School Me

This is part 2 of 2 in our conversation with 28-year educator Robin McNair about the life-changing power of restorative practices in schools.

Robin McNair, a 28-year educator and Restorative Approaches Coordinator in Maryland, joins the podcast to answer our questions about how restorative practices can change school environments for the better (and for all students). This is part 1 of 2, so stay tuned for the conclusion of our conversation.

April Burch is a paraprofessional currently working in clerical services and co-founder of Cooking Autism, a nonprofit that helps educators offer life skills programs to children with disabilities. As a mother to two sons with special needs herself, she discusses the unique experience of educating students with disabilities during a pandemic.

Becky Pringle, current NEA president, stops by the podcast to talk about her path from science teacher to union leader, and her vision for the NEA -- and public education as a whole.

Aneeka Ferrell, a Substitute Coordinator in Washington, has seen a passion of hers take off in a big way in 2020: educators are clamoring for her implicit bias trainings. Aneeka joins the podcast to discuss the importance of recognizing and challenging your biases -- about everything from race, to gender, to disabilities -- for the sake of your students.

The recently elected Chair of the NEA Aspiring Educators Program Cameo Kendrick stops by to discuss the unique position of the next generation of educators -- who are graduating and beginning their careers in the midst of a pandemic -- and her vision for the role of Aspiring Educators within the Association.

Jaim Foster, a 20-year early childhood educator, shares his experiences—from Nebraska to Virginia—as a gay teacher and LGBTQ+ advocate, and offers advice for early career LGBTQ+ educators.

Find more resources and information about your rights at educatingthroughcrisis.org

Find more resources and information about your rights at educatingthroughcrisis.org

Access NEA Member Benefits' student loan debt resources here: https://www.neamb.com/student-loan-debt

Michael Carvella, a Curriculum & Technology Coach from Tennessee, shares the story of his career and mission to create equity in classrooms through curriculum. This episode was recorded in 2019.

Dr. Richard Warren, Jr., the 2018-19 Maryland Teacher of the Year, shares the story of his unique path to education and discusses how trauma-aware instruction can be critical for students.  This episode was recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak began. 

Educators are in a unique position when it comes to social distancing. Plus, educators have their own families to care for in the midst of a public health crisis. Host Natieka Samuels talks virtually to NEA's General Counsel, Alice O'Brien, about what educators are entitled to and should be mindful of as they navigate their jobs and their health.  Tell Congress to cancel student debt now: https://...

This episode was recorded in the fall of 2019, before the novel coronavirus outbreak. We thought you may enjoy a break from the news  to hear Lori's story and advice.

Kimberly Scott-Hayden, a New Jersey Education Association executive committee member, talks to host Natieka Samuels about facilitating open and honest communication and cultural awareness for ESPs.

Tyrone Terry, a teaching veteran with 33 years of experience from New Orleans to Maryland, talks to host Natieka Samuels about mentoring teachers (specifically men) of color and supporting them throughout their early career. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so you’ll never miss an episode!

Erica Avent, a 14-year educator from Mississippi, adjunct professor, and board member of the Mississippi Association of Educators, discusses the importance of representation and ways to support minority students and educators. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so you’ll never miss an episode!

Tameka Mays, a paraprofessional and Paraeducator of the Year from Delaware, shares advice to hone your skills as a paraeducator and resources to use within your career as an ESP. Since recording this episode, the NEA’s ESP Leaders for Tomorrow program has been revamped as ESPLI (ESP Leadership Institute). Visit nea.org/espli for more information. You may download and review the ESP Professional Gr...

Chelsey Short, a former NEA Aspiring Educators Program Chair and third year elementary school teacher, reflects on her career so far and offers some insight to aspiring educators on transitioning to full time teaching with the help of the union. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so you’ll never miss an episode!

Lindy Hiatt-Hecox, a retired elementary school specialist with 33 years of experience, shares her insights from mentoring early educators and how every generation of educators can learn from one another. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Ambereen Khan-Baker, a senior policy and program specialist at NEA and 13-year educator, joins us to talk about teaching as a woman of color, and how becoming National Board Certified helped her find her voice. Learn more about and join EdCommunities here. Learn more about National Board Certification here. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Karl Goeke & John Scanlan, members of NEA’s ESP Career Committee, discuss the key values of partnership and collaboration between teachers, ESPs, and the school community, and how they collectively contribute to everyone’s success. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Erika Strauss Chavarria and Denisha Jones discuss the importance of bringing a racial and social justice lens to the classroom, and how educators can bring the Black Lives Matter week of action to their schools. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Nicki Belnap, an accountant at an Oregon community college and graduate of NEA’s “ESP Leaders for Tomorrow” program, discusses her unique career path and shares tips for ESP leadership and professional growth. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so that you’ll never miss an episode!

Rowena Shurn, a 14-year classroom veteran and current NEA senior Program and Policy Analyst Specialist, talks to us about focusing on human connection in the classroom and teaching with compassion for students’ circumstances. Don’t forget to  subscribe to the School Me podcast  so that you’ll never miss an episode!