The Culture-Centered Classroom

In this episode I share three considerations for when creating an equitable Valentines Day experience for all students. There are specific examples for math, science, ELA, social studies, and art. I would love to know what additional suggestions you have. Send me a DM on Instagram or a message on LinkedIN . Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions...

Join me in welcoming Naima Russell to the podcast for an inspiring conversation about centering Black joy by reading picture books with your students of every age. Naima is a wife, mom and actress. She is the woman behind the platform, "Drama Mama Reads" which is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of raising Black children and a rallying cry for all parents and teachers to diversify their little...

In this episode I will talk about one power strategy that you can use to eliminate the overwhelm and effectively focus on the "big rocks" in education this year. This power strategy will help you connect the dots between all the high leverage practices you have learned about. Let's jump in so we can spark joy by creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom for EVERY student. In the episode I menti...

In this BONUS episode I am interviewing 3 of my 5 children about their one powerful focus word for the year. You're not going to want to miss a minute of this insightful conversation with Jace (11), Kobi (8), and Ellis (6). I am so proud to be their mother, their first teacher, and a trusted guide on their life journey. In the episode I mention: New Year - One Word Focus Activity - STUDENT EDITION...

In this BONUS episode I am going to share how choosing a focus word for the last three years has helped me connect all the dots personally and professionally. Let's be honest, if we are not mentally and emotionally centered, how can we expect our students to be centered in our classrooms? I get super transparent about my cultural competence journey, the beauty and the struggle of this reflective p...

Creating culturally aware learning spaces that intentionally develop cultural competence are critically important IF you feel the purpose of education is to guide students on a learning and discovery journey, not just stuff them with facts. This is important if you desire to help students develop the ability to think deeply and critically about topics, not just take things at face value. It is imp...

How can we see diversity, share diversity, and celebrate diversity in the classroom? Great question. In this episode I’m going to talk about one way to do each of the aforementioned things. Grab the FREE reflection guide and take some notes! In the episode I mention: FREE Reflection Guide for episodes 23, 24, 25 Diversity Definition Affirm Definition The Association for the Study of African Americ...

According to The National Equity Project , “Educational equity means that each child receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential.” What does that look like in your classroom? On this episode I share three power tips for centering equity in your classroom to support all your students. Grab the FREE Reflection Guide to jot down your thoughts and create a plan for a...

Join me in welcoming Mona Iehl to the podcast for an inspiring conversation about creating a strong student-centered community of mathematicians who take risks and value the process over the product. Mona is a teacher and instructional coach in Chicago, IL who is passionate about helping students be leaders of their own learning through creating safe classroom communities that help students feel m...

The National Day of Mourning was started in November of 1970 by Wamsutta James, a Wampanoag man, in response to the censoring of a speech he was asked to give at the anniversary celebration of the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock. Listen in to find out why his speech was suppressed and discover ways that you can observe The National Day of Mourning this year. In the episode I mention: United Amer...

Join me in welcoming Michael Sivert to the podcast for an informative conversation about how having a trauma-informed lens can help you create a more welcoming and inclusive classroom for all students. He is a 5th Grade teacher in Ohio. He has been teaching Upper Elementary grades for 17 years. His passion revolves around Social-Emotional Learning, and he works to make SEL accessible to teachers....

Traditional Thanksgiving lessons have been focused around the historically inaccurate and culturally harmful “Thanksgiving Story” as well as family gatherings and food aligned with mainstream culture in the United States. So many differing cultural traditions and practices, important aspects of the day-long celebration are typically omitted. So, how can you shift this from a missed opportunity to...

Join me in welcoming Courtney Morgan to the podcast for a dynamic conversation about the best ways to support your multilingual learners in the general education classroom. She is an ESL teacher, coach, and course creator. She earned degrees in Elementary Education and Multicultural Education, and is also National Board certified in Middle Grades Literacy. After 16 years as an elementary classroom...

Creating an inclusive classroom does not have to be overwhelming or complicated. Start with these FIVE simple strategies. Grab the FREE Inclusive Classroom Checklist with clickable links so you can take action today! In the episode I mention: The Inclusive Classroom Checklist Coaching Call Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions  . Lesson Pla...

Join me in welcoming Joscelyn Reed to the podcast for a dynamic conversation about what it really takes to build authentic relationships with students! Joscelyn is a master teacher, coach, and the CEO and Founder of Revolve Learning. She believes in advocating for equity work to be core knowledge alongside mainstream pedagogy and education theory. Her professional development sessions and programs...

Monday was Indigenous People’s Day and also still recognized in some places and by some people as Columbus Day. There are many people that believe Christopher Columbus should be canceled. I'm not so sure canceling him is the right move. Listen in as I explain. In the episode I mention: Cancel Culture Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions  ....

Join me in welcoming Jonee' Anderson to the podcast on the first guest conversation episode! Jonee' is a school counselor and mental health professional who leads workshops in which she shares tips and strategies for using the power of positive psychology and teaching coping skills in your classroom. If you are interested in connecting with her you can email her at: anderson.jonee@gmail.com Trust...

In this episode I share three ways you can be more intentional about honoring Jewish students and their faith, whether there are Jewish students in your physical classroom or not. In the episode I mention: The "Power Word/One Word Reflection Activity" for Students Louis Armstrong Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions  . Lesson Plan Coaching...

Defining culture with your students results in several benefits for increased engagement and rigor. In this episode I share why it is important to define culture with your students as a resource for framing conversations, deepening content knowledge, and creating bridges of empathy. In the episode I mention definitions for: Critical thinking , Socratic Seminar , and Empathy   Grade Level Book...

Culturally responsive pedagogy is not restricted to a set of resources or a particular curriculum. Culturally responsive pedagogy is a whole vibe. It’s a way of being. It is reflected in your mindset and actions. For this reason, a substitute teacher can absolutely leverage the power of culturally responsive pedagogy. In the episode I mention: Grade Level Book Recommendations - Click HERE to acces...

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th – October 15th. It is a fantastic time to highlight the beauty and diversity of Spanish speaking peoples and their culture. In this episode I want to share three considerations for celebrating and highlighting Hispanic heritage. In the episode I mention: Hispanic - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hispanic Latino/a/x - https://www...

Setting goals and successfully accomplishing them is directly linked to your check ins. So, let’s check in. What is your focus word? How has it impacted your personal and professional path? How do you show up differently because of this focus? In the episode I mention: One Word Teaching Resources Grade Level Book Recommendations - Click HERE to access the GOOGLE FOLDER . Lesson Plan Coaching Call...

Listen in for details about each:  Consider the filters and lenses through which you were taught to be a teacher and the impact that has on the way you teach. Get to know your students authentically. Intentionally audit and revamp lessons that you have already created. Remember to incorporate the four types of resources - window, mirror, map, and sliding glass doors Ask the three anchor quest...

Is the "golden rule" really the best way to encourage students to develop bridges of empathy between themselves and their peers? I believe it is a good starting place, but I will share three steps to leverage the "golden rule" in a more effective way when creating a culturally responsive classroom where all students are affirmed, welcomed, and celebrated during the learning experience. In the epis...

How do you know you're ready to make some personal and professional shifts? In this episode I talk about why the shift is important, share three questions for you to ask yourself, and the reason you know you're ready. In the episode I mention: Paulo Freire - Pedagogy of Oppression & Pedagogy of Liberation HERE Grade Level Book Recommendations - Click HERE to access the GOOGLE FOLDER . Lesson P...