The Teachers' Tribe Podcast

Many school systems across the United States have already ended the school year while others are approaching the end. Getting to the end evokes a spontaneous sigh of relief mixed with a strong sense of gratitude. I have done some reflecting and gleaned lessons from the experiences of teaching virtually for this entire school year. Reminisce with me as I share the roller coaster-like events of teac...

This time last year we were in a state of uncertainty, high anxiety for some and instability for others. In the early weeks of this podcast, social-emotional wellbeing was the focus. One year later, it is still an important matter to consider. When the pandemic was wreaking havoc across the globe this time last year, I was deeply concerned about how my children and students were coping. As a resul...

My fellow Yaadies and educators, Arleen Steers and Kamilah Roper-Robinson and I, continue our conversation in today’s episode. They are currently cultural exchange teachers in an elementary school in the United States. In last week’s episode, they shared their journeys that led them to the teaching profession and how they broke through barriers to build meaningful relationships with their students...

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of The Teachers' Tribe Podcast!!! In recognition of this milestone, I am offering this little brawta episode. The word brawta is used in reference to getting extra, a bonus, above what is expected. For example, if you went to the market to buy fruits, it wouldn’t be unusual for the customer to ask for the brawta or the vendor would give an unsolicited extra item....

Another episode of the Inspiring Educators series is here! Listen to my conversation with two Jamaican Educators who are currently teaching in the United States of America. I am very excited to introduce my colleagues and fellow Yaadies, Arleen Steers and Kamilah Roper-Robinson. We talked about their individual journeys that led them into the teaching profession and eventually taking on the role o...

The code-switching conversation with my two guests continues in this episode. University students, Bradley Hutchinson and Malik McFarlane share their views and experiences including the use of African-American Vernacular English within the United States. We also explore the social structures that have been established by the majority. I encourage you to listen with an open mind and hold space for...

In the previous episode, I shared my thoughts and experiences with code switching and settled with the fact that I code switch to celebrate my identity. I also shared 5 reasons why people code switch: 1. Inadvertent/unintentional 2. We want to fit in 3. We want to get something 4. We want to say something in secret 5. It helps us convey a thought This week, my two special guests are college studen...

A lot has changed in 14 years. Among the noticeable changes is my speech pattern. This week’s reflective journey takes me on a nostalgic path and highlights elements of my culture and heritage from which I derive pleasant memories. Code switching is a layered concept; however, I focus on the language aspect in this episode. I also share 5 reasons that have been cited for code switching. Maybe you’...

Another interesting episode has been added to the collection in the inspiring educators series for this season. In this episode, Ms. Cejuanna Morgan and I continue our conversation that was shared in part 1 last week. We talk more about her work within our school community as well as how she impacts the wider community through volunteer work. We also delve into her hobby of creating digital conten...

The spotlight is on another inspiring educator - a former elementary school teacher turned administrator. Cejuanna Morgan is currently an Assistant Principal but still finds time for nonprofit work and other interests. She is a passionate leader who prioritizes relationships, going above and beyond (sometimes outside of the norm) to inspire her students and staff. This interesting conversation emb...

This week, I am connecting with someone across the globe on the continent of Africa. I am very excited to welcome and introduce today’s guest, an inspiring educator from South Africa! Nikita Bowes is a young, vibrant educator working to make a difference even amidst challenges. I hope that Nikita’s experience will encourage other young educators around the world to continue to inspire their studen...

Part 2 of the inspiring conversation with educator and school counselor, Eulanda Thorne continues in this episode. Although battling an auto-immune disease, facing other personal challenges, raising 4 children as a single parent, and pursuing a master’s degree while working two jobs, she remained undeterred. This inspiring educator strives to be an “Ambassador of Love” even when life’s circumstanc...

In this episode, I share the first part of a conversation that I had with an inspiring educator. We talked about how she chose love amidst trauma and eventually transitioned into the role of supporting others who are also victims of trauma. Coupled with battling an auto-immune disease and being a single parent of four, she continues to provide emotional support for students and families as a schoo...

What is your earliest childhood memory? How old were you? Have you ever wondered why you can still recall that situation and not others? Do you know what the top 10 most common first childhood memories are? In this episode, I share a recent incident that sent me into a state of reflection all the way back to my childhood. I am amazed by how simple, little things can mean so much. BLOG POST: http:/...

Each month carries special designations and recognitions. Some are for serious causes while others are more whimsical. What do you associate with the month of March? March is Women’s History Month. All around the world it is evident that women play a vital role and they are celebrated during this time. It is also designated to encourage the study of women in society. In this episode I not only hig...

It’s all about relationships this season, and this week I explore the benefits of team relations and offer a few tips for making meaningful connections with colleagues. Now more than any time during my teaching career, it is critical for me to find and offer the kind of support that will help us to cope with the challenges of this school year. The saying, “Teamwork Makes the Dream work” has been t...

As the month of February ends, I decided to share my thoughts in relation to Black History Month and my own experience as a Jamaican woman of African descent. Recent conversations with a colleague created a greater awareness of how my upbringing shaped my perspective. It’s amazing how my thoughts and responses are strikingly different in some ways from my African American friends and colleagues. L...

This season will be dedicated to focusing on relationships; and in this episode, I kick it off by talking about the importance of our relationships with children. James Comer stated that, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”. Are you ready to be intentional about how you relate? Reflect with me, ponder how you want to show up and make deliberate plans for the legacy...

It’s a new year and the official launch of season 2 of The Teachers’ Tribe Podcast. I look forward to more listeners joining me every week as we move forward in this new year (2021). Episodes are scheduled to go live every Friday at 6:00 a.m. Don’t forget to share and leave reviews to help me spread the word about this growing community of educators, parents and caregivers. Feel free to listen to...

The conversation continues in this final episode of season 1 of this podcast. In part 1, my colleagues and I reflected on how we were impacted and how our experiences made us an even stronger team. Raelyn Clark, Paige Hults, April Storm and I are passionate educators who share the common goal of acting in our students’ best interest and supporting all of them to be successful. This week, we focus...

You may have heard the expression, “Teamwork makes the dream work”. In this first segment of the two-part episode, a few of my colleagues and I discuss and share our experiences about teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s your opportunity to gain insight about what it is like for teachers who are committed to supporting their students and their families at a time that we could not have pre...

The conversation with Dr. Denise Hunter (AKA Dr. D’Nice Beaugelin) concludes in this episode. We talk about the final two keys of the acronym FOUNT and she offers tips that can help us to live optimally. The simple keys can be easily incorporated into our lives, and will certainly go a long way to help us during this time of intense anxiety and uncertainty. This is a call to focus on wellness, rec...

This episode is a conversation with a medical doctor about a topic well-suited for these times. Our conversation focuses on Wellness and I know you will glean many valuable tips from what was shared. The first session in this two-part episode with Dr. Denise Hunter, aka Dr. D’Nice Beaugelin, will introduce her program called FOUNT. Listen as she introduces three of the 5 Keys to Wellness. Parents,...

There are so many Jamaican expressions that I just instinctively know how to use appropriately, but must admit find it difficult to explain to people outside of the culture. The expression that I chose this week always brings a memory that warms my heart and is one I am reinventing to keep a positive outlook amidst the challenges. Let’s explore how to adjust our lens. Poem Source: https://www.fami...

S1 Ep022 - What About the Teachers? Preparing for students’ return to our school building has been weighing heavily on my mind. There is still much uncertainty, some anxiety, a lot of questions and a feeling in the pit of my stomach that we’re getting ready for a roller coaster ride. An apt Jamaican saying is “Dawg ah sweat, but long hair covah it.” I feel angst at the thought of even a figurative...