Our Classroom

In this enlightening episode titled "Teaching Black History in K-3," we're joined by the inspiring Dawnavyn James , an educator who brings Black history to the youngest of learners through song, storytelling, and critical thinking. Dawnavyn is not just a teacher; she's an innovator in the realm of education, admired for her holistic approach and her belief in the transformative power of knowledge....

In today's show, we're diving deep into a painful piece of California history and the remarkable story of triumph that's emerged a century later. Our special guest is none other than George   C. Fatheree III , a Harvard-educated attorney, Fintech Founder, and social impact entrepreneur who played a crucial role in correcting an age-old wrong against the Bruce family of Manhattan Beach. In the...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto is joined by Tiffany Rose , the author of the powerful book ‘ Pack Light .’ This episode journeys through Tiffany's biracial experiences, her battles with marginalization and identity, and the resilience she's found through storytelling. Tiffany's literary work is a raw and authentic exploration of heavy topics that are masterfully unpacked, allowing us, t...

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto is joined by distinguished guest Tricia Ebarvia . An experienced high school English teacher, Tricia is also the co-founder of #DisruptTexts and author of the masterpiece, " Get Free: Anti-Bias Literacy Instruction for Stronger Readers, Writers, and Thinkers ." The interview explores this groundbreaking book that aims to liberate from socialization forms t...

In this week's episode, we are thrilled to have St. Clair Detrick-Jules , award-winning Afro-Caribbean filmmaker and photographer, back with us. Join us as we dive into her impactful book, " My Beautiful Black Hair 101 Natural Hair stories from the Sisterhood. " St. Clair shares the inspiration behind her book, which emerged from her desire to uplift her sister Chloe, who faced bullying due to her...

In this episode of Our Classroom we are joined by St. Clair Detrick-Jules , author of My Hair is Like the Sun . We unpack the inspiration behind the title of the book and how St. Clair's Afro-Caribbean background shaped her perspective on Black hair and its connection to the beauty of nature. We also delve into St. Clair's journey in advocacy work, particularly in immigrant justice and Black liber...

In this episode , w e are honored to have   Martha Bireda, Ph. D ., sharing her experiences of growing up during the Jim Crow era. In this episode, Martha highlights the importance of not seeing oneself as a victim, even in the face of adversity, and explores the complex concept of reparations beyond just financial compensation. She takes us on a journey back to her childhood, where segregati...

In this episode, we'll be joined by esteemed guests, including Dr. William Sandy Darity , a leading expert on wealth inequality, Alejandra Montoya Boyer , the Director of Policy at Prosperity Now, Sergio C. Muñoz , a Mexican banker with a passion for broadcasting, and Abigail Golden VaZquez , a senior fellow at Prosperity Now who has been driving awareness of Latino contributions to the American e...

Supporting college readiness for high school students is essential for their future success. Here are three ways parents can help prepare their children for college: Proactively affirm their greatness Be a partner in the process Step in when necessary Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode of Our Classroom,  Jenny Suriel , educator and owner of Amor y Azucar Bakery , drops by to discuss her road to becoming an educator, the inception of her bakery business, and her experiences with restorative justice. Classroom Notes Educational journey Educator by day, baker by night Fear, failure & follow through Welcome to Our Classroom! Follow: IG - @_amoryazucar

In this episode of Our Classroom we continue to reflect on the fascinating developments in Florida that are greatly impacting education. Classroom Notes New development in Florida Resources available to educators Encouragement and things to consider My Classroom  is a community of Multicultural Classroom's people, educators, friends, and followers. Whatever you call yourself... you're welcome...

In this episode of Our Classroom Lorena German joins me to discuss Florida's Black History Curriculum. Classroom Notes Brief explanation of the new standards The so-called benefits of slavery Strategic framing to retell & minimize history Lorena Germán  is a two time nationally awarded Dominican American educator focused on anti racist and anti bias education. She has taught English Langu...

In this episode of Our Classroom Kareem Farah of the Modern Classrooms Project joins me to discuss Emotional Dysregulation. Classroom Notes What is emotional dysregulation? How can we effectively support students that experience emotional dysregulation? How is the Modern Classroom Project different from other blended learning models? Kareem Farah spent his teaching career as a high school math edu...

In this episode of Our Classroom  Kassie Infante and Dr. Marianela Rivera of the HomePlace Collective  join me to discuss Raising Activists. Classroom Notes   Democratic citizen in 21st century USA   How to support positive youth development in their quest for social change   3 action steps to drive social change Dr. Marianela Rivera and Kassie Infante, MEd , co-founders o...

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...