The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About Education

In this compelling episode, I sit down with renowned educator and passionate speaker, Sawsan Jaber, to delve into a topic that's as sensitive as it is crucial: the impact of the ongoing crisis in Gaza on Palestinian students in America, against the backdrop of school districts' responses to international conflicts. At a time when Illinois, home to one of the highest concentrations of Pales...

In this thought-provoking "Pause to Ponder" episode of The Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles delves deep into the rich tapestry of Afro-Irish heritage, a journey sparked by his own mixed ancestry and the intriguing question: Is the term "Black Irish" rooted in reality or merely a myth? He embarks on a historical exploration, unraveling the origins and evolutions of this comple...

In this enlightening episode of The Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles sits down with trauma-informed expert Charle Peck to delve deep into the critical shortcomings of current Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks. Charle provocatively argues that the SEL programs in place today fall short of their transformative potential, primarily because they overlook the intricate tapestry of h...

In this compelling episode of The Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams explores the nuanced relationship between alignment and agreement in leadership, inspired by insights from the John Maxwell Executive Leadership Podcast. Charles delves into the importance of maintaining a unified team front, emphasizing that true alignment transcends mere agreement and is deeply rooted in shared co...

Episode Description: Join host Charles Williams on this enlightening episode of The Counter Narrative Podcast as he sits down with the insightful Erin Glenn to tackle a topic close to the heart of every educator: treating education as a respected profession amidst its often challenging portrayal in the media. Erin, with her wealth of experience and passion for education, delves into the critical i...

In this heartfelt episode, Charles shares a personal reflection from a week spent in isolation due to COVID-19. Initially viewing the unexpected downtime as an opportunity to get ahead on work, he is quickly reminded of the body's need for rest and the pitfalls of hustle culture, especially within the realm of education. Through his experience, this episode explores the delicate balance betwee...

In this insightful episode of "The Counter Narrative Podcast," host Charles Williams sits down with Joe Brummer, an expert in trauma-informed practices. Together, they delve into the transformative world of restorative practices in educational settings, a movement gaining momentum across schools nationwide. Joe sheds light on a critical oversight in the current implementation of these pr...

In this thought-provoking episode of "The Counter Narrative Podcast," host Charles Williams delves into the nuanced and complex history of integration in America, drawing compelling parallels between the integration of the Negro Leagues into Major League Baseball and the desegregation of schools. Through the lens of specific examples, such as the decline of the Kansas City Monarchs and t...

About The Guest: Dr. Don Parker is a transformational keynote speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in SEL, supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, and improving the culture and climate of schools to enhance students’ and teachers’ feeling of belonging. Dr. Parker is a former principal and served a...

Busy, busy, busy ... like the white rabbit perpetually late and always rushing. We are all so busy and yet ... I often wonder ... are we busy doing the right things? What if, we reexamined what it is that makes us so busy and, in the process, redefine what it means to be effective, efficient, and successful? -- Don't miss a single episode and discover more exciting content by signing up here!...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Meagan and I chat about the natural need for movement in learning environments and how educators can be intentional about incorporating this into their daily routines. By engaging in rhythmic, repeated, and predictable patterns of movement, students can not only satiate their physiological need for movement, but they can also help regulate brain functions when the...

Following in yet another online trend, I share my Ins and Outs for the upcoming year in my final #pausetoponder segment for 2023.

This year I have gathered a group of edurockstars who have fully dedicated their time to improving educational spaces. Join me as I reflect on holiday memories and explore current traditions with Laquanta "BOSS" Nelson, Darrin Peppard, Katie Kinder, and Joe Brummer. -- Click here to register for "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" Use promo code "COUNTER" for an extra 10...

Winter Break is quickly approaching which means a long awaited and much needed moment is upon us. As we close out the year, I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for you, my listeners, and to remind you to not only enjoy this time but to also use it as an opportunity to rest and recharge. -- Click here to register for "From Stage Fright to Spotlight" Use promo code "COU...

Guest Bio: Tracie Chauvin is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, who also holds both a building level and district level leadership license. Tracie has spent more than a decade working in the public education system with a focus on building trauma informed, resilience-oriented schools and communities. Driven to have an impact on others lives and build systems that support all, Tracie emp...

Listen to the TedTalk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/coleman_hughes_a_case_for_color_blindness?language=en

​Introducing Kara and Megan, the visionary educators behind IntegratED, a revolutionary educational platform dedicated to fostering student growth and instructional innovation in classrooms across the United States. Kara and Megan specialize in delivering dynamic professional development solutions that empower educators to embrace cutting-edge curriculum development, innovative instructional strat...

On this episode, I'm diving into a hot topic in the world of teaching: making lessons fun and engaging. It's a noble goal, but there's a tricky balance to strike. How do we keep students excited about learning without sacrificing the depth and quality of the education they receive? This is particularly crucial in low-performing schools, where this approach is often most prevalent. Webi...

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Is the pursuit of happiness a paradox? That was the question posed to students during a lesson while I was conducting a recent observation. A lively discussion ensued and I was asked to participate (a no-no for observations but...). The resulting student conversations left me pondering on the topic well after I left the classroom. What have I sacrificed to get to where I am? What am I sacrificing...

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Finding Your Blind Spots Reflection Part 4 of 4 In this final segment in which me and my team review Hedreich Nichols' book, "Finding Your Blind Spots," we close out with chapters 7 & 8. In these last chapters, she talks about representation and avoiding missteps. Join me as I reflect on how diversity shows up in our spaces and how I once shared a lesson with my students explorin...

Sofia Gonzalez is a nationally recognized educator of the year, nonprofit leader for organization Project 214, podcast host, and education activist from the Chicagoland area. She is a sought-after public speaker regarding the state of education who is known for her cutting-edge presentations and dynamic illustrations with a passion that’s infectious. A High School teacher, 15-year veteran, teacher...

"Finding Your Blind Spots": A Series Part 3 of 4 In this segment, I reflect on chapters 5 and 6.

In this episode, I chat with Barbara Gruener, a passionate and connected educator embarking on her 40th year in this field and who is blessed to have grown alongside thousands of children and adults of all ages and stages. This nationally-recognized and sought-after speaker and coach holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and two MS degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake...