Warriors of Education Podcast

On Season 2 Episode 16- I speak to Andrew Jordan Nance author of the children's book Puppy Mind and mindfulness educator. We speak about the connection to theatre education and mindfulness training, the benefits of meditation and how young minds really take to this work. "Mindfulness is breathtaking!" Andrew Jordan Nance has been an educator since 1990. He is the author of four published books; The Barefoot King, The Lion in Me, Mindful Arts in the Classroom, and the bestseller, Puppy Mind. He is the founder of Mindful Arts San Francisco; a program of the San Francisco Education Fund that provides volunteer mindfulness educators to teach in SF public schools.  On KTVU's SF Loves Learning Mr. Nance was the featured Mindfulness Teacher and his adapted five-episode series of Puppy Mind premiered on KTVU and is distributed to school districts around the country. For almost thirty years he taught performing arts to students from diverse backgrounds, and for eighteen years he was the Conservatory Director at San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center. Nance is also an award-winning actor and director. He is on the board of directors of several educational nonprofit organizations including Mindful Life Project in Richmond, California and San Francisco's New Conservatory Theater Center. He is the recipient of the Points of Light Award, a national honor recognizing his volunteer efforts to bring mindfulness to youth. You can find Andrew on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as Andrew Jordan Nance

This week on Season 2 Episode 15, I speak to Dawn Le Roux a teacher in Mauritius, an island off of the coast of Madagascar and author of the book Ripple Effects- You're Not Crazy: Teaching In A New Era, about how teachers can create systematic change through rewriting the "good teacher" narrative, building an internal sanctuary, becoming comfortable in conflict and establishing clear boundaries. After dealing with her final burnout during the pandemic Dawn faced the choice of choosing herself or choosing teaching. We learn about how she overcame her burnout and in turn wrote a book about this journey Dawn teaches Biology, Environmental Sciences, and General Sciences to ages 12-18. She was the youngest appointee as departmental Head of Science at the age of 27, and has successfully led the department from strength to strength since she took up the position in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Sciences (Hons) from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, specialising in Human Sciences and Neuropsychology. She lives in Mauritius with her family  

On Season 2, Episode 14 We head to Surrey, England to speak to secondary language teacher Daniela Florio. We talk about the similarities and differences between how the US handled education during covid and what was happening in the UK. "What we were hearing was that the US was leading the world in online learning" while things were very different than that here in the US. Daniela Florio came to Surrey from Italy in 1992. She has taught languages in several secondary schools. In addition she teaches Italian as well as Italian cooking. Her website is: https://fluentwithdani.com

On Season 2 Episode 13, I speak to Marianna (Masha) Freydlin a 16 year ESL teacher, who's dealt with chronic illness and received a life saving transplant We talk about her incredible journey as a NYC public school teacher, and uses her experience to frame her work as a human centered educator. She developed "The Teacher's Lounge" on Facebook, a platform to support teachers and The New Teacher Mentoring Society Marianna Freydlin MA, MSED, Ed.M  is a NYC public school teacher who has spent over 15 years in ENL/ESL classrooms in a diversity of neighborhoods and schools. She specializes in a human centered approach to education for both students and teachers. A former NYC Teaching Fellow, she is passionate about coaching and mentoring the next generation of education leaders. Through her work @The Teachers Lounge (on FB) and The New Teacher Mentoring Society, she supports educators to meaningfully impact their students and communities.  

In this week's Episode 12, Season 2 of Warriors of Education I speak to Zane Messina and Benjamin Sterling two teachers from Bastrop Texas, outside of Austin.  Zane is now a former ELA teacher after leaving Walsh Middle School due to the struggles with decisions made around returning to the classroom.  Ben became the president of his union fighting for the safety of his students and teachers during the pandemic ( which he is still fighting for currently).  We talk about the struggle with online learning, the dangers of teaching during the pandemic and the insane board meetings about mask and vaccine mandates. Ben Sterling is the president of the Round Rock Teacher's union Education Round Rock.and a theatre teacher in the district as well as a parent of a school age child. Zane Messina worked at Walsh Middle School where he taught 8th grade ELA for  5 1/2 years. In addition to his ELA classes, he also started a tabletop game design class where students designed, developed their games. Since resigning from teaching in Dec. 2020, Zane has become a full time game designer, developer, and freelance writer.     

On this weeks episode 11, I speak to Donovan Taylor Hall aka "Donofriend",  a youth advocate and educator that teaches kids how to build positive self identity.  We talk about his work helping students learn to take care of themselves mentally and physically using specific skills such as self talk, positive self identity, and making learning safe-  skills that also translate for ourselves too! Donovan Taylor Hall has been featured on the Today Show, NowThis, DailyMailTV and several podcasts to talk about the importance of positive youth development. Donovan teaches his self skills curriculum through coaching, speeches, and online content. He is currently working on creating an educational entertainment show to help reach an even bigger audience of kids.  You can find him on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as "donofriend".  

On S2E10, I speak to Terry Kinder, a guest from last season,  a middle school teacher from north central Florida. We talk about her return to the classroom after being remote all of last year and how they survived 3400 cases of Covid by the third  week of classes. She also talks about the relief of finally teaching in person again and the challenge of the politics in Florida. Terry was featured on the national news last year speaking about the pressure of assessments.

In Episode 9, S2 , our first International podcast, I speak to Blair Minchin, a primary teacher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Blair is revolutionary in his teaching work focusing on play and the Global Citizenship Initiative through the U.N.  We talk about the differences between knowledge based learning in the US and skills based learning in Scotland. Check out all the wonderful things Mr. Minchin is creating in his classroom!   Blair Minchin is a primary teacher of 6 years based in Edinburgh,Scotland. He currently works in an inner city school, teaching primary 6 but has worked in all stages of primary. A committed advocate of the Global Goals, Blair has a real passion for citizenship, sport and the arts. He is a champion of pupil voice and a strong believer in restorative practice and holding pupils in unconditional positive regard. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mr_minchin/ Twitter:@mr_minchin Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/beminchin22

On Episode 8, S2, I speak to Danna Thomas, the founder of Happy Teacher Revolution, an organization and initiative on a mission to increase teacher happiness, retention and professional sustainability by providing educators with the time and space to heal, deal and be real about the social-emotional demands they face on the job.  We talk about the demands on teachers, how mental wellness is essential to have a successful classroom and community. "It takes a village to raise a child- this is taking care of the village" Danna Thomas is a former Baltimore City Public School teacher turned founder of a global initiative to support the mental health and wellness of educators Happy Teacher Revolution.  Danna served as the national spokeswoman for the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland and the “Music for Mental Health” Campaign. She is the recipient of the 2019 Johns Hopkins Community Hero Award and the 2019 winner of the Johns Hopkins Social Innovation Lab. Danna's favorite form of self-care include playing backgammon, community hot yoga and rocking out on the saxophone.

In S2E7 I speak to Olivia Swisher, a middle school art teacher and MORE activist in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.  We discuss how the pandemic was an impactful time to be an art teacher as well as the work she has done with MORE ( movement of rank and file) including the fight for smaller class sizes. Olivia Swisher is a 4th year middle school teacher at a public school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and is a member and organizer with MORE the Movement of Rank and File Educators Caucus of the UFT. Olivia teaches art and social and emotional learning. Before switching to public education Olivia worked as a museum educator at the Guggenheim Museum and the Jewish Museum where she developed and taught art programs for individuals with disabilities.   

In S2E6 I speak to Principal Amen Rahh,  a principal, speaker, author and a leader in the education revolution. A proud Compton native he has transformed the educational experience through his creation of a unique house system (in the spirit of Harry Potter!) by building an aspirational culture using 4 major values: advocacy, friendship, courage and motivation.  He has partnered with the LA Clippers,Think Watts, Apple, Planet Fitness and many more organizations all to better his school community.  We also talk about his recent book called Revolutionary School Culture: The 6 Principals of Unlocking Your School's Hidden Treasure. Amen Mandela Rahh is known as the Revolutionary Principal for how he has built and founded University Pathways Public Service Academy "The U" an urban public school in South Central Los Angeles. Principal Rahh distinguished himself in the classroom and as an educational change agent. As a middle school teacher in Watts, CA, he was selected as the turnaround teacher which ultimately helped him obtain his position as dean of students. As a principal, he founded one of the most highly-regarded schools in the area by students and parents. Currently, Principal Rahh is one of the most engaging speakers for transforming the way schools serve their at-promise student populations in America.

On S2E5 I speak to Nancy Ynchaustegui, also known as The Deviant Teacher, about her journey from 8th grade science teacher and teacher of the year to becoming a self care coach with an emphasis on healing your mind and body so you are at your best in in your life and in front of the classroom. Nancy is a health and fitness coach that helps busy people prioritize their well being unapologetically so that they can feel like themselves again or for the first time ever. She is also a middle school science teacher that inspires her students to create a life they love. She had the honor of being named teacher of the year for 2019-2020. Nancy's goal is to share her knowledge and expertise with as many people as possible and help them apply it to their lives, because their health journey is unique. When not in her classroom or with her students, you'll either find her on the dance floor, in nature, or on a plane. Check out Nancy's website http://www.thedeviantteacher.com/   You can also find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeviantteacher/ and on Facebook @thedeviantteacher   

In E4S2 I speak to Kaliris Salas- Ramirez, a neuroscientist, professor at CUNY School of Medicine and a parent whose efforts have been focused on racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We speak about her tireless efforts to bring equality in education for her children and the difficult conversations that are necessary about how race plays into education, with the goal of elevating the voices of marginalized communities. Kaliris Y. Salas-Ramirez is at the CUNY School of Medicine as Distinguished Medical Lecturer. There she conducts research on sex specific interventions for cognitive decline as a result of illicit or therapeutic drug exposure.  As the co-chair of the Inclusive Excellence Council at CSOM she has begin to integrate conversations of equity and bias for students, faculty and staff supporting the school's anti-racist mission. She is a board member for the non-profit Future of Science and wants to champion, engage and empower early career researchers with evidence-based resources to improve the research endeavor. There she leads the “anti-racism in STEM” workgroup. Finally, when Dr. Salas became a Mom that empowered her to go beyond being a student advocate, but to become an organizer and activist fighting for equity in public education. Her sons fuel her work in the Department of Education as a parent leader and activist. She has received awards for her activism and service to her institution as a leader in equity and is the president of her local school board. Dr. Salas aspires to use her platform as a neuroscientist, Puerto Rican, woman and mother to support anti-oppressive work and changing systems.  *** There is strong language in this episode not intended for children  

In S2E3 I speak to Amber Harper known as "The Burned In Teacher" about her work as a coach and inspiration to teachers who have experienced burn out. We talk about how burnout became a leading concern amongst teachers during the pandemic. " I stand by the belief that we must look at burnout as an opportunity for growth and change, not a sentence of misery. I can share my story and what led me to create Burned-In Teacher and some simple first steps teachers can take to process their burnout, rather than fight against it." Amber Harper is an educator, author, speaker, podcaster, and Teacher Burnout Coach.  She's the founder of www.burnedinteacher.com, author of Hacking Teacher Burnout, host of The Burned-In Teacher Podcast. Amber is dedicated to empowering burned-out teachers to believe that they deserve and can achieve a happier and more fulfilled career and life with her 8-step BURNED-IN process. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn under The Burned In Teacher.      

In S2E2 I speak to Jessie Rodriguez, a 4th Grade Teacher at a charter school around the corner of the murder and trial of George Floyd. She talks about her first year at this new school, handling the pandemic under the shadows of the George Floyd murder, protests and trial.  "It was important to separate facts from opinions. We talked about how the situation was handled and we put ourselves in their shoes". Jessie Rodriguez is a  25 year old teacher from California (Los Angeles). She went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff Arizona. Her first 2 years of teaching was in Phoenix Arizona at a title 1 school. I have taught 4th and 5th grade. I moved to Minneapolis Minnesota in May 2020. She is  currently working at a title 1 Charter School in Minneapolis, 5 blocks from where George Floyd was murdered.   The grocery store that he was murdered at is my students local grocery store, buildings that were burning, were my students buildings. Protests happened on the streets outside their buildings and the national guard was posted on the corner of their streets..  Recorded on May 24, 2021 Some of the resources she speaks about are:The Headspace App for Mindfulness, and https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism Her Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/msjrod4thgrade/

In the first episode of Season 2, I speak to "The AfroEducator" Alexis Shepard from South Carolina about her experience as a coach and an educator  dealing with the pandemic and creating conversations around racial inequality. Her ideas range from " creating space to process trauma" as well as how to present to your district/administration on how to invest in curriculum that addresses implicit bias Alexis Shepard is a veteran educator from South Carolina. She has 9 years of experience in the elementary and middle school settings. Alexis is no stranger to burn out. After multiple encounters with burn-out, a desire to take steps towards more personal and professional development began the journey of teacher self-care and wellness. She created The AfroEducator to facilitate connections with like minded educators.  She champions teacher self-care through education, reflection, and dialogue.  Alexis believes that by sharing stories, she can inspire and empower teachers to teach and live authentically. You can find her at @theafroeducator on instagram, https://www.facebook.com/theafroeducator,@theafroeducator on twitter and her website www.theafroeducator.com  

In our final episode in Season 1 of Warriors of Education we speak to Meredith Newlin, a teacher, blogger, author, and creator of The Transformed Teacher a podcast and online community dedicated to "help motivate and inspire educators to rediscover—and keep— their joy for the teaching profession".  We talk about how teachers can practice self care in this very turbulant time and where they can find inspiration through community. She is also the author of the book Captured Fireflies: Truths, Mistakes, And Other Gifts Of Being an English Teacher, which explores her own journey from teacher to practitioner. Meredith Newlin is in her 16th year teaching . She has written unit plans for blogs such as the Duke University Teachers Workshop and has presented at Teacher Self-Care Conference and the Educators 2 Educators Reboot Conferences. She is also currently a Mental Health Changemaker Fellow for ASSET Education. Check out her website: https://www.thetransformedteacher.com We will see you back for Season 2 in January!

In today's episode of Warriors of Education I speak to Janette Corcelius, a music educator and activist from Fairfax Virginia. Her county/district was one of the few that made the  radical choice during Covid to say they would not go back at all until there is a cure. She speaks about getting away from electoralism and neoliberalism and the need to fight on the ground because "withholding our labor is the best way to get things done."   Janette Zahia Corcelius is a general music teacher, chorus director, & CALM instructor (Children & Schools Achieving Lifelong Mindfulness) for Fairfax County Public Schools. She's been teaching for 6 years and involved in activism for 11+ years.  She is an at-large board member of the Fairfax Education Association (FEA). She was also an integral part of creating a UCORE (United Caucuses of Rank & File Educators) chapter in Virginia called VCORE. She is also a national facilitator for National Educators United (NEU).  She is an advocate for the fine & performing arts, equity in public education, mental wellness, and social justice causes.   

On today's episode of Warriors of Education I speak to Ashley Craig, a teacher from Orlando Florida who after 5 years of dedicated work decided to walk away from public education due to the treatment of teachers especially during Covid.  Between unsafe conditions and the constant pressure of testing she felt enough was enough. She has decided to use her voice to advocate for the teachers who remain through media coverage and social media. Ashley has been a teacher for Orange County Public Schools for 5 years and is moving into an education related field.

On today's episode of Warriors of Education I speak to August Leppelmeier,  a social studies veteran teacher and activist with The New York City Department of Education He speaks about fighting to keep a democratic union and advocate authentically for each other. He urges public education allies to support S.7378 / A.10363 in the New York senate and assembly, respectively, to properly fund the schools in this time of crisis.  August has been teaching in the schools since 2001, after a year of teaching as a college adjunct. He did graduate studies at the New School, Queens College and Adelphi University. He has been a member of the MORE caucus of the UFT since its founding in 2012 and was involved in its formation. Recorded on October 20,2020.

On today's Warriors of Education podcast we catch up to my first interview with Kevin Higgins. Because of a medical condition Kevin is teaching remotely. We talk about the constant challenges between curriculum changing and getting students to show up, as well as the frustration of not being live. Kevin Higgins is a Special Education teacher in the South Bronx. In the 8 years he has been teaching, he has taught/co-taught ELA, Earth Science, U.S. History, Global History and Creative Writing; as well as leading Advisory classes for both integrated and self-contained classes for grades 9-12. He has been on numerous committees, has run professional development seminars revolving around Special Education, and was chair of his school's Special Education Department for 5 years.

On Today's Warriors of Education Podcast I speak to Organizer and Activist Luke Amphlett from San Antonio Texas about how he is working with teachers across the country to create a collective movement of change in a unsafe and uncertain future of education. "It is on us (teachers) to make sure that it isn't worse than it already is. Educators are really in the only position to change that. Educators are the most organized, most unified and progressive people. National organizations are acting collectively- in Austin, Little Rock, Chicago, LA and with MORE( movement of rank in file) in NYC. Luke Amphlett is a teacher and union steward at Burbank High School in San Antonio. He serves as a high school rep on the Executive Council of the San Antonio Alliance, a merged AFT/NEA local in representing school workers in San Antonio ISD, and is a founding member of PODER, a rank-and-file social justice caucus within the union  

On today's episode I speak to Terry Kinder, a middle school teacher from north central Florida. Terry was featured on the national news recently speaking about the pressure of assessments during the time of Covid.  We talk about how her job was threatened if she did not give out these assessments at a time where teachers are just trying to navigate their way through remote learning as well as deal with the emotional fallout from this past spring. This is Terry's 6th year teaching. She currently teaches 5 classes online and one class face to face.      

On today's episode I speak to Suzy Devore, a professor of theatre at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL.  We speak about the challenges of teaching during covid on the college level, how she has successfully navigated through to have in person classes while still teaching remotely and addressing the changing social and political climate in the state of Florida. Suzy DeVore is a professor of theatre, actor and director.  She holds an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School, New School University in New York City and a BA in Dance from Point Park College, Pittsburgh, PA. She is currently the Program Manager for the Hillsborough Community College Theatre Program, Ybor Campus in Tampa, FL.  She is also the president of the Visual and Performing Arts Series of the college. While in NYC, she was the managing director of her theatre company of P.L.A.Y. Put Life Ahead of You, which focused on the integration of education through the arts, by both producing new work and pursuing the history of classical work.  Favorite theatre productions include roles in Extremities, Laura, The Shadow Box, Last Night of Ballyhoo, and In the Blood.  She is a member of Association of Theatre in Higher Education and has been awarded outstanding director for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region IV.  

On today's episode I speak to Alexandra Haridopolos and Ilan Desai- Geller who both teach on the Grace Dodge Campus in the Bronx.  They have been a part of the ongoing protests against the NYC DOE and The UFT as teachers are returning to unsafe classrooms before the students come back.  There has been an effort to keep classes remote because schools are not meeting the safety standards with poor ventilation and windows that barely open. Teachers have had enough and are speaking out for their own safety and the safety of the students. Ilan Desai-Geller is a high school educator in The Bronx and active member of MORE-UFT, the social justice caucus of the New York City teacher's union. Taking inspiration from the centuries-long tradition of Freedom Schools and ethnic studies, Ilan strives for his classrooms to provide his students with the context and skills to organize for liberation of all peoples.Alexandra Haridopolos is a high school educator in the Grace Dodge Campus in The Bronx, a UFT delegate and active member of MORE-UFT, the social justice caucus of the New York City teacher's union. Alexandra Haridopolos has organized around educational inequities since high school, fighting for equitable admission policies, parent power in DOE decisions and now sounding the alarm on DOE's abandonment of vulnerable communities since the COVID19 pandemic began in March 2020. In the classroom, Haridopolos centers participatory action research projects and popular education methods to facilitate students' development of their own research on issues impacting their community culminating in a short documentary film presented at the local public library.   

On today's episode I speak to Shoshana Brown, a member of the steering committee of MORE (movement of rank and file) and social worker in NYC.  We talk about the complications of teachers reporting back to the classrooms , what MORE is doing to protect teachers.  With an  uptick of positive COVID cases with teachers there is a growing concern about how the NYCDOE and the union is protecting teachers and eventually students when they return. Shoshana A Brown, LMSW is a school social worker in the NYC DOE. They are fierce in transformative justice, bold in tearing down the prison system, and joyful in leading healing circles. Here is the link for MORE http://more.nationbuilder.com/join_us  

On today's Podcast I talk to Kelsey Jean-Baptiste, a journalist covering the reopening of schools and how teachers and students are dealing with it in her YouTube Show Too Real, A Talk. We talk about not only her experience speaking to these teachers around the country, but her own life- growing up with a mother who is a teacher and a sister still in the public school system. Her talk show is "A Journalistic Discovery Through Critical Movements for Change and Current News" focused on social justice issues and movements. Here is a link to that show: https://www.kelseyjeanbaptiste.com/too-real-a-talk?wix-vod-video-id=7a17920350b74095b484858a8db41de6&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-kbmb9dp5   Chelsea New York City native, born in the Borough of Brooklyn. During her studies at Ursinus College, she became passionate about my major in Communications, which was one small step in attaining her goals for Broadcast Journalism.  Even though it was too late to explore the true realm of Journalism at Ursinus College, it  was not too late to challenge herself at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Her motto in life is "Carpe Diem" -- Seize the Day -- and it is what she intends to do in honor of her late brother, Kyle Jean-Baptiste. "Seize every opportunity and moment, always giving back to the community." https://www.kelseyjeanbaptiste.com/too-real-a-talk    

On today's episode I speak to Margaret Trissel, Fadwa Abbas, and  Eliza van Rootselaar all teachers from Brooklyn Friends School,  a private Quaker school in Brooklyn New York.The colleagues of Brooklyn Friends School moved to unionize last year with an overwhelming majority of employees (faculty and staff together) voting in favor of unionization. The  new head of school did not want to work in a unionized school. After significant layoffs and role reductions that had been negotiated with the union, the head of school and the board announced that they are taking advantage of new Trump administration NLRB policies that allow religious institutions to decertify unions. "Why is it the workers of Brooklyn Friends are being asked to give up the chance to organize and collectively bargain while taking tremendous risks to self care for ourselves and our students?" Fadwa Abbas is an English teacher in the upper school at Brooklyn Friends School. She teaches adults as weak and has taught in both public and private schools in NYC Eliza van Rotselaar is a 2nd grade teacher at Brooklyn Friends School. This will be her 7th year teaching as well as being an alum of BFS. Margaret Trissel is a 5th grade Humanities teacher at BFS. She is a former faculty trustee.  

On today's episode we speak to Badass Teachers(BATs) executive director Melissa Tomlinson about the need for teachers and parents to have a voice in the conversation of returning to the classroom during COVID.  BATs have been working on a series of actions and plans along with Demand Safe Schools, National Educators United and Journey for Justice including petitions, letters and emails to governors and those working around governors. She encourages all to engage in these conversations and surround yourself with those fighting for equality in education, corporate education reform and the demand for a safe return.  Melissa Tomlinson, a special education teacher in NJ, found her passion for being a public education advocate when she joined Badass Teachers Association (BATs). Fighting for educational equity for all students, Melissa currently serves as the Executive Director of BATs and is an active member of the New Jersey Education Association.

On today's episode I speak to Meghan LeBorious, A high school teacher in Brooklyn who brought  a mindfulness program to her school, a tool that transformed the students and teachers. Not only did it help with coping with the pandemic, but provided a way "to eliminate the internal obstacles that stop them from stepping fully into their power, dignity, and creativity – essential tools on the path to racial justice, and essential tools on the path to real freedom and equality." These are also tools teachers can use as they step into unknown territory returning to the classroom. Meghan is a freelance writer and mindfulness teacher at Cobble Hill High School in Brooklyn, where she lives along with her ten-year-old son. She writes extensively about mindfulness practices in daily life.  

On todays podcast I speak to Sabrina Flamoe a principal at a school for social justice in Portland Oregon.  We talk about how she is implementing a social justice curriculum while also dealing with the pandemic and remote learning in Portland, Oregon. She has transformed her experience as a social worker into leading a K-5 elementary school. "I look forward to continuing learning along with students as we create a more just school, neighborhood, state and nation" Sabrina is principal at Vestal Elementary School in Portland. It's her 24th year in education and 7th year as an administrator. She is most proud of helping establish Vestal as a school for social justice.  Recorded June 30.

On today's episode I talk to four theatre teachers from various parts of Texas: Joshua Hill, Chris Turner, Kyle Nichols and Paul Fillingim.  This is a very frank conversation on the fear of going back, how some Texas teachers have to go back to minimal safety precautions, and the threat of job security if they protest or refuse to go back without safe conditions. " We are rewriting our wills- Our lives, our children's lives and our family's lives are all at risk right now".   Kyle Nichols has been teaching for 9 years in the Texas public school system.Kyle has worked at several school systems, but has served as the theatre director at Marshall High School for the past seven years.   Paul Fillingim is entering his 8th year of teaching and is currently the Artistic Director of Reagan Stage at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas.  He holds a BFA in Acting from Texas Tech University and a BA in Directing from Texas State University.   Outside of school Paul is raising his children, Quentin and Lyric, with his husband Shawn.   Chris Turner is teaching Theater at Wichita Falls High School in Wichita Falls. He was a professional actor/director/ writer in Hollywood and New York. In 2012 he made the transition to teaching and received his masters in theatre education from the City College of New York. He started teaching in New York and has been trying to switch to the more rigorous competitive nature of teaching theatre in Texas since 2018.    Joshua Hill is a teacher with Houston Independent School district, where he has finished his first year of teaching. Mr. Hill holds and MFA in Playwriting from Columbia University, an MS in Theatre Education from City College, City University of New York, and a BA in Directing from the University of Texas at Austin.    

On today's episode I speak to Rebecca Garelli ( Arizona NEU), Carla Okouchi( Virginia NEU), Katie Erlich (Washington State NEU) and Harley Litzelman ( Oakland CA NEU) to discuss the National Educators United movement.National Educators United is part of a national collective of students, parents, educators, and community members  demanding a Safe and Scientific, Racially Just and Fully funded reopening of schools!"We are done waiting for presidents, secretaries of education, governors, state boards, and superintendents. WE are the ones who will create the PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS DESERVE. NEU is building a national movement to enact the three pillars that comprise NEU’s nationwide demands for: 1. Racial Equity and Social Justice 2. Fully Funded Public Education Through Progressive Taxation 3. Pro-Public Education and Anti-Privatization" To learn more about the mission, vision, and national demands, please visit nationaleducatorsunited.org, and follow us on Facebook (National Educators United), Twitter (@NEUSolidarity), and Instagram (neusolidarity)   Harley Litzelman is a social science teacher and site representative at Skyline High School in Oakland, CA. He is the author of “We Cannot Return to Campus this Fall, “Teachers: Refuse to Return,” and the petition to refuse to return to campus until counties report no new cases of COVID-19 for at least 14 days, which has accumulated more than 60,000 signatures.    Rebecca Garelli has been a professional middle school science and math educator for 16 years. She started here career in Chicago and was an active member of the Chicago Teachers Union(CTI) for 11 years. Upon moving to Arizona in 2017, she co-founded the grassroots educator group Arizona Educators United (AEU) in March of 2018 and continues to serve as a Lead Organizer. Rebecca also organizes National Educators United (NEU), and is focused on coordinating national actions and hosting national Town Halls regarding a safe return to school, equitable distance learning, fighting austerity, and building statewide educators groups   Katie Ehrlich is a Special Education teacher who has taught Resource Room in elementary and middle school and Life Skills in early elementary in Everett, Washington.   Carla Okouchi is a 22 year veteran music educator in Fairfax County Public Schools. She serves as a mentor to high school and college aspiring educators and those entering the profession. Throughout her career she has been a long standing NEA/VEA Union member and organizer with grassroots coalitions. Currently she is a lead organizer with National Educators United, Virginia Educators United, and Vice President of the Fairfax Education Association.  

On Today's episode we talk to Jia Lee and Aixa Rodriguez from MORE ( Movement for Rank and File Educators) on the pressure on teachers to return to the classroom. Without the help of leaders teachers are gathering in solidarity to come up with safe solutions for students teachers and parents. "We have to turn off the noise and focus on what we can do together by creating a campaign of escalating actions." Jia Lee is a special education teacher at The Earth School, parent and proud member of MORE. She is also involved in Black Lives Matter at Schools, NYC and NYC Opt Out. Aixa Rodriguez is featured in the film Warriors of Education. She is a Puerto Rican educator and activist who has been teaching ESL since 2005 with the NYCDOE. She is the founder of Bronx Educators United for Justice recently collaborated with Bronx Power for 3 community meetings called #Vision4BronxSchools bringing together a diverse group of people to discuss public education and envision what the future schools of the Bronx should and could look like if the stakeholders voices were heard, and not the influencing and interfering billionaire philanthrocapitalists. 

 In today's episode with speak with high school theatre teacher Carolyn Messias about how she has managed to teach theatre remotely, what's happening to school productions and speculations on what's to come. In a time where theatre has completely shut down- how are we servicing our drama students? Carolyn Messias has been teaching Theatre and Public Speaking at Cherry Hill High School West in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for twenty years. Previously, she was the Associate Director of Education for The Shoestring Players, a professional national touring children's theater company in residence at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick. She has directed and performed in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area for over 20 years,  She is currently the co-advisor for International Thespian Society Troupe #1128, of which she was a charter member when she was a student at West. She is also currently the cohost of a new cable access show The Curtain Call.

On today's podcast we go to Nantucket Island to speak to Nantucket Elementary School Assistant Principal Kimberly Albertson and 1st Grade Special Education teacher Samantha Turcotte to discuss what it's like to teach on a small island, what's happening for the kids in the current culture and the challenges of teaching remotely. Samantha is in her second year in Nantucket as the special education liaison with an emphasis on Sheltered English Immersion( SEI)  and this is Kimberly's 28th year in education, her 2nd year as an administrator specializing in early childhood, special education and SEI. Recorded 6/9/20

Today's interview features author, illustrator and NYC public school teacher Kristen Meehan. We talk about being her newly released book https://www.thisisnotforever.com-story is based on her experience in Brooklyn, New York, during this historic pandemic. This children's book is about COVID-19 answers to some of the big questions our little ones are asking. Her wish is that this book helps children to cope during this confusing time.  We also talk about balancing motherhood with teaching too! You can also purchase the book on Amazon :This Is Not Forever There is also the free YouTube read aloud at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AhG0ocpM3w&t=34s it can easily be found there by searching the title.

Today's podcast focuses on The Black Lives Matter Movement and how the it is leading to bringing BLM curriculum to all schools. We talk about the Thirteen Principles of the Movement for Black Lives into child-friendly language, in order to support classroom teachers beginning this work.The conversation is with national and NYC Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action Action steering committee members Denisha Jones, Laleña Garcia and Martin Urback Denisha Jones is the Director of the Art of Teaching Program at Sarah Lawrence College. She began her career in education as a kindergarten and preschool teacher and a preschool director before spending the last 16 years in teacher education. Currently she serves as co-director for Defending the Early Years, assistant executive director for the Badass Teacher's Association, and is a member of the national and NYC Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action Action steering committees. Laleña Garcia is a kindergarten teacher living in Brooklyn and teaching in Manhattan. A graduate of Yale University (BA, History)  she just finished her twentieth year of teaching in New York City. In 2018, Laleña helped organize NYC’s first year of participation in the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, and created a document translating the Thirteen Principles of the Movement for Black Lives into child-friendly language, in order to support classroom teachers beginning this work.  She’s brought this work to local schools and community organizations, as well as to national conferences.  Laleña also works for the Early Childhood Professional Development Institute as a Gender and Sexuality Trainer, helping early childhood professionals and families to create expansive and supportive understandings of gender, sexuality, and family structure. Martin Urbach is a Bolivian immigrant, music educator, youth organizer and activist based in Brooklyn, NY. He Teaches music and coordinates the youth led Restorative Justice program  at Harvest Collegiate High School in New York City. He loves boojee coffee, chocolate chip cookies, al kinds of drums and ramen. Martin can be found on soso la media @liberationdrums Here are some helpful links! National website: www.blacklivesmatteratschool.com  National Twitter: @BLMAtSchool National email: blacklivesmatteratschool2@gmail.com  New York City BLM At School Link Our website: https://blmedu.wordpress.com/ Buy T-shirts and stickers: https://teespring.com/stores/blmeduny Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLMEdu/ Twitter: @blm_edu_nyc Instagram: @blm_edu_ny    

On today's episode I speak to Megan Welch a teacher in the Philadelphia School District where she has worked with deaf and hard of hearing students for the past 10 years and working in the field for over 20 years.We talk about the challenges of teaching remotely in the new norm of masks and zoom. If anyone wants info on working with the deaf and hard of hearing go to https://www.pattan.net a source for all info including inclusion,policy,teaching methods and usage of auditory equipment.

Today's conversation is with Breaking Walls founder and director Fran Tarr.Breaking Walls is an international youth empowerment movement that uses creative writing and theatrical performance to build global peace and acceptance. Our diverse group of young people from all over the world represent many cultures, religions, socio-economic situations, sexual orientations, educational levels and status as immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Breaking Walls helps them discover their voice to act as peacemakers and leaders, adding gravitas to what scholars call a “voice of poverty” – voices rarely, if ever articulated.Under Fran’s direction Breaking Walls is dedicated to bringing their vision to its rightful place on the world stage. CLICK HERE for more info

Today we speak to James and Nnenna Franciamore who are both educators; James works in the NYCDOE as a special educator  and Nnenna as an adjunct faculty in the college of Education at GCU; she also teaches pre-k3. They are the parents of 3 children who attend NYC public schools. Their family mantra is Faith & Fun. They love God and love people and hope as a family to spread love and light in their community and to everyone they meet. We talk about the benefits and challenges of both teaching and raising their kids during this time. Recorded May 27,2020.

Today's conversation is with Joanna Cohen, an assistant Principal at an elementary school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. We talk about the struggles of her students and their families from an immigrant community, how they are dealing with the corona virus and food insecurity and how she and her team are partnering up to help these families in need.

Todays episode features Judith Tacchini an 8th grade language arts teacher at Cascade Middle School in Eugene Oregon. Judy comes from a family of educators and public servants. We speak about Oregons process of planning for distance learning for all, finding hope in this foreign educational Landscape and the potential impacts of this disruption in the future of education. Recorded on May 6th,2020

In todays episode I speak to Rebecca Garelli, a leader in Arizona Educators United, and a major figure in the #RedforEd movement. We speak about her activism work as well as where the movement stands during the current situation. Rebecca Garelli has been a professional middle school science and math educator for 16 years. She started here career in Chicago and was an active member of the Chicago Teachers Union(CTI) for 11 years. Upon moving to Arizona in 2017, she co-founded the grassroots educator group Arizona Educators United (AEU) in March of 2018 and continues to serve as a Lead Organizer. Rebecca also organizes with a newly formed national grassroots educator group called National Educators United (NEU), and is focused on coordinating national actions and hosting national Town Halls regarding a safe return to school, equitable distance learning, fighting austerity, and building statewide educators groups. You can learn more about NEU efforts:  FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nationaleducatorsunited/ Web: nationaleducatorsunited.org Twitter: @NEUSolidarity IG: neusolidarity

In todays episode we meet Susan Jeremy an at home special needs teacher, as well as an an award winning solo performer, playwright and character specialist who has been featured in festivals such as Montreal’s Just For Laughs, Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Dublin’s Gay Theater Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, and Vancouver’s Comedy Festival. We talk about how her experiences as a teacher have contributed to her shows and how she is dealing with remote learning these days.    You can find out all about her at www.susanjeremy.com.

Today we speak to Lori Burris, President of the Mid Del Association of Classroom Teachers- the local union in Oklahoma.  She is 29 year veteran teacher of special needs children and a local activist who was a major figure in the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout of 2018.  We talk about the conditions that led to the walkout, what they accomplished as well as how teachers in Oklahoma are dealing with the pandemic.

In this episode we have an in depth conversation with Katy Cocovinis a professional teaching artist, and entrepreneur  Katy is the founding member of New York All Stars, where she leads performing arts programs and trains aspiring young performers pursuing professional opportunities. We discuss the advantages of remote learning and how the epidemic is affecting small businesses. Check out New York AllStars  at https://newyorkallstars.org

In today's episode we discuss the state of education and the personal stories of Ryan Bruckenthal a public school special education teacher in New York City. He is a union activist in the United Federation of Teachers and the Movement of Rank-and-File Educators in New York City. 

Today we speak to Patrick Johnson a high school biology teacher teaching in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn,NY.  He is an activist and organizer as well as a candidate for NYC Council. We talk about the struggles of remote learning on lower income communities. You can find out about his child-centered and people powered campaign at PatrickForBrooklyn.com

Todays conversation is with Fanny Sosenke a 37 year veteran teacher currently working at The Chapin School- an all girls private school on the Upper East Side of NYC. We discuss what it's like to be teaching in a private setting as well as the pros and cons of remote learning during the pandemic. You can also catch Fanny in our documentary film Warriors of Education! Recorded on April 10,2020.

Today I talk to Annie Tan about her work and how she's adjusting to remote teaching. Annie is an elementary special education teacher in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, where she teaches primarily Chinese and Latino youth. She is  storyteller and activist featured in The New York Times and The Moth. Find her on @annietangent and www.annietan.com