Our Classroom

  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...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena Germán explore the pressing issues of conformity and resistance in education. They shared powerful insights on how discriminatory policies in schools, particularly around hair and appearance, reflect deeper systemic racism. With personal anecdotes and fiery passion, they advocate for inclusive policy-making, transparency, and collective action t...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into Jasminne Mendez 's celebrated novel " Aniana Del Mar Jumps In , " which has received the prestigious 2024 Pura Belpre Honor Award. Together, we'll navigate the powerful currents of her narrative, where poetry meets prose to explore the pressing themes of chronic illness, cultural identity, and the transformative symbolism of water. Jasminne, with her personal...

In this episode, we tackle the essentials of in-kind donations for schools, the pivotal role of organized parent groups, and the innovative strategies needed to uplift Title 1 schools and their parent-teacher organizations.     We'll explore the pressures that small nonprofits, especially those led by people of color, endure in securing funding and the quest for equity in nonprofit fundi...

In this episode, Anna J. Small Roseboro shares her fascinating work, " Experience, Poems and Pictures: Poetry that Paints, Pictures that Speak ," that has captured international acclaim for its innovative blend of poetry, artwork, and insightful prompts. This book is not just a collection; it's a powerful tool for classroom engagement, inviting students to explore, reflect, and create. We'll uncov...

In today's episode, host Roberto Germán sits down with guest Robert Liu-Trujillo , author and illustrator of the captivating picture book " Fresh Juice ." They delve into the inspiration behind the book, the importance of diversity in children's literature, and the significance of familial relationships. The conversation also touches on the representation of fathers of color in children's books an...

In this episode of Our Classroom, we have the privilege of welcoming the award-winning author Natalia Sylvester , whose poignant novel "Breathe and Count Back from Ten" gives voice to Veronica, a young girl with hip dysplasia whose dream is to swim freely as a mermaid in Mermaid Cove. In an episode we’ve aptly titled “Navigating Disability and Dreams,” we'll explore the powerful themes of independ...

In this episode, our host Roberto is joined by David Spellmon Jr. , a behavior specialist who is making an impact in Charlotte, North Carolina by incorporating Hip Hop Pedagogy to promote social and emotional learning. David is the author of " Just Like Music: Social Emotional Learning Inspired by Hip Hop ," and in this conversation, he shares the importance of affirmations, the integration of Hip...

In this episode of Our Classroom, host Roberto Germán engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Patriann Smith , an esteemed scholar and educator specializing in language, literacy, and exceptional education. The focus of their discussion is Dr. Smith's groundbreaking book, " Black Immigrant Literacies: Intersections of Race, Language, and Culture in the Classroom ." Throughout the epis...

In this episode, titled "Conquering Test Anxiety," we have two extraordinary guests joining us. First up is Dr. Wallace Panlilio II , an educational psychologist, headmaster of 14 years, and chief mentor officer who has witnessed firsthand the benefits of moving away from traditional testing methods in favor of project-based assessments. Alongside him is cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Artyom Zinchen...

In this episode titled " Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations ", we tackle the discomfort that might arise when engaging with people of different languages, and Nawal emphasizes the critical need to dispel biases that might hinder the open channels of communication between families and educators. Together, we'll explore strategies to bridge the divisive gap between a child's home and the classroom...

In this thought-provoking conversation, we are joined by the remarkable Shawna Coppola , the author of " Literacy for All: A Framework for Anti-Oppressive Teaching ". Shawna is a seasoned expert in the field of child and adolescent literacy, ready to challenge our conventional understanding of literacy practices. Shawna will take us on a journey beyond the confining norms of the current literacy d...