrate,...

In this episode of Our Classroom we're diving into a critical conversation about multilingual speakers in the U.S. education system. Lorena is back as a guest. We explore the complex landscape of bilingual education, the civil rights associated with language learning, and the contentious issue of standardized testing. Together, we will unpack our personal struggles with standardized tests, despite...

In this episode, titled "Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy," Lorena Germán is back to unpack the rich and necessary concept of CSP, as formulated by Dr. Django Paris and Dr. Samy Alim . We'll explore what it means to move beyond culturally relevant teaching to a model that not only acknowledges but also actively supports the cultural and linguistic diversity of students. Together, we will d...

In today's episode, we grapple with the intricate subject of Teaching Socio-Political Context in education. Lorena helps unravel the significance of incorporating the socio-political backdrop into learning and how it enriches the understanding of texts and concepts within the classroom. We'll explore why it's essential to go beyond the author's bio and publication dates to truly comprehend a book'...

Today’s episode ventures into a highly sensitive and challenging discussion. Roberto and Lorena Germán tackle the complex and controversial topic surrounding the N-word, particularly within an educational framework. The conversation orbits around the indispensable role teachers play in addressing this term when it surfaces in literature, such as in the classic "The Adventures of Hucklebe...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena delve into the concept of the White gaze and its impact.  Lorena provides a comprehensive discussion on Toni Morrison's concept of the White gaze, which essentially sets a standard that assumes the audience is White, marginalizing lives that don't align with this perspective. The conversation touches upon how this impacts literatu...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena Germán discuss the workshop "T elling the Whole Story: Best Practices Using Data ," which aims to challenge the way data is used in schools. Lorena explains the problematic nature of standardized testing and its impact on teachers' evaluations and students' graduation. The conversation delves into the need to humanize data and provides practical...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto explores the hot topic of banning cell phones in schools. Drawing from his experience as a former school principal, he presents both sides of the argument and delves into the reasons behind the recent decision in Indiana to prohibit communication devices in classrooms. Germán touches on the potential impact of excessive screen time on student engagement, b...