Our Classroom

In this episode of Our Classroom Jan “J.E.” Thomas  joins me to discuss her forthcoming book Control Freaks. Classroom Notes   The concept and characters of Control Freaks   Family dynamics storyline     What constitutes the ideal school? Jan "J.E." Thomas is the author of CONTROL FREAKS, a debut middle grade novel that will be published by Levine Querido on June 13. CONTR...

In this episode of Our Classroom we go From Tupac to QPOC w/ Annie Tornabene as she offers some practical strategies to grapple with shifting racial categories as a “Questioning Person of Color”.   Different voice, different content, same energy. Classroom Notes   Imposter syndrome     Impact of the U.S. Census on shifting racial categories   3 practical strategies to grap...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Tiffany Jewell returns to discuss magnet schools, a topic she addresses in her upcoming book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in Schools. Classroom Notes   Experience w/ magnet schools in Syracuse   Are magnet schools serving their original purpose?   Are school boards serving their purpose for the community?   Songs currently on our...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Tiffany Jewell joins to discuss her upcoming book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in Schools. In part 1 of this conversation, Tiffany provides an update on the book and then shares some of her experiences with racism when she was in grade school. Classroom Notes Update on her new book Schooling journey   Pulling others in (co-authoring)...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Abby Ramos Stanutz joins to discuss Literary Device Mixtapes. Classroom Notes 1. Defining literary device mixtapes 2. The things about this lesson that excite students 3. Ways to teach this lesson even amidst censorship in certain states Welcome to Our Classroom! Abby Ramos Stanutz is a middle school Language Arts teacher with 16 years of experience in Title 1 sch...

In this episode of Our Classroom, David Low joins to discuss Transgressive Humor in Classrooms.   Classroom Notes 1. Transgressive humor as a critical literacy practice    2. Examples of how teachers can support students in using humor as ways to address critical topics   3. Comedians that use humor well to address critical topics   Welcome to Our Classroom!   Da...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Sergio C. Muñoz joins me to Latina/o Prosperity. In addition, he shares his educational journey including the challenges he experienced growing up in Southern California in the 80s, particularly as it relates to lack of Mexican representation in literature. Classroom Notes 1. The changing face of America and Latina/o prosperity 2. To be financially free...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Annie Phan joins me to discuss dyslexia and other learning differences. Classroom Notes 1. Experience serving students w/ dyslexia and other learning differences 2. Strategies & support for students w/ dyslexia 3. Keys factors that can be implemented to better serves students Welcome to Our Classroom! Annie Phan (she/they) is a writer, facilitator, and educato...

STEM in not my strength. As a result, I periodically reach out to those in my network that know more than me. Liz Kleinrock popped in to discuss ABAR in STEM.   Classroom Notes: 3 resources for new math teachers Excerpts from her book Start Here, Start Now (including Bob Moses’s quotes) Shifting the lens through which we teach Science and Math Issues that are using science to fuel discriminat...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Lauren Vargas and Rashaida Melvin , introduce the framework of Liberatory Coaching. Classroom Notes 1. Definition of Liberatory Coaching 2. 6 Liberatory Practices 3. Coaching for Relationships, Not Compliance Welcome to Our Classroom! Lauren Vargas is an educator whose work focuses on coaching, leadership, and systems that promote the liberation and thriving of al...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Cait O’Connor , a middle school language arts teacher and mental/disability health advocate, breaks down body literacy. Classroom Notes 1. Defining body literacy   2. Common assumptions that reinforce body shaming   3. 3 tips for educators to help promote body literacy and positivity Welcome to Our Classroom! Cait O’Connor is a middle school languag...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Carla España, Ph. D and Luz Yadira Herrera, Ph. D join me in Exploring Language, Identity, and Power with Poetry. Classroom Notes 1. The poetry in their book cover 2. Poets, poems and text sets they would add to their list in Chp 6 3. Reading & discussion of my poem Café Con Leche Welcome to Our Classroom! Carla España, Ph. D. is a middle-grade language arts t...

In this episode of Our Classroom, JD Fuller , a therapist in private practice, adjunct professor & school counselor, as well as a consultant & trainer, joins me to discuss removing the stigma of mental health in the global majority.   Classroom Notes 1. Origins & present barriers related to mental health stigma amongst People of the Global Majority   2. Disparities in mental...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Tina Starks, an educational designer for Student Achievement Partners, joins me to discuss Working Together for Equitable Schools.   Classroom Notes   1. The true problem in our educational system 2. Three action steps we can take to transmute our pain into purpose 3. Powerful Frederick Douglas quotes   Welcome to Our Classroom!   An educationa...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Dr. Towanda Harris , author of The Right Tools: A Guide for Selecting, Evaluating and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices, joins me to discuss the idea of Collaborating to Learn. Classroom Notes Collaborative planning to support teachers with improving student performance Leveraging ELL, special education, and gifted teachers as resources to provide add...

In this episode of Our Classroom, author and professor Steven Alvarez joins to discuss Taco Literacy. Classroom Notes:   Breakdown of Taco Literacy   Relationship between politics, immigration policies, and the rise of  taco culture     Looking for what’s there rather looking for what’s “authentic” Steven Alvarez is an Associate Professor of English at St. J...

In this episode of Our Classroom,   Dr. Jamila Dugan , Co-Author of   Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation , gives us a deep dive into chapter two of her book - No Shortcuts: Avoiding Equity Traps and Troupes. Classroom Notes: Defining equity traps and troupes Commonly observed equity traps and troupes Advice to help avoid falling into equi...

In this episode of Our Classroom, author and professor Shane Safir  joins to discuss Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation . Classroom Notes: Utilizing to create systems of education that edifies students of color A counter approach to the current system of education Consequences with our fixation on standardized testing Shane Safir has worked at...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Dr. Kimberly N. Parker , author of Literacy Is Liberation: Working Toward Justice Through Culturally Relevant Teaching , discusses one of the CRTs that are driving some folks crazy.   Classroom notes: Her best-selling book Literacy is Liberation: Working Toward Justice Through Culturally Relevant Teaching The focus on Culturally Relevant Teaching and how it h...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph. D , author of Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students , joins to discuss Modeling Vulnerability & Humility. Classroom notes: Mistakes made What our fathers mean to us Importance of modeling vulnerability and humility Check out this powerful conversation in which two Black men get vulnerable. It’s not something you see every...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto wraps up 2022 by engaging in a vulnerable moment and apologizing to any students that he may have caused harm to, even if he did so unknowingly.

In this episode of Our Classroom, author and professor  David Bowles joins to discuss Border Stories. Classroom Notes: Immigration and life on the border as focal points for his writing The way he shows up in his writing Balancing writing for children while also infusing profound topics David Bowles  is an associate professor and coordinator of the English education program at the U...

In this episode of Our Classroom, author Afrika Afeni Mills , shares insight about her book Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students .   Classroom Notes: The story of her name 3 actions steps administrators and teachers can take right now to transform their instructional practices 3 things White antibias, antiracist practitioners wish they would have known when they...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto shares an excerpt from the article To Build a Pipeline of Black Teachers , This Program Starts Recruiting in High School by Emily Tate Sullivan. The article examines the Genius, Joy and Love initiative led by Dr. Valerie Kinloch, dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Don't be late to class!   Subscribe to Our Classroom   today...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto is joined by Kamania Wynter-Hoyte, Eliza Braden, Michele Myers, and Natasha Thorton, the authors of the book Revolutionary Love , to discuss Creating Culturally Inclusive Literacy Classrooms . Revolutionary Love offers practices that affirm and celebrate students' identities, languages, and cultures to build a vibrant community of engaged, valued, and thou...