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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews Adrian Gordon, a distinguished music educator and composer and one of only a handful of Black composers of classical music in the nation. Adrian shares his unique journey in music, from his early influences growing up in a Jamaican household to his experiences in music education and composition. He discusses the challenges of representation in classical music, the importance of mentorship, and the need for diverse voices in music education. Adrian emphasizes the significance of introducing young students to a variety of musical styles and the role of composers in shaping the future of music education. In this conversation, Adrian Gordon discusses his involvement in the Canon Project, which aims to diversify music education and promote young black composers. He reflects on his multifaceted career as a composer, performer, teacher, and author, emphasizing how these roles inform one another. Adrian also shares insights from his book 'Note to Self,' which addresses the challenges of transitioning into new teaching environments and the importance of mental health and authenticity in education. He also explores the concept of imposter syndrome, particularly among educators of color, and discusses the current state of inclusivity in classical music.

To contact Adrian you can reach him at Adriangordonmusic.com
You can also listen to Adrian's composition, "A Tender Moment in Time" on YouTube
For more on black composers in classical music click here.

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris engages in a deep discussion with educators Melanee Duncan Friday and Dave Stieber about the pressing issues of mental health in students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the impact of social media, the challenges faced by students in processing emotions, and the role of schools in providing support. The conversation highlights the need for more resources, the importance of trauma-informed teaching, and the complexities of managing cell phone use in educational settings. In this conversation, educators discuss the impact of technology on learning, the challenges of teaching history and critical race theory, and the media's portrayal of parental perspectives in education. They explore the balance between digital citizenship and classroom management, and ultimately reflect on what gives them hope in the current educational landscape.

Additional resources on the topics discussed in the episode:

• Addressing mental health challenges among students in all grade levels.
  • Kid's Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of our Time,' Surgeon General Says
• Cell phone bans in schools across the country
  • Why Schools Are Racing to Ban Student Phones
  • Schools Say No to Cellphones, but is it a good idea
  • A look at state efforts to ban cell phones
• Black History Bans
  • Black History 'Underground Railroad" forms across U.S. after increase of book bans

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, LaQuinda Johnson shares her transformative journey in education, from her early influences and teaching experiences in Miami and Atlanta to her decision to leave the classroom and start Lady Quinn Enterprise. She discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching in diverse environments, the importance of building relationships with students and parents, and the rise of homeschooling among Black families, particularly during the pandemic. LaQuinda also elaborates on her own homeschooling experience with her daughter and the formation of a co-op that focuses on culturally relevant education. In this conversation, LaQuinda Johnson discusses her experiences as a homeschooling mom and entrepreneur, emphasizing the flexibility that homeschooling provides. She addresses the challenges of balancing her entrepreneurial responsibilities with her role as a mother and educator. LaQuinda also highlights the importance of socialization for homeschooled children, the benefits of homeschooling for children with disabilities, and the growing trend of African American families choosing to homeschool. She shares insights on the resources available for homeschooling families and discusses her own educational enterprise, Ladiquin Enterprise, which offers various educational services.

To reach Laquinda and learn more about company you can email her at
laquinda@ladiquinenterprise.com or visit her website at https://ladiquinenterprise.com/

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

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This is a rebroadcast of one of the most popular episodes from last season, timed to coincide with this week’s annual NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) in Denver, Colorado. Many listeners felt this episode should be mandatory listening for those attending POCC for the first time.

Join David and his distinguished guests—Bobby Edwards, Jacqui Pelzer, and Jana Dorsey—as they delve into the history, impact, and mission of the National Association of Independent Schools’ annual POCC. From its beginnings in 1986 with fewer than 200 participants to its evolution into a transformative gathering of over 9,000 educators, this episode explores the conference's growth and the creation of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC).

We discuss the vital role of POCC in fostering safe spaces for BIPOC educators, its significance in promoting equity and belonging, and the resilience required to uphold its mission amidst the challenges and attacks on DEI and on the conference itself.

Tune in for a powerful and timely conversation about one of education’s most impactful conferences.

For more information on this year's POCC checkout the link below
https://nais.org/pocc/

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David engages with three distinguished educators—Sara Rich Merlo, Jamie Lathan, and Matt Scialdone—who are dedicated to teaching American history, particularly the often-overlooked narratives from the Jim Crow South. The conversation discusses the Civil Rights Restorative Justice Project and the work they're doing to address the "harms resulting from the massive breakdown in law enforcement in the South from 1930 through 1970." The panel also discusses the importance of confronting hard histories, the role of restorative justice in education, and the necessity of honoring the victims of racial injustice through thoughtful teaching practices and community engagement. In this conversation, Sara, Jamie and Matt delve into the importance of humanizing historical narratives, particularly those involving systemic injustice and police violence. They share personal stories and teaching strategies that connect past events to present realities, emphasizing the role of primary sources in education. The discussion highlights the courage required to teach difficult histories and the profound impact this work has on students' understanding of their own identities and communities.

For more on Civil Rights Restorative Justice Project visit their website at https://crrj.org/
You can reach Sara Merlo sara.rich.merlo@gmail.com
Matt Scialdone: Waketruth.org or email him at: mscialdone@wcpss.net
Jamie Lathan: jamielathan@gmail.com

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David welcomes Sofia Gonzalez, a passionate educator and advocate for the Latino community. Sophia shares her journey from a daughter of immigrants (4:15) to becoming a teacher and nonprofit leader. She discusses the importance of cultural identity in education (00:08:39), the diversity within the Latino community, the debate around the term Latinx (16:16), and the challenges faced by Latino students and teachers (19:39). The conversation also touches on the significance of representation in education (28:37), and the initiatives of her nonprofit, Project 214 (00:43:49). Sofia shares her vision for the future of education where it is a right for all and where the voices of the Latino community are valued. (49:36).

You can contact Sofia on Twitter (X): @_sofiaspeaks and at sofiaspeaks.com

Recommended books by Sofia Gonzalez

1. Bettina Love: Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal and We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom
2. Chris Emdin: Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success
3. Shawn Ginwright: Hope and Healing in Urban Education and The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

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In this episode of The Teacher's Forum, David is joined by Dr. Roderick Carey from the University of Delaware to explore the educational experiences of Black and Latino boys in K-12 schools. Dr. Carey shares his personal journey and discusses the systemic challenges these boys face, such as disproportionate discipline and the lack of cultural representation in curricula. The episode emphasizes the importance of family, community, and educators in supporting these boys, helping them imagine their futures, and recognizing their diverse identities and talents.

Timestamps:
Roderick's Journey in Education:

• 4:13 – Early exposure to educators and passion for working with youth.
• 11:30 – Decision to pursue a doctorate after witnessing college struggles of high-achieving students.

Challenges for Black and Latino Boys in Education:

• 13:40 – Impact of standardized testing and cultural dissonance in college.
• 21:03 – Economic and familial responsibilities affecting college decisions.
• 25:48 – Systemic issues in K-12 education: disproportionate discipline and lack of representation.
• 29:46 – Adultification of Black boys and racial bias in schools.

Evolving Identities and Intersectionality:

• 40:08 – Challenging stereotypical representations of Black boys and embracing diverse identities.
• 47:23 – Gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ identities within Black communities.

Conclusion:

• 50:26 – Gratitude for mentorship and the "Finding Future Selves" resource.

Books mentioned: Bad Boys: Public Schools in the Making of Black Masculinity by Ann Arnett Ferguson
Black American Students in An Affluent Suburb (Sociocultural, Political, and Historical Studies in Education) by John Ogbu

Finding Future Selves website

Join the Conversation:
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Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

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In this special episode in honor of James Baldwin's 100th birthday we are joined by two distinguished educators, Dr. Yven Destin and Tyron Dandridge to discuss the life and works of James Baldwin and his impact on American history and fiction. They explore their personal encounters with Baldwin's work and how it has influenced their careers as educators. The conversation delves into the challenges of teaching Baldwin's work in predominantly white schools and the importance of confronting the lie of America's innocence. They also discuss the relevance of Baldwin's teachings in the current social and political climate. The conversation explores the themes of education, race, and identity through the lens of James Baldwin's work. The guests discuss the importance of teaching critical thinking and engaging in conversations about race and the lie of American exceptionalism. They also delve into Baldwin's sexuality and its impact on his writing. Dr. Destin also discusses his recently published book, What Can James Baldwin's "Little Man" Teach us About Children and Our Responsibility to Them. The conversation highlights the significance of Baldwin's legacy in inspiring future generations of students and educators. Recommended books by Baldwin include The Fire Next Time, Another Country, and the play Blues for Mr. Charlie. In addition, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie Glaude.

Additional Baldwin Resources:
"James Baldwin: The Last Interview" with Richard Goldstein
A Talk to Teachers Essay 1963
Here Be Dragons
I Am Not Your Negro (Streaming on Hulu)

Dr. Yven Destin: yven.destin@gmail.com; www.youtube.com/@BaldwinPoet
Tyren Dandridge: tyrendandridge@gmail.com

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.