Teaching and Leading with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Marlon Cummings about meeting students’ individual needs by recognizing their cultural spaces. Dr. Cummings discusses ownership of our strengths and recognition of our weaknesses as we develop into culturally-responsive leaders. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Season 1 Episode 25. Referenced in this podcast: Stren...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Drew Hines about STEM education and the mission of Greencorps Chicago. Dr. Hines discusses Greencorps’ project-based model to provide job training, support regional sustainability, and build partnerships with higher education. We also talk about theory versus practice in the practical application setting. Note: As of this rebooted release in February 2024, Dr. Drew...

In this episode, we go live on Radio Jaguar with Mr. Jahmal Cole, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of My Block My Hood My City. Mr. Cole shares the history of his inspiration for community organizing and for raising youth's awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood. Mr. Cole talks about the impact he wants his organization to have on youth in Chicago and what succes...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Phyllis West, Director of the Social Justice Initiative at Governors State University. Dr. West discusses the importance of listening for opportunities, being curious, and doing what may seem most challenging. She talks about staying connected with friends, family, and teachers from her youth and shares the lasting power of words, particularly from her 3rd and 4th g...

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Nicholas Neal about bridging the gaps for young adults leaving the foster care system and becoming independent. Mr. Neal discusses the services his organization provides and the needs for mentoring older youth. He also shares ways the community can support these efforts. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Season 1 Ep...

In this episode, we honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special guest presentation from Ms. Judith Altmann, a Holocaust Survivor. At 99-years old, Ms. Altmann continues to make it her life's work to share what hate and discrimination can do. She shares her story of survival and resilience with the strong message to love and show kindness . Referenced in this podcast: Holocaust and...

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Meagan Washington-Sims, a doctoral candidate in Governors State University's Interdisciplinary Leadership program and foster youth advocate. Ms. Washington-Sims shares her story as a child in the foster system and her current work with foster youth programs. We discuss the obstacles that may seem insurmountable hurdles for children without the supports and services...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Adelfio Garcia, a retired public school administrator who consults on English language and bilingual professional development. Dr. Garcia discusses the importance of building community within and beyond the school building and the ways he connected with families as an administrator. We discuss the need for learning the school culture as a new teacher or administrato...

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Emmanuel Lopez, the Director of Governors State University's Latinx Resource Center. Mr. Lopez clarifies the nomenclature that has brought us the more inclusive "Latinx" and continues to evolve to better represent the Spanish-speaking community. We discuss Governors State University as an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution and what it will mean to achieve the gov...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Darrell Griffin, Senior Pastor, Spiritual Director, Published Author, Certified Ministry Coach and Enneagram Trainer. Dr. Griffin explains the difference between Myers-Briggs Personality Test and the Enneagram and how the Enneagram analysis can help us discover purpose, direction, balance, and healing. Dr. Joi and Dr. Amy completed enneagram profiles prior to the sh...

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Aaron West about his experiences as a college student. Mr. West shares his jagged pathway from high school to community college to a four-year university. We also discuss ways in which students can prepare for success in college by being involved in campus activities, developing relationships with peers and mentors, and seeking help from professors - starting with o...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Luther King, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Governors State University.  Dr. King shares his story finding the profession that became his true calling. We discuss the disproportionate gaps in race and ethnicity representation in occupational therapy and the efforts to expose middle and high school students to this healthcare career field. Dr. Ki...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Dawn Brown, Assistant Professor in the Governors State University Department of Physical Therapy, about what it means to belong.  Dr. Brown defines the difference between belonging and fitting in. We discuss how climate survey data provide the starting point for developing initiatives for belonging and wellness.  Dr. Brown also warns of the assumptions we...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tina Curry and Ms. Camille August about their passions as educators.  Dr. Curry and Ms. August how we can and should honor students’ identities. We discuss Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards and what we hope their intended effects will be on teacher education curriculum and preparedness. Dr. Curry and Ms. August leave us with the impo...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tim Pedigo about mindfulness practices and their implementation in teacher education. Dr. Pedigo explains the difference between mindfulness and meditation and walks us through a mindfulness exercise. We also discuss tips for adding calm to our days when we do not think we have time. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory Vs Practic...

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Jennifer LaChonce, a middle school English language teacher in the southwest Chicago suburbs. Ms. LaChonce shares her research in professional development, as well as her own learning and development with English Learners. We discuss the urgent need for both ESL and Bilingual teachers and the difference between the two. Ms. LaChonce shares trauma-informed practices...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis about her work with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.  Dr. Ellis discusses how to identify healthy and unhealthy positive and negative emotions with tips for taking control of our emotions.  We also discuss specific applications to education and teacher burnout. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Kim Major-Ford, the Interim Director of the Counseling and Wellness Center at Governors State University. Dr. Major-Ford discusses the evolution of mental health on college campuses, especially in post-pandemic academia. We consider partnerships that have expanded in-person and online access for students needing mental health services. Dr. Major-Ford also shares the...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Alli Cipra about her research on bullying behaviors and resilience. We share our experiences with bullying in adolescence, discuss identity development, and explore how social media complicates the roles of bully, victim, and bystander. Dr. Cipra also shares strategies for parents and teachers for dealing with emotional behaviors. This episode was originally release...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Nicole Terrell-Smith, Superintendent of Pembroke School District, as well as Ms. Chiquita Thompson and Ms. Katherine Kiger, two long-time teachers at the elementary school. Ms. Thompson and Ms. Kiger share their experiences working in a small school district with its family atmosphere and close ties to nature and farmlife.  We also talk about the opportunities...

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Angela Sebastian, Chair of the Governors State University Board of Trustees. Our discussion about mentoring and coaching took a different but insightful direction of mentorship by experience. Chair Sebastian talks about her experience as a first-generation, nontraditional college student who finished what she started at community colleges after coming to GSU. We dis...