The Liberated Educator

SummaryThe conversation explores the promises and perils of AI in education, focusing on the potential for AI to perpetuate the status quo or challenge it. The hosts discuss the importance of courage, commitment, and creativity in utilizing AI to dismantle inequitable barriers and create positive change. They emphasize the need for awareness, self-reflection, and self-interrogation in challenging the status quo and using AI ethically. The conversation also touches on the principles of practice for reducing bias and risk in AI tools and the importance of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different platforms. The conversation explores the use of AI in education and the potential impact on student outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating AI tools and platforms, considering their biases and potential risks. The conversation also highlights the need for ethical considerations and transparency in AI use. It discusses the role of educators as educational activists, utilizing AI to engage students in social issues and community engagement. The conclusion emphasizes the need to address existing inequities and develop digital fluencies and literacies across all disciplines.TakeawaysAI in education can either perpetuate the status quo or challenge it, depending on how it is utilized.Courage, commitment, and creativity are essential in using AI to dismantle inequitable barriers and create positive change.Awareness, self-reflection, and self-interrogation are necessary for challenging the status quo and using AI ethically.Principles of practice can help reduce bias and risk in AI tools, and it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different platforms. AI tools and platforms in education should be critically evaluated for biases and potential risks.Ethical considerations and transparency are crucial in AI use.Educators can utilize AI to engage students in social issues and community engagement.Addressing existing inequities and developing digital fluencies and literacies across all disciplines is essential.

SummaryThe conversation explores the importance of data regulation and policy in the context of AI in education. It emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the use of student data and the ethical considerations surrounding AI platforms. The hosts discuss the misconceptions about data privacy and the responsibility of educators and decision-makers to ask the right questions and provide clear information to students and parents. They also highlight the potential risks and long-term consequences of not understanding the terms of service and data usage of AI platforms. The conversation concludes with the idea of utilizing AI tools to analyze and summarize terms of service in a more understandable way.TakeawaysTransparency and accountability are crucial in the use of student data in AI platforms.Educators and decision-makers should ask the right questions and provide clear information to students and parents about data usage.Misconceptions about data privacy and AI should be addressed through education and awareness.Understanding the terms of service and data usage of AI platforms is essential to mitigate potential risks and long-term consequences.AI tools can be used to analyze and summarize terms of service in a more understandable way.

SummaryThe conversation explores the promises and perils of AI in education, with a focus on synthetic media. The hosts discuss the importance of media literacy in educational experiences and the potential dangers of creating counterfeit content. They delve into the ethical implications of AI-generated media, such as voice mimicking and video manipulation. The chapter emphasizes the need for guidance and support in using AI tools for positive purposes and encourages educators to help students find their authentic voices before utilizing synthetic media. The hosts also highlight the importance of classroom discussions and community agreements around the responsible use of AI and synthetic media.TakeawaysMedia literacy is essential in educational experiences to identify authentic and counterfeit content.AI-generated synthetic media raises ethical concerns, such as voice mimicking and video manipulation.Guidance and support are crucial in using AI tools for positive purposes and avoiding misuse.Educators should help students find their authentic voices before utilizing synthetic media.Classroom discussions and community agreements can promote the responsible use of AI and synthetic media.

SummaryThe conversation explores the promises and perils of AI in education, addressing equity, admissions, grading, student tracking, and the ethical considerations of AI. It delves into the potential impact of AI on high-stakes decisions in schools and the need for transparency, accountability, and human involvement in the decision-making process.TakeawaysAI in education has the potential to address equity issues but also poses ethical challenges.High-stakes decisions in schools, such as admissions and grading, require transparency, accountability, and human involvement.The use of AI in education must be carefully considered to avoid perpetuating existing biases and inequalities.The conversation highlights the need for a critical examination of the impact of AI on education and the importance of leveraging technology for good with authenticity and transparency.

SummaryThe conversation between Ken Shelton and Dee Lanier explores the promises and perils of AI in education, focusing on the digital divide, equity, and the ethical use of AI tools. The discussion delves into the impact of AI on access, opportunity, and learning outcomes, highlighting the disparities that exist and the potential for AI to promote equity and inclusion in education.TakeawaysAI in education has the potential to address the digital divide and promote equity and inclusion in learning environments.The ethical use of AI tools in education is crucial for ensuring fair access and opportunity for all students.The disparities in access to AI tools and resources can perpetuate existing inequities in education, highlighting the need for informed decision-making and community involvement.AI can be leveraged to provide personalized feedback, diagnostic assessment, and formative assessment, contributing to improved learning outcomes and student success.

SummaryThe conversation explores the promises and perils of AI in education, focusing on bias, data sets, and the impact on students of color. It delves into the ethical considerations and offers solutions for addressing bias in AI. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging bias, critically evaluating AI systems, and incorporating critical and analytical information literacy strategies.TakeawaysAI in education presents both promises and perils, particularly in relation to bias and its impact on students of color.The bias in AI is influenced by the data sets used and the curation of that data, highlighting the need for critical evaluation and oversight.Addressing bias in AI requires acknowledging its existence, developing authentication mechanisms, and incorporating critical and analytical information literacy strategies.Bringing diverse perspectives to the table and utilizing AI as a conversation partner can help in addressing bias and working toward positive change in education.Sound Bites"Examining bias in educational artificial intelligence is important.""The bias in AI tends to manifest in large language models and image generators.""The school to prison network: a direct connection between schools and systems treating black and brown bodies as disposable."This episode was produced in conjunction with Chillhop Music. Song listing and credits are below: 

SummaryThis conversation explores the promises and perils of AI in education, focusing on equity, ethics, and the impact on students and staff of color. It delves into the rush to claim expertise, the ethical use of technology, and the struggle between short-term gains and long-term benefits. The discussion also covers the concepts of AI, machine learning, large language models, and generative AI, highlighting the potential for both positive and concerning outcomes.Sound Bites"AI, is it important for the equity we seek? Giving teachers what they want, providing students what they need.""Moving fast does not always mean being first, does not always equal being fast.""Am I sacrificing long-term benefits for short-term gains?"TakeawaysExploration of the promises and perils of AI in education, with a focus on equity and ethicsConsideration of the rush to claim expertise and the ethical use of technologyDiscussion of the struggle between short-term gains and long-term benefitsInsight into the concepts of AI, machine learning, large language models, and generative AIThe production is in partnership with Chillhop Music. Song List and Credits are listed below: 

Though our time seemed short in New Orleans, LA this year, it was very important to take the tame and get a recording with none other than Leon Tynes, @ISTE ‘18 Award, @NatGeoEducation GTF,  @Fulbrightteach, #PBSDigitalInnovator & @thehenryford Innov Award winner. Dee and Ken were able to catch Leon downstairs and this is what they were able to talk about...Produced by 414 Media Music by Chillhop Records. 

In absence of Ken, I get to join this very special conversation about fatherhood with our featured guest, Daryl Johnson. 

It's been a busy season for the the Liberated Educator Podcast crew. Books, Keynotes, Production events, you name it, but it was an honor to set down with the one and only Yaritza Villalba to create to enjoy a little CPT of our own.Enjoy Part 2 of the conversation.President and Founder of YV Educational Resources Inc. 501(c)3, Yaritza Villalba has twelve years of experience in education. She started her career teaching Social Studies to high school students in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York.  Throughout the years she has developed culturally relevant resources for teachers and parents. She later became an Assistant Principal of an Expeditionary Learning School where she furthered her knowledge of project based learning and mastery based assessments. Yaritza is currently an Educator Innovation Lead (EIL) at Flipgrid, Microsoft. Her overall mission is to provide an array of strategies and resources that spark critical thinking and meaningful conversations in and out of the classroom. Website: https://www.mckenziesadventures.com/Twitter: @inc_yv  |   @M_Time_Machine

It's been a busy season for the the Liberated Educator Podcast crew. Books, Keynotes, Production events, you name it, but it was an honor to set down with the one and only Yaritza Villalba to create to enjoy a little CPT of our own. Enjoy the conversation. President and Founder of YV Educational Resources Inc. 501(c)3, Yaritza Villalba has twelve years of experience in education. She started her career teaching Social Studies to high school students in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York.  Throughout the years she has developed culturally relevant resources for teachers and parents. She later became an Assistant Principal of an Expeditionary Learning School where she furthered her knowledge of project based learning and mastery based assessments. Yaritza is currently an Educator Innovation Lead (EIL) at Flipgrid, Microsoft. Her overall mission is to provide an array of strategies and resources that spark critical thinking and meaningful conversations in and out of the classroom.  Website: https://www.mckenziesadventures.com/Twitter: @inc_yv  |   @M_Time_Machine

Since we have all been traveling, we just picked up the phone and just chopped it up over what we were looking at. This conversation just happened to be a reaction the the Juwan Howard, the Head Coach Basketball Coach at Michigan, being suspended for... well, you'll have to look it up. 

Welcome back to the pod, Ken and Dee finally catch up after traveling to spread the liberation gospel and hop on to have another classic conversation over coffee while breaking down. C: Catching UpP:  Part of the realityT:  Trouble the narrative

Troubling the narative is what they do and they end up talking about it in most conversation among friends. In this episode, Ken and Dee pick up the phone and have a CPT convo over...C: Carter WoodsonP: PauseT: TimePlease enjoy!

Happy New Year! Yeah, we are just now saying it to you all. But it's like we always say, we not late talking about it, you're just late hearing it. So, this is the first of many episodes for 2022. Please enjoy another casual CPT convo between Ken and Dee as they pontificate C: Continuation P: ProgressT: TenacityBooks referenced in this episode: Native Son - Richard Wright12 Million Black Voices - Richard Wright Invisible Man - Ralph EllisonLetters From a Birmingham Jail -Martin Luther King Jr. The Sword and The Shield -  Peniel E. JosephThe Eyes Are Watching God - Zora Neale HurstonThe Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Narrated by Laurence Fishburne Guides to use for MLKJr Studies: Civil Rights Edition  https://flipgrid.com/87756af3 

Where do you draw the line?Resident host, Victoria Thompson joins Dee and Ken to have a CPT convo on Chaos, Perturbed, and Trouble in the water. Victoria also provides some tips to help you step away for a bit to put yourself in your own calming room. Music produced by Nicop Records, reuse for profit is prohibited.➤

One reason why Dee and Ken are able to easily have compelling conversations is because they genuinely care about one another. So, for this episode, the fellas talk about men's health and health in general in regards. C: CareP: Propping UpT: Time for a check up. Music produced by Nicop Records, reuse for profit is prohibited.➤

Part Deux or Due of Season 2 opening CPT conversation, CPT Part Two. This part of the conversation, Dee and Ken look at the conflation of CRT as many mix Critical Race Theory with Culturally Responsive Teaching with the dubbed Chris Rufo Theory. Take a ride around the globe as the brothers use language to tie in the part 2 discussion. Music produced by Nicop Records, reuse for profit is prohibited.➤

After some much needed time off, Ken and Dee are back for season 2 of the Liberated Educator Podcast produced by Brian Romero Smith Sr of 4:13Media. In this episode, the CPT in centered around the misconceptions around CRT and using the Riverside High School teacher viral video as a catalyst to analyze the truths behind the current argument in schools. This is part 1 of 2 conversations around the subject. Listen and learn as we continue to grow toward collective liberation. Music provide by Nicop Records, reuse for profit is prohibited.➤

Our resident host, Victoria Thompson is back to close out Season 1 of The Liberated Educator Podcast. She joins Dee and Ken in a personal CPT conversation over: C:CrypticP: PlatitudesT: TakeawaysAnd yes, there is a Real Housewives reference...

It's that time of year, back to school season is happening across the country and Ken and Dee would like to welcome all educators back to the journey toward liberation. This is the next to last episode of Season 1, so let's see if you can pick out the CPT in the conversation. Hint, one maybe Toxic Positivity.

Have you ever gone to someone to ask a question, but then your entire perspective on life changes with that one answer? Well, that is how many feel when chatting with Monica Isabel Martinez. In this episode the CPT conversation connects the passions and commonalities Ken, Dee and Monica share over: C: CreativaP: PostersT: Time SpentMonica Isabel Martinez is the EDU Content Manager for Google overseeing the Teacher Center. She is an educational technology speaker, leads educator professional development on technology integration, and supports districts with Google Workspace deployments. Monica has a master's degree in Educational Technology, is a published author, designer and photographer.Please share social media handles, website links, and any resources you would like shared on the show notes:Twitter @mimg1225Instagram @monicaisabelmtzInstagram @mpowerdesigns

Guess what, Jim O'Hagan is back to chop it up with Dee and Ken as they continue their CPT conversation on. C: Choice P: PlayT: TransparencyJames O'Hagan is a leader in connecting and promoting esports in education. He has had a role in starting and growing esports teams in two large urban school districts. He actively promotes esports as being a medium to something more for students beyond the games. His podcast, The Academy of Esports delves into topics surrounding esports and education and connecting into powerful ideas to increase student agency, motivation, and college and career pathways. James is a doctoral candidate at Northern Illinois University in the field of instructional technology and a mostly retired rugby player.Specialties: Esports, Virtual Learning, Education Technology, 1:1 Deployments, Instructional Design, Transformative Technology, Project Planning, Learning Space Evaluation, Libraries

Bust nounnoun: bust; plural noun: bustsa worthless thing."Was Kwame Brown a bust?"You know how it is when you walk into a room and a deep conversation is already taken place and you just get sucked into participating? Well, that's what happened during the scheduled recording Ken and Dee had with Jim O'Hagen. In this episode, you get the chance to hear what happens while we get ready to record, either before the guest comes in or with the guest. It doesn't matter, there is always a debate of some sort before I push record.   This debate is over the conflict between Kwame Brown and the media over rather or not his career was a bust. Jim O'hagan joins in on the fun which serves as a Part 1 to a very meaningful CPT conversation overC: ChoiceP: PlayT: TransparencyJames O'Hagan is a leader in connecting and promoting esports in education. He has had a role in starting and growing esports teams in two large urban school districts. He actively promotes esports as being a medium to something more for students beyond the games. His podcast, The Academy of Esports delves into topics surrounding esports and education and connecting into powerful ideas to increase student agency, motivation, and college and career pathways. James is a doctoral candidate at Northern Illinois University in the field of instructional technology and a mostly retired rugby player.Specialties: Esports, Virtual Learning, Education Technology, 1:1 Deployments, Instructional Design, Transformative Technology, Project Planning, Learning Space Evaluation, Libraries

When you know better, you do better. Yet, some people simply fight trying to be in the know. On This episode of The Liberated Educator Podcast, Dee and Ken welcome our good friend, Dr. Sheldon Eakins, Founder of the Leading Equity Center and Host of the Leading Equity Podcast for a CPT conversation addressing...C: Critical Race Theory and people's misconceptionsP: Podcasting - How it has help not only amplify the work in equity, but increase the knowledge and confidence to be able to impact changeT: Training Day - the responsibility of once you gain the knowledge, you have to find ways to teach others. Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D. is the Founder of the Leading Equity Center and host of the Leading Equity Podcast. With over 11 years in education, he has served as a teacher, principal, and Director of Special Education. Dr. Eakins has a passion for helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. He has earned a B.S. degree in Social Science Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Education. Twitter: @sheldoneakins  | IG: @sheldoneakins Website: www.leadingequitycenter.com

Some times we just need to just sit back and listen. That's exactly what was needed for this episode where Ken and Dee sit down and provide a platform for Dr. Sawsan Jaber to simple speak over this episode's CPT:C: Counter StoryP: PalestineT: Take ActionDr. Sawsan Jaber is a global educator of 20+ years. She has held a variety of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Jaber is currently a high school English teacher at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park. She founded Education Unfiltered Consulting. She works with schools around the country on curriculum mapping, strategic planning, custom tailoring a social justice curriculum for schools, and anti-bias training. Dr. Jaber is a Board Director of Our Voice Alliance (OVA) charged with amplifying the voices of teachers of color to create more equity for students of color. She completed her Ph.D. with a focus on inclusion and belonging of students from marginalized communities. Additionally, Sawsan is one of the founders of the Arab American Education Network (AAEN). She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has focused most of her research on engaging students in equity work and advocating for Arab and Muslim students. She offers the experience of being a member of a minority group as the daughter of refugees from Deir Yasin, Palestine. Sawsan is a lifelong learner in an ever changing world. Dr. Jaber has been featured in several conferences and podcasts.Connect with Dr. JaberTwitter: @SjeducateSawsan Jaber on FBEducationUnfiltered on IG

Episode 28 has Dee flying solo as he chats with long time friend and EduMatch Founder, Sarah Thomas, Ph.D. or Sarahdateechur as we affectionally know her as. Sarah Thomas, PhD is a Regional Technology Coordinator in a large district in Maryland, and the founder of EduMatch, a project that empowers educators to make global connections across common areas of interest.  She has spoken and presented internationally, participated in the Technical Working Group to refresh the 2017 ISTE Standards for Educators, and is a recipient of the 2017 ISTE Making IT Happen award.  She is also an Affiliate Professor at Loyola University in Maryland. Sarah is a co-author of the ISTE Digital equity series, Closing the Gap.En Francais:Sarah Thomas, PhD est une dans le comté écoles publiques de Prince George dans le Maryland aux États Unis. Elle est aussi certifiée Innovator et Entraîneuse de Google et la fondatrice du mouvement EduMatch, un projet qui permet aux éducateurs d'établir des connexions mondiales à travers les zones d'intérêt commun. Elle a présenté au niveau international, participé au Groupe de travail technique pour rafraîchir les normes 2017 ISTE pour les éducateurs et est récipiendaire du prix ISTE Making IT Happen de 2017. En espanol:Sarah Thomas, PhD es Coordinadora Regional de Tecnología de las escuelas públicas en el Distrito Prince George. Cuenta con los certificados de Google Certified Innovator, Google Education Trainer. Fundadora del movimiento EduMatch, proyecto que empodera a los educadores a tener conexiones globales de sus áreas de interés. Se ha presentado internacionalmente, participado en el grupo Technological Working para actualizar los Estándares Educativos de ISTE para 2017, es ganadora del premio 2017 ISTE Making IT Happen. Connect With SarahTwitter | Instagram | @sarahdateechur (all my socials)EduMatch.orgedumatchpublsihing.comedumatchfoundation.orgedumatchcourses.comedumatchlearning.comMusic: 

It's been said that hope is the seed of liberation and that can't be any more true after Dee and Ken got the chance to sit and chat with Emmanuel and Adrienne Threatt, the husband-and-wife team with the goal of bringing awareness, hope and real solutions to the homeless epidemic in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. Therefore spreading Hope Vibes throughout! For this CPT conversation, the bustle in the booth is over - C: Community EngagementP: PovertyT: Tent CityHope Vibes was founded as a 501c3 organization in 2016 by the husband-and-wife team of Emmanuel and Adrienne Threatt with the goal of bringing awareness, hope and real solutions to the homeless epidemic in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. The seeds of Hope Vibes were planted on the couple's very first date more than a decade ago. Walking though uptown Charlotte and seeing individuals sleeping on the ground, the couple was moved emotionally and vowed then to “do more for our homeless neighbors.” It was an idea that took root that evening and would eventually blossom years later as Hope Vibes. When it was first established, the Threatts sought to provide dignity to homeless neighbors through access to personal hygiene products and services. The couple came across a video about women dealing with their menstrual cycle while living on the streets with no access to feminine hygiene products, and the story struck a nerve. It is a part of the experience of being homeless that had never crossed the founders' minds, and galvanized them to do something about it. Informal days of service, bringing donated hygiene items to areas where individuals tended to gather, soon gave way to more a formal approach to street outreach. What started as a few volunteers gathering together occasionally grew into a movement of passionate advocates meeting the second Saturday of each month for Serve Days. In the years since, hundreds of Charlotte residents have participated in Serve Days. By 2018, the organization was distributing 1,500 hygiene packs, 10,000 feminine hygiene products, 200 winter items and 80 tents, tarps and blankets to homeless neighbors in need. Hope Vibes has always had direct service to homeless neighbors in need as the base of the organization's work. Meeting needs head-on is at the heart of the organization's work, with an aim to “stop talking about helping and instead roll up sleeves and get to work.” It is also how the organization builds trust with the homeless neighbors they wish to serve.  A long-held goal for the organization was the development of a mobile shower and laundry center aimed at providing dignity for neighbors experiencing homelessness. Dubbed the Hope Tank, the organization spent nearly two years raising the funds to make the concept a reality, along the way testingFor more information go to HopeVibes.orgAlso check out the followingThe Hope TankThe HopeStead Community - Coming SoonConnect with the Hope VibesTwitter   Facebook    Instagram    TikTok @hopevibesclt

You are in for a special treat and special guest Joe Truss joins the CPT conversation to dismantle a few things likeC: Culture ConferencesP: Putting Policy To PracticeT: The Truss TransitionRegardless of the alliteration, you need to pay close attention to the knowledge passed down on this drop. Joe Truss is committed to dismantling white supremacy culture in schools. He is married to a High School teacher and a father of 2, soon to be 3 children. He brings 16 years of education experience, and originally grew up in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. A first-generation college student, he graduated from UC Berkeley, before attending Tufts University where he got his teaching credential. He began as a high school Spanish teacher in East Oakland. After attending UC Berkeley's PLI program, he started school leadership work and now has been the Principal of Visitacion Valley Middle School in SFUSD, for 6 years. There, he has worked to grow Project Based Learning, restorative practices, and reading intervention. In 2018, he started his blog CulturallyResponsiveLeadership.com, where he writes about school leadership and racial equity. He also offers workshops on antiracism and provides team coaching. Last summer he trained over 3000 educators and has presented keynotes to nearly 10,000. He works to empower educators to engineer for equity.Dismantling White Supremacy Culture in Schools Conference 2021June 14th-18thwww.DismantleWSC.comTwitter: @TrussLeadership

This is a first, a game show embedded in the Liberated Educator Podcast as Ken and Dee welcome their good friend Jesse Lubinsky to the pod. Check out this conversation as the boys make some interesting correlations to education with the CPT for this episode. C: Comics - The influence in today's social cultureP: Prince - Yes, the artist formally known asT: Trademark - Is it giving credit due or credit to? Jesse Lubinsky is currently the Chief Learning Officer of Ready Learner One LLC and has nearly 20 years of public school experience as a teacher and administrator. He is co-author of “Reality Bytes: Innovative Learning Using Augmented and Virtual Reality” (January 2020) and "The Esports Education Playbook: Empowering Every Learner Through Inclusive Gaming" (November 2020). He is also a co-host of the Partial Credit Podcast and the Ready Learner One Lounge, a virtual reality show focused on innovations in teaching and learning. He is a Google Certified Innovator & Trainer,  a CoSN Certified Education Technology Leader, an Adjunct Professor of Education Technology at Pace University, a member of the Google Earth Education Experts team, and a frequent keynote speaker and presenter who has recently done educational technology presentations across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. Twitter: @Jlubinsky

Just a phone call away, Dee and Ken simply get together to have real conversations that just need to be recorded. This episode is just that, two brothers chopping it up for some good CPT with one another, this time covering: C: Consumption - Do we blame the producer or the consumerP: Playing Both Sides - the difficult yet typical straddle in education T: Teaching To Think - Are you taking the Blue or Red pillMusic: All can be found and licensed at Soundstripe.com (Use the code TLEP20 for 10% off a yearly or monthly subscription) 

It's the #Bonnerville episode that we have been trying to get done for a while! Ken and Dee sit down with Michael Bonner and mix it this CPT convo to address: C: Community - The desperate need for it.P: Power - That needs to be created.T: Transformation - What we all need to go throughMichael Bonner is A teacher infusing innovation into education by focusing on SEL and critical thinking. Teacher - @ronclarkacademy  International Speaker - @premierespeakersMusic: The Musical Hermit

Ladies and gentle, right out the gate please welcome back Fernando Chavez for Part 2, this time while Dee is in the booth as well. Together with Ken, the fellas have a really engaging CPT convo over: C: Competition - Exposing the unfair competition in education and calling our the setup that it is. P: Policy - Not being conducive for those who will speak up against the inequities and that's why they'll never be...T: Teacher of the Year - It's truly an unfair competition and not meant to truly identify those who start from way behind the line in a staggered start to the 100-yard dash. But remember this work towards liberation is a marathon, not a sprint. Fernando Chavez, MA, NBCTBorn in Los Angeles, California, and growing up in what is considered a low-income/at-risk community section of the San Fernando Valley, overcoming systematic obstacles has been at the forefront of Fernando's empowerment. Being a child of undocumented immigrants, Fernando used education and a vehicle to access, equity, and empowerment. After graduating from UCLA with a BA in Sociology, he decided to pursue his passion which was (and continues to be) empowering, inspiring, and motivating traditionally marginalized youth. He received a credential in Exceptional Needs and a MA in Multicultural/Multilingual Education from California State University, Northridge. Concurrently with his masters, he became a National Board Certified Teacher. As a teacher of Diverse Learners (Special Education and ESL), Fernando has empowered and motivated scores of students to see their true potential. He has taken his experiences academically and professionally to develop students of diverse backgrounds, support his colleagues, and champion positive change both locally and nationally.  His keynote centered around understanding the contemporary diverse learner. He speaks to challenges students face and pushes the thinking of educators by having them reflect on their implicit bias and pedagogical approach. Email: FChavez1980@gmail.comTwitter: @uclafernMusic: The Musical Hermit 

In celebration of #WomenHistoryMonth, Victoria Thompson comes back to the podcast to provide a rich touch to the CPT conversation around - C: Cross Stitching - Who does that? Or, what hobbies do you have that allow you to escape for sanity sake without having to turn it into a side hustle.  P: Passing - What are you really doing with the time you have and does it have value in taking the best care of yourselfT: Trauma Porn - Knowing when enough is enough and setting those boundaries to what is not acceptable for your self-preservation in triggering moments. As you know, You can find more information about Victoria and connect with her resources at Welcome to VictoriaTheTech including her phenomenal blog and STEM Cooking ResourcesMusic - The Musica Hermit 

Thank you for listening to The Liberated Educator Podcast with Dee Lanier and Ken Shelton. In this episode, the phenomenal Nadia Moshtagh Razi joins the CTP conversation covering C: Curriculum Design - Taking a look at having to design an African American Literature course from scratch while critiquing Literary Canon that is absent of black voices and perspectives. P: Power - Acknowledging that teachers have not been trained adequately to understand the history of racism is a challenge to who has the power. T: Technology - The intentional use of Nadia's Hyperdocs, with the support of the HyperDoc girls (Hey Ladies), to create authentic learning experiences around black culture in literature. Nadia Moshtagh Razi teaches Freshman English, African American Literature, and AVID at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California. She is a SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) leader, a level 2 Google Certified Educator, and a blended learning and HyperDoc expert. She has led initiatives throughout her district promoting equitable practices for students of color and LGBTQ+ students and advised the BSU and GSA student clubs. She is a Teach Plus California Senior Policy Fellow, publishing research and legislation on culturally-affirming school environments and teacher diversity. She earned a BA in English Literature and an MEd in Teaching & Learning from the University of California, San Diego.Twitter- @_MsRaziWebsite- NadiaRazi.comHyperdoc Girls  - Lisa Highfill (@lhighfill) Kelly Hilton (@kellyihilton)Kelly Hilton (@kellyihilton)Music - The Musica Hermit 

Special Guest James F. Ford joins Ken and Dee for this CPT conversation motivated by the article, "Will North Carolina Continue to Whitewash History for its Student?" released on January 28.  Listen in as they discuss:C: Curriculum -  “Our job here is not to rescue America from constructive critique or to project optimism.” - James Ford You can't teach history without history being told, the good and the bad. P: Politics - In the absence of good faith actors in education, it's critical that we understand Ed Policy and the power that comes with that knowledge. T: Truth - Regardless if we are seeing the same thing on the same channel in the same room, people will still find a way to deny the truth in order to protect their history of lies. And this is especially true in education.  

This week, special guest host, Fernando Chavez, steps into the booth to fill in for Dee while on vacation. Ken and Fernando dive into a complex CPT convo covering...C: Cheating - Is the game fair when it comes to calling foul when using references and resources in the same way as condemning privilege as an advantage when it comes to education? P: Productivity - Trading - How does the latest hoarding of wealth by hedge funds present itself as a perverse idea while we still have homelessness in America?  That and more on Ep 20 on The Liberated Educator Podcast. Fernando Chavez, MA, NBCTBorn in Los Angeles, California, and growing up in what is considered a low-income/at-risk community section of the San Fernando Valley, overcoming systematic obstacles has been at the forefront of Fernando's empowerment. Being a child of undocumented immigrants, Fernando used education and a vehicle to access, equity, and empowerment. After graduating from UCLA with a BA in Sociology, he decided to pursue his passion which was (and continues to be) empowering, inspiring, and motivating traditionally marginalized youth. He received a credential in Exceptional Needs and a MA in Multicultural/Multilingual Education from California State University, Northridge. Concurrently with his masters, he became a National Board Certified Teacher. As a teacher of Diverse Learners (Special Education and ESL), Fernando has empowered and motivated scores of students to see their true potential. He has taken his experiences academically and professionally to develop students of diverse backgrounds, support his colleagues, and champion positive change both locally and nationally.  His keynote centered around understanding the contemporary diverse learner. He speaks to challenges students face and pushes the thinking of educators by having them reflect on their implicit bias and pedagogical approach. Email: FChavez1980@gmail.comTwitter: @uclafern

Special guest Rohiatou Siby blesses the studio for this CPT conversation coveringC - Celebrating Black Excellence (It starts with a C.): Ken, Dee, and Rohiatou discuss the importance of ensuring Black History month is more than 28 days of observance, but a launchpad into recognizing and celebrating black excellence throughout the year. P - Pantera Negra: Dee reveals his feels toward the celebration of black excellence in The Black Panther while viewing it in a foreign country. Is it the same? T - Tubmans: Will the government truly change the $20 to depict the great Harriett Tubman. What will you do with your first Tubman? Rohiatou (@Siby_Rohiatou ) is a life-long learner, educator, artist, and mentor committed to centering the health and well-being of traditionally marginalized learners. Her work in education spans over a decade as a performing arts educator and instructional coach where she taught and created programming in both traditional school settings and renowned performing arts institutions. After receiving her B.F.A in Theater Arts/Dance from her beloved Howard University, Rohiatou was selected to participate in The Lincoln Center Scholars' inaugural cohort. Since obtaining her Masters in Educational Leadership, Rohiatou has been hard at work, with a group of brilliant women, designing a school for Black and Brown girls, while working as a blended learning coach with LINC.  

For this week's CPT, Ken and Dee spill what's in their coffee with some celebration of the peace on Twitter then quickly jump into a conversation aroundC - Credibility: Do you partner with folks based on the idea of taking advantage of their status or are you amplifying their voice? P - Pirating: Is there damage done when taking from the works of educators and passing it as your own. How does that impact the voices of the marginalized? T - TpT: Who's the blame the system or the people... Well, you just have to listen for this one. 

Special guest Val Brown graces the mic as Ken and Dee chop it up over the idea of a...C: Culture or Civil War - the time that we are in, overly exposed by Jan6 by why aren't we recognizing this by denying the opportunity to talk about what's happening.P: Privilege - The exposure to the fact that it is Privilege that affords people the escape clause to not have to talk about difficult conversations. T:  Terrorism - Is it right to equate acts of politically motivated means to attack or coercion to something that many people cannot see themselves associated with? How can all of this lead to our Collective Liberation? Val Brown is a professional development facilitator for a national non-profit. Her role primarily includes designing, facilitating, and evaluating anti-bias professional development for educators across the country.In December 2016, Val founded #ClearTheAir.  #ClearTheAir is a body of educators who believe that community, learning, and dialogue are essential to personal and professional growth. Val believes education is a vehicle for social change and encourages educators to engage in public discourse about critical topics because it allows them to learn with and from others.For 14 years prior to joining her current organization, Val worked in the public K-12 education and higher education sector as a teacher, instructional coach, district administrator, and professional learning specialist. Her other professional interests include instructional coaching, teacher leadership, and educator pathways.Val received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Florida and holds an M.Ed. from Florida Atlantic University and an M.A. from the University of Central Florida in Multicultural Education and Education Leadership, respectively. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Curriculum, Teaching, and Teacher Education at the University of Florida. Support from the good folks at the Center for Teaching Quality and #EduColor were influential in her finding her voice.She is also a wife and mother. You can read about her family's antics on Twitter.

The CPT for this episode brings our favorite Tech Rabbi, Michael Cohen, into the booth to address:C - Cancel Culture, especially in the EDU Twitter space when trying to balance accountability, denial, and do we Call In or simply Call out. P - Propogation - the fuel people use to widely spread the hate and the hurt instead of just keep scrollingT - Tikkun Olam - using this opportunity to heal and repair while working toward liberation. Special Guest Michael Cohen, The Tech Rabbi, is a designer, educator, and creativity instigator. His mission is to help educators around the world reveal their own creative abilities so they can empower students to solve interesting problems and become positive contributors to our global society. He is the author of the book Educated By Design, which outlines his principles for revealing and nurturing our innate creative courage and capacity. He is a national keynote speaker, advisor, and trainer. When he isn't traveling the world sharing his message, he serves as the director of innovation for Yeshiva University of Los Angeles Boys School (YULA) where he manages and teaches at the Schlesinger STEAM and Entrepreneurship Center.@TheTechRabbi on Twitter and Instagram 

For today's CPT conversation, Dee and Ken open up 2021 withC: Capitol Hillbillies:  Revisiting the insurrection of January 6 and simply calling it as it is while reflecting on the historical correlations.  P: Pence - This segment covers others attempting to distance themselves from Trump instead of acknowledging that they have been complicit in all of this. And for our T: Triggering - The dog whistle statement shared by Trump on Twitter as well as the overall triggering nature of seeing police not being present and taking selfies and being gentle with the worst of offenses against our federal governmentOnce again, this month, we celebrate the musical accomplishments of the talented artist on Soundstripe, our favorite music licensing site. Use the LiberatedEducator link to get 10% off a yearly or monthly subscription if you like what you hear. 

For this week's CPT conversation, Victoria Thompon (@VictoriaTheTech)  graces the microphone and joins, well goes in deep with Ken and Dee this week as they explore the Exploitation of Empathy (to light a fire to the convo!) and it's on from there.

The CPT conversation in this episode hits on...Conferences: Representation and responsiveness was looking sexy for a min, but the regression is already visible. https://twitter.com/cueinc/status/1334270638429622273/photo/1PBL:Dee- Problem-based vs Project-based Learning. Problems vs puzzles.Testing:Standardized testing is a joke!Get ready for some

Well, it's about time the fellas talked about COVID-19 in CPT conversation. In this chat, Dee and Ken explore the impact COVID-19 has had globally and how an ounce of prevention beats... well you know the rest. The conversation also reaches the Trump level and his level of intentionalism with statements made post-election and pre-vaccination.  This episode also celebrates the musical accomplishments of the talented artist on Soundstripe our favorite music licensing site. Use the LiberatedEducator link to get 10% off a yearly or monthly subscription if you like what you hear. 

The CPT conversation for this episode explores the unpopular Cultural Appropriation season that encapsulates the colonialism in music and the holiday season. Host Ken Shelton @K_Shelton and Dee Lanier @DeeLanierProduced by Brian Romero Smith Sr. @BrianRSmithSr.Theme song by Mervin "Spectac" Jenkins @JenkyJenksShow References: Why Is Everyone Always Stealing Black MusicNew York Times Magazine, written by Wesley Morris"What a Fool Believes" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The best-known version was recorded by The Doobie Brothers (with McDonald singing lead vocals) for their 1978 album Minute by Minute. The single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979, remaining in that position for one week The song received Grammy Awards in 1980 for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year."What a Fool Believes" was one of the few non-disco No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 during 1979. The song lyrics tell a story of a man who is reunited with an old love interest and attempts to rekindle a romantic relationship with her before discovering that one never really existed.Michael Jackson claimed to have contributed at least one backing track to the original Doobie Brothers recording but was not credited for having done so"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."It's official: Virginia is now the fourth state to ban hair discrimination  ..."the CROWN Act, and if we can't help to get this passed in all 50 states it will help stories like DeAndre Arnold's a senior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas, made headlines after he was told he couldn't walk at graduation unless he cut his dreadlocks to comply with the school's dress code. UPS to Allow Natural Black Hairstyles and Facial HairThe Suppressed Speech Native American Girls Describe the REAL History Behind Thanksgiving | Teen Vogue

In today's CPT conversation, Ken and Dee dive into a debate about black people's aversion to the great outdoors and swimming and the historical connection to the trauma attached to it. 

The Election had to be talked about. Episode 7 is an example of what happens when Dee and Ken get together to simply chop it up and I just so happen to hit the record button. To provide a CPT context, EP 7 covers where we are in the realms of Count the Vote and the nuances within the process, the Progress that we are to build upon with the response to the results, and truly if Time Will Tell if we learn anything from this. With each Bonus episode, we feature a BIPOC musical artist throughout the conversation. This time, we highlight 1 new and 1 old in certain parts of the conversation. We didn't want to dilute the conversation by any means. Music credit:Yellopain - "My Vote Will Count (feat. Sevyn Streeter)"Ray Charles - "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" 

Why do some comedians simply make us laugh and how do others make us both laugh and think? Should there be a difference? Why does it matter? For today's CPT conversation, Ken and Dee look at Comedic Thinking and Laughing in the way culture plays a role in determining who can and can not laugh. Philadelphia tragedy comes up for our P, where the fellas look at how the lack of utilizing all options to de-escalate a situation plays in the continued absurdity of what policing looks like.  And finally, Trauma-Informed Decision Making and how trying to exert our authority only makes matters worse. References made during today's episode: David Letterman Interview with Dave ChappellePhiladelphia TragedyShow produced by @BrianRSmitSrTheme Song penned by Merving "Spectac" Jenkins

We couldn't help it!  Ice Cube's Contract with Black America made us do it! This week is another break from the normal CPT conversation as Ken and Dee discuss the various nuances embedded in the global response to Ice Cube's 13-point contract. This emotional conversation also reflects what happens when the record button stays on and the fellas just lay it all out. When we drop bonus episodes, we also like to highlight musical artists from the Soundstripe platform. In the spotlight for this episode is grammy award winner, Sam Barsh.  As a songwriter, producer, and keyboardist whose work has been awarded 3 GRAMMY awards and 11 Gold and Platinum certifications, Sam has written and/or produced over 175 commercially released songs and appeared on over 100 recordings to date, including 3 #1 albums on the Billboard 200. He co-wrote the smash Aloe Blacc song The Man, which sold 4 million singles worldwide and reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. His work as a songwriter and keyboardist on Kendrick Lamar's Platinum-certified album “To Pimp A Butterfly” has won 3 GRAMMY Awards and a nomination for Album of the Year. Barsh's work on Anderson .Paak's groundbreaking album “Malibu,” BJ the Chicago Kid's “In My Mind” and Ledisi's “Let Love Rule” has garnered an additional 3 Grammy Nominations. So as you enjoy the conversation, appreciate the tone set by the musical talents of Sam Barsh. 

For today's CPT conversation, Dee and Ken discuss what is truly behind the removal of Confederate symbols in regards to erasing history and how the salvaging of said monuments lends to bias and misleading support, as well as the lasting impact that it has on society as a whole.