The Resistance: An Underground Educators Podcast

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, I sit down with Simone Gamble and Adela Effendy for a powerful conversation about justice-centered education, the role of joy and play in learning, and the transformative work they do through OAAARS and The Kids Are Ready program. We break down the difference between JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) and traditional DEI framew...

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, I’m breaking down what it really means to start a quiet revolution in your classroom—because waiting for the system to change isn’t an option. I’m giving you five steps to reclaim your power, center student voice, and build a classroom that actually works for you and your students. By the end, you’ll be ready to shake things up, because real...

Leading a school isn’t for the weak-hearted. It’s messy, it’s hard, and sometimes it feels like you're juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. But GOOD leadership is actually the key to unlocking the student-centered classrooms we dream about! In this episode, I sit down with the powerhouse Principal Chanavia Patterson to talk about what it really means to lead schools that center stu...

If we’re only worried about what we teach and not how we teach it, we’re already missing the point. In this episode, I’m getting real about what it means to center students, push past the fear of policies that try to limit us, and show up as the kind of educators our kids actually need. We’re talking about building community, making teaching joyful again , and using our classrooms as a space for r...

Science class doesn’t have to be boring, and Dr. J is here to prove it! In this episode, we dive into her journey from future doctor to biology teacher and how she’s making science come alive for students who might otherwise check out. We’re talking about real strategies to engage students, build confidence (especiawlly for kids with ADHD), and create a classroom where all students feel seen and c...

In this episode, I’m breaking down why student-centered practices aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the key to transforming your classroom into a space where students actually want to learn. Because let’s be real—when students feel heard, seen, and valued, the whole vibe shifts. We’re talking about the power of connection, the importance of understanding our students’ experiences, and how YOU, ye...

Let’s keep it real—teaching in urban schools can feel like a rollercoaster some days. But what if I told you that the secret to managing behavior and building a thriving classroom is all about your energy, mindset, and the respect you show your students? In this episode, I’m bringing the high-energy brilliance of Rodrick Johnson, the Energized Educator, to the mic. Together, we dig into what it ta...

I really don't have much to say here, I just hope you listen to this, and then listen to it again...because this is everything I needed to hear BEFORE I stepped into a classroom, and what every educator in a classroom needs to hear RIGHT NOW! I'm Just a Teacher: What Can I Do? Guided Journal REGISTER FOR MY UPCOMING FREE WEBINAR: The Answer is in Your Classroom: Building the Classroom Cult...

Teaching is hard, but creating a student-centered classroom doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we chat with Dr. Courtney Rose, assistant teaching professor and author, about the power of teacher identity, student voice, and co-creating classrooms that empower everyone. We explore: Breaking down barriers to centering student voice. Building community and fostering authentic connections. Practical...

In this episode, we’re sharing how you can transform your teaching and classroom culture with actionable strategies that bring joy, balance, and purpose back to your work. Don't forget to register for our upcoming Free Webinar: The Answer is In Your Classroom: Building the Classroom Culture of Your Dreams , happening January 14, 2025, designed to help you thrive as an educator without burning out!...

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, I’m introducing the B.O.B.E Framework—a powerful tool to help you shift to a student-centered mindset. We’ll dive into why curiosity, open communication, community building, and continuous growth are key to creating supportive and engaging classrooms. I’ll also reintroduce the Teacher Action Board, a community built to give educators like yo...

In this episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, Rob, an eighth-grade ELA educator, discusses the significance of student-centered education. He emphasizes the importance of listening to students, navigating literacy challenges, and creating safe spaces in the classroom. Rob shares his experiences in implementing student-centered practices, the role of identity in teaching, and the power o...

We are at the point in the year when the foundation we've set in our schools and classrooms shows it's strength and highlights the cracks. Instead of crawling to winter recess burned out, too tired to enjoy the break, let's use our student-centered practice to help us strengthen our school and classroom culture so we go into break feeling joyful, and connected to our students, and our work; and co...

This week on the ILP podcast we talk about why we SHOULDN'T wait until January 1st to reset and do the things you've been saying you are going to do for however long. If you have a laundry list of things that you've been saying you are going to do and they've been nagging at you for a while, and making you feel bad about yourself, this episode if for you! Mentioned During the Episode: ⁠Download Yo...

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are gearing up for a great food, good company and a reminder of the deep importance of finding gratitude for the work we get to do for young people everyday. On today's episode, I share 7 of things I'm most grateful for in teaching and actualizing Black on Black Education's mission. Additionally, this episode serves as a reminder to all of us to learn and grow in how...

The name of this episode tells it all. On today's episode of the ILP podcast, I focus on the crucial need for teachers to take your Paid Time Off (PTO) to rest and rejuvenate and maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. I give you ideas of how to utilize PTO days effectively, whether for relaxation, personal hobbies, or connecting with loved ones. Teaching is stressful and we must remember that wel...

Today's episode serves as a reminder that NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE US , so we need to use the 168 days of the school year to save ourselves (the 180 day school year minus your PTO and two observations), regardless of who the president or the secretary of the department of education is. Want some inspiration during what feels like dark times? Check out this weeks episode where I break down the very...

If we've heard it once, we've heard it 1000 times, there is no one coming to save us, and as terrible as that might sound it could also serve as the most empowering thing on our student-centered journey. When we know that the system is not going to save us, that empowers us to make the choices that will serve our students the way they need. Mentioned During the Episode: Individualized Living Plan...

Today on the Black on Black Education podcast we speak with attendance strategist, Johnetta Moore, about the detrimental impact, cause, and solutions to of chronic absenteeism. If you are an educator or school leader trying to figure out how to battle excessive student absences this is an incredible episode to get some tips, tricks, and tools on how to win the battle the student-centered way. We D...

In this episode of the ILP Podcast, we're discussing the three powerful mindset shifts that help me stay focused on my students, even as we navigate these challenging times. With the political landscape creating a backdrop of uncertainty, I still plan on maintaining a student-centered classroom where joy, care, and purpose stay at the . I Discussed: The importance of focusing on what we can contro...

We are grieving what could have been. We are feeling fear, anger, and every emotion in between but still we must fight. In today's episode of the Black on Black Education podcast, we talk about what we are fighting for and what we are fighting against. We are all we have, and no one is coming to save us, let's save ourselves. I Discussed: How we got here? The impact of illiteracy and a lack of cri...

It's time for another deposit into your ILP (Individualized Living Plan). Are you making intentional time to move your body? If not, you are missing out on decreased stress, improved mood, better sleep, improved self-esteem, and so much more. Let's fix that together on this week's episode of the ILP podcast. I Discussed: The importance of movement in living a happy and healthy life The idea I lear...

Education has a problem and student-centered practice has the power to solve it. On this Halloween, let's explore the scary truth about a business as usual, teacher-centered approach to the future of education. It's time to make the shift. I Discussed: The nightmare that is our current education system, and the worse reality if it stays the same. The impact of student-centered practice that can tu...

This episode is a reminder on the power of reflection and a shameless plug for the I'm Just a Teacher/I'm Just a Kid Guided Journals . I hope you enjoy. I Discussed: My life-long commitment of reflection The power of a reflection Why purchase the I'm Just a Teacher: What Can I Do? Guided Journal today. Creating time for reflection How buying the I'm Just a Teacher: What Can I Do? will make you wan...

Everyone and their mama is talking about AI but are your schools helping you maintain your student-centered practice using AI...I bet not, good thing I'm here! I Discussed: How I use AI tools can help maintain my student-centered teaching practice. The practical AI platforms I use for lesson planning, grading, and student engagement. My simple steps to integrate AI into my classroom while maintain...