Podcasts about Freedom Writers

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by original Freedom Writer Erica Alcaraz for an intimate conversation about courage, empathy, and storytelling. As a teenager in Room 203, Erica penned Diary #62, a raw yet eloquent account of childhood sexual abuse, featured in "The Freedom Writers Diary." Decades later, her words continue to resonate, empowering survivors around the world to reclaim their voices and share their truths. Erica reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her life, from breaking her silence in Erin's classroom to unexpectedly choosing motherhood and raising her remarkable adopted son, Joshua, now a Freedom Writer scholarship recipient heading to college. She shares the emotional complexity of parenting after trauma, the realities of relapse and recovery, and her profound commitment to mentoring others through their darkest hours. This episode is a powerful reminder that writing can be activism, empathy is essential for healing, and even our most painful experiences can become catalysts for change. It's a tribute to all who dare to speak their truth — and a call to action for listeners to foster compassion, community, and courage.

SEASON 3 EPISODE 114: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:45) SPECIAL COMMENT: NO, NBC NEWS AND KRISTEN WELKER - YOU IDIOTS - TRUMP HAS NEVER BEEN 'JOKING' ABOUT A 3RD TERM: Only to dimwitted media types who have been lying to themselves and their audience was it a shock when Welker insisted yesterday to Trump that he’s “joking” about stealing an unconstitutional and illegal third term and the Dictator replying “No I’m not joking, I’m not joking" and he alluded to several ways to game the 22nd Amendment Term Limits. Trump has been serious about this since at least 2023 and the first time I reported on that fact on this podcast was on Wednesday, November 8th… 2023. This has been the plan (like all the other plans) take something unconstitutional and illegal and do it anyway and dare you to sue and get his Concierge Supreme Court to invent a new law and a new country to LET him do it anyway AND insist THIS is the law and if you oppose him, YOU’RE breaking it. That’s the way they papered over Trump’s violation of the Insurrection Clause in the 14th Amendment. Worse yet, the man who has best encapsulated the evil inside Trump, Yale History professor Timothy Snyder, is leaving the country. Literally. Moving to the University of Toronto. If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about how much Trump is NOT kidding. IF ANYBODY STOPS TRUMP it'll be the corporations and Wall Street types who suddenly realize that when he said he'd cook the economy to give all the money to the rich guys he meant just him and Musk. Or maybe it'll be Trump's Intel Community. Somebody is leaking career-ending stories about Pete Hegseth and Bring-Your-Wife-To-Secret-Meetings-Work-Day and Bring-Your-Brother-Into-A-Nepo-Job-Day and I wonder who it could be. Perhaps the National Security Advisor who needs Hegseth to take the fall for SignalGate and just happens to have the number of the editor of The Atlantic programmed into his phone? If we're lucky maybe Hegseth and Mike Waltz will accomplish the rare simultaneous double knockout! B-Block (33:06) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Anna Paulina Luna thinks NBC is hiding a videotape with time code proving Oswald wasn't at the JFK Assassination (three years before time code was invented). A would-be GOP Nominee for Governor of Virginia thinks Anne Frank appeared in a classroom in California 20 years ago to tell gang bangers about the holocaust. And Bill Maher has self-destructed again. Now he thinks he's going to meet Trump because they respect him, because he was the first to predict Trump wouldn't leave office, and to heal the country. And Chris Cuomo and Gavin Newsom are there to reinforce Bill's gullibility! C-Block (49:00) POSTSCRIPTS TO THE NEWS: So I've resumed my TV sports career! I am back on the air this week in pre-season specials on nine regional baseball networks that carry nine major league clubs. This kinda conflicts with my complaints about the same guys doing sports and politics at this time. I'll explain my rationale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, and Sonia Rezkalah, an original Freedom Writer who now serves as the Administrator of Family Engagement at the Riverside County Office of Education. Both guests share their powerful immigrant journeys, Dr. Gomez from Peru and Sonia from Nicaragua, and how education transformed their lives. They discuss their shared mission of creating safe, supportive educational environments for all students, especially the most vulnerable. Their stories of resilience, purpose, and giving back highlight how education truly serves as the great equalizer in an unfair playing field. Together, they offer insights into family engagement, navigating political uncertainty, and empowering young voices in a diverse community of nearly half a million students.

In this special episode, we take a nostalgic look back at the early recordings that sparked our popular movie review format. This episode is a fun compilation of guests sharing their favorite school-related movies and TV shows, along with their thoughts on what's realistic — and what's not — about those stories. Our guests represent voices from across the country, including Pennsylvania, Utah, Texas, Missouri, Montana, Arizona, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Kentucky, New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Rhode Island. Each guest answered two key questions: What is your favorite school-related TV show or movie? What is unrealistic about that movie or TV show?   The answers ranged from heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and inspiring dramas. Here's a breakdown of the most mentioned titles:   School of Rock - 6 mentions Abbott Elementary - 4 mentions Remember the Titans - 2 mentions Grease - 2 mentions The Sound of Music - 1 mention Dead Poets Society - 1 mention Home Alone - 1 mention Annie - 1 mention Welcome Back, Kotter - 1 mention Dangerous Minds - 1 mention Summer School - 1 mention Top Gun - 1 mention Stand and Deliver - 1 mention To Sir, With Love - 1 mention Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1 mention Fast Times at Ridgemont High - 1 mention Most Likely to Succeed - 1 mention Gilmore Girls - 1 mention Glee - 1 mention The Long Game - 1 mention A Christmas Story - 1 mention Billy Madison - 1 mention The OC - 1 mention The Breakfast Club - 1 mention I Love Lucy - 1 mention Friday Night Lights - 1 mention Yesterday - 1 mention Old School - 1 mention Boston Public - 1 mention Freedom Writers - 1 mention Ted Lasso - 1 mention Back to School - 1 mention   Whether you're a fan of inspiring educators, unforgettable student antics, or heartwarming school stories, this episode is packed with entertaining insights from guests who know education best. Tune in to hear what your peers are watching and maybe add a few new titles to your must-watch list!       Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 224 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Dr. Jessica Martinez to explore the power of persistence and the transformative nature of second chances. Dr. Martinez reflects on her early years navigating a childhood shaped by her parents' teen marriage, her family's struggles with instability, and the extended periods she spent separated from her mother. Despite these challenges, Jessica discovered a haven in Room 203, embracing vulnerability as a superpower and finding the support of the Freedom Writer family. Through honest, heartfelt storytelling, Jessica shares how she became the first in her family to graduate from college, ultimately earning her doctorate. She also discusses her current role as a caregiver — standing by her father's side after a tragic accident claimed her stepmother's life — and the delicate balance of showing compassion while preserving her own mental health. Listeners will hear how Jessica's determination, coupled with the encouragement of mentors and her Freedom Writer brothers and sisters, has helped her defy generational limitations. Join Erin and Dr. Martinez for an inspiring conversation about resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the enduring strength found in learning to love — and forgive — those who need it most.

“Freedom Writers” movie actor April Hernandez-Castillo bravely shares a very personal story about her visit to an abortion facility at age 19 as part of our Miracle Monday series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. Parul Minhas. They discuss the movie "Freedom Writers", and dive into many facets of the movie, and discuss some award categories such as "Modern Remake" and "Class Clown". They discuss the significance of teacher-student connection, classroom environment, and transformative educational practices. Drawing parallels from Dr. Minhas' experiences, they highlight the importance of empathy, breaking down racial barriers, and innovative teaching approaches that resonate with every child's unique background. About Dr. Parul Minhas: Parul Minhas, Ph.D. Director of Research and Digital Innovation, Education Design International (EDI) Dr. Parul Minhas is a leading expert in educational design, co-authoring influential books like A New Language of School Design and Building Minds: Designing Learning Spaces for Connection and Coherence. As the Director of Research and Digital Innovation at Education Design International, she is passionate about creating nurturing learning environments that support children's well-being. Her work in salutogenic design, neuroarchitecture, and biophilic spaces has significantly shaped the industry. With years of experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. Minhas is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on the global stage.   Connect: Email: parul@educationdesign.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-parul-minhas/       Episode 213 of the Better Learning Podcast    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website_

Sheryl McCarthy interviews Dr. Indira Etwaroo, CEO and Artistic Director of Harlem Stage, an influential arts institution in Harlem that has supported artists of color for over 40 years. Dr. Etwaroo discusses Harlem Stage's commitment to providing a platform for artists of the Global Majority, especially in light of historical funding challenges. The current season, "When We Are Heard," explores social issues like immigration, equity, and the environment, with performances by choreographers such as Bebe Miller and Eiko Otake, and the Freedom Writers project focused on racial profiling and social justice, culminating in a 2025 performance marking the five-year anniversary of George Floyd's death.

What is your favorite school related tv show or movie? In this episode, we feature our annual compilation of interviews conducted at the EDSpaces conference in Houston. This year, with a twist of breaking down the best tv show and movies related to education! Our guests were asked two key questions: What is your favorite school related tv show or movie? What is unrealistic about that movie or tv show?   The guest list includes 3 people from Pennsylvania, 2 from Utah, 5 from Texas, 5 from Missouri, 2 from Montana, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Wisconsin, 3 from California, 2 from Florida, 1 from the states of Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Kentucky, New York, Connecticut, Minnesota and Rhode Island.   Here are the tallies for each of the movies mentioned:   School of Rock - 6 Abbott Elementary - 4 Remember the Titans - 2 Grease - 2 The Sound of Music - 1 Dead Poets Society - 1 Home Alone - 1 Annie - 1 Welcome Back, Kotter - 1 Dangerous Minds - 1 Summer School - 1 Top Gun - 1 Stand and Deliver - 1 To Sir, With Love - 1 Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1 Fast Times at Ridgemont High - 1 Most Likely to Suceed - 1 Gilmore Girls - 1 Glee - 1 The Long Game - 1 A Christmas Story - 1 Billy Madison - 1 The OC - 1 The Breakfast Club - 1 I Love Lucy - 1 Friday Lights - 1 Yesterday - 1 Old School - 1 Boston Public - 1 Freedom Writers - 1 Ted Lasso - 1 Back to School - 1 Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/ Episode 210 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.      For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Anchored in Compassion with Donald McFee by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Tanya Payne to discuss her experiences growing up in Long Beach, navigating systemic inequality, and discovering the power of community. Tanya reflects on the life lessons she learned through failure, the importance of tough love, and how finding her place within the Freedom Writers helped her embrace her authentic self. As Tanya now faces a battle with cancer, we invite you to join us in supporting her: Donate to her GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tanyas-brave-cancer-journey Assist through Lotsa Helping Hands: https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/tanya-payne-healing/select-email And of course a very special thank you to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Calvin Williams III, a Freedom Writer whose journey from adversity to advocacy is a testament to resilience and transformation. Calvin shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path, from grappling with childhood bullying and living with grand mal seizures, to becoming a champion for empathy and inclusivity. As the beloved "Captain Tolerance" at the Freedom Writers Teacher Institutes, Calvin opens up about how acceptance, love, and a strong sense of family have empowered him to break the cycle of bullying and advocate for mental health awareness. Through his heartfelt story, Calvin highlights the power of community and the importance of turning personal pain into a source of strength. Tune in to hear Calvin's inspiring journey of overcoming trauma, embracing vulnerability, and fostering understanding in this moving episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast.

As an actress, April Hernandez Castillo reached critical heights in her portrayal of Eva Benitez in the award-winning movie, Freedom Writers. She has garnered roles in Showtime's Nurse Jackie, Person of Interest, ER, 30 Rock, Elementary, Law & Order SVU, and The Following. April received a SAG Award nomination for best ensemble cast in the hit show Dexter. She also had a recurring role on NBC's New Amsterdam. April now travels across the United States, sharing her story of perseverance and survival, using examples of how the power of her voice has made her a courageous leader. She facilitates workshops for youth groups, student organizations, women's events, and school administrators on how to deal with the epidemic of intimate partner violence.April and her husband and business partner, Zalo Castillo, are the cofounders of Parental Voices Matter, a workshop/program created to ignite, educate, and support parental communities. They realized how underserved parents are and they need to be informed and motivated just as much as children do. Here, April shares her journey of embracing motherhood, how she's enjoying her evolving relationship with her growing children, and how she's helping her daughter along in her own acting career. April also shares her thoughts on navigating mental health at home and out in the world, how trauma impacts your experiences and relationships, and more. What's Inside:How April's helping her daughter navigate an acting careerNavigating mental health at home and out in the worldHow trauma impact your experiences and relationships Mentioned In This Episode:April Hernandez Castillo on LinkedInApril Hernandez Castillo on InstagramApril Hernandez Castillo Website

Maddy Podcast by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Tye Leggins, a Freedom Writer who has transformed his life from a troubled teen to a passionate advocate for change. Tye shares his journey of overcoming trauma and personal struggles, emphasizing the power of empathy and self-acceptance. He also discusses the critical role of breaking cycles of violence, healing generational wounds, and the importance of compassion in creating change. Tune in to hear Tye's inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and his commitment to empowering others on this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast!

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Trayvon Carter, an original Freedom Writer who has transformed his life from the basketball courts of Long Beach to a successful career in real estate. Trayvon shares his journey of overcoming racial profiling and systemic barriers, highlighting the critical role of mentorship, financial literacy, and community empowerment. He discusses the importance of guiding the next generation, building generational wealth in communities of color, and advocating for social justice. Tune in to hear Trayvon's inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and unwavering determination to make a difference.

Sherwin wraps up the topic of MPS' current demise and gets an email from a white teacher who writes out her disdain for Sherwin's rhetoric regarding teachers and how students are so disrespectful nowadays. Well Sherwin's response hit it right on the head: the black kids don't respect your white self because they don't resonate with you! This ain't Freedom Writers, pack it up!

Finding Your Voice with Shanita Jones by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

Send us a Text Message.From the streets of Gary, Indiana, to the helm of Abundant Life Publications, Tavetta Patterson joins me, CJ Moneyway, to share a narrative that's as much about triumph as it is about the transformative power of storytelling. With Tavetta's guidance, we unpack how our most challenging moments can be alchemized into opportunities that not only uplift ourselves but also empower others. Her ability to help authors, including those with unique challenges like a blind writer, amplify their voices is the embodiment of turning adversity into advantage. As we converse, a synergy emerges, hinting at future ventures that promise to extend the impact of our shared experiences.My personal passage from a Gary guy to an author is interwoven with the inspiration I draw from Tavetta's journey. Our discussion also ventures into the realm of educational hope, illustrated by Erin Gruwell,  and the "Freedom Writers," and the deep emotional healing inspired by an encounter with a Holocaust survivor. The thread of resilience is further woven through the revival of Steel Town Records, which stands as a beacon of support for GI's community and a testament to the undying spirit of its people. We wrap up with a nod to our commitment to nurturing talent and a spotlight on the fresh Michael Jackson-inspired merchandise, a tribute to the lasting legacy of GI's most famous son. Join us for a journey through pain, power, and the pursuit of purpose.Welcome to The CJ Moneyway Show Podcast! The Podcast Show where we Unlock Potential, One Dream at a Time. Today, we have another guest whose journey is truly worth hearing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Moneyway experience. Thank you for listening to The CJ Moneyway Show! Don't forget to share this episode with your friends, leave a comment, and drop a review. Be sure to tune in every Tuesday and Friday for more inspiring journeys. Who knows, your story might be next. Support the Show.The C. J Moneyway Showc.jmoneyway@gmail.comFacebook: Author Corwin JohnsonInstagram: c.j_moneywayYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themoneywayshow8493https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-c-j-moneyway-show/id1707761906https://open.spotify.com/show/4khDpzlfVZCnyZ7mBuC4U1?si=kNrejibvQH-X3dOpRmu6AAhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVMwsp-9xLNaTBO4U97He0Ct_HldYbnAp&si=bmlctXwgxJe0cjzdWhether you're an entrepreneur, aspiring author, or just someone looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review The CJ Moneyway Show on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us bring you more amazing guests and content each week! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-c-j-moneyway-show/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with Freedom Writer Shanate Jones. They discuss the traumatic experience of Shanate's youth, like having her childhood home invaded by police, the challenges she faced with disrespectful authority figures, and overcoming depression. Shanate also discusses her time in the military, the importance of integrity, and her "superhero" ability to connect with marginalized kids. Throughout the conversation, Shanate's wisdom shines through as she shares impactful metaphors and life lessons learned from her mother and reflects on the momentous achievement of graduating college alongside her twin sister and fellow Freedom Writers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with laughter, tears, and profound insights from a true queen.

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, join Erin Gruwell as she speaks with original Freedom Writer Latilla Cain, who delves into her life's mission of championing for others. Through heartfelt stories, Latilla illustrates the importance of support, love, and understanding in forging paths to success and building stronger communities.

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, join Erin Gruwell and original Freedom Writer Carlos Barragan as they delve into Carlos' remarkable journey from the challenging streets of Long Beach to a life of purpose and success. In a candid conversation, Carlos opens up about his past as a graffiti artist known as 'Idol,' his struggle with family abandonment, and how his unique bond with Erin, akin to a mother-son relationship, helped him overcome life's adversities. This episode not only explores Carlos' transformation from being misunderstood and mislabeled in his youth to achieving financial and personal success but also highlights the power of resilience, unconditional support, and the strength of the human spirit. Listen in as Carlos' story unfolds, showcasing a journey of triumph over trials and the unbreakable bonds that can change a life forever.

In this episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by original Freedom Writer Melvin Logan to unfold a tale of change and growth. Discover how a single classroom note sparked a revolution in education, and follow Melvin's path from a troubled youth on the gang-riddled streets of 1990s Long Beach to a catalyst for change in classrooms across the globe. Now, as a proud husband, father, and speaker with the Freedom Writers Foundation, Melvin reflects on how a teacher's belief in his potential set the stage for a lifetime of advocacy and empowerment. We hope this episode leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

Throughout 2024 I plan on highlighting core grassroots organizations working on the frontlines of the Democratic Party's messaging revolution. Now, maybe you think the word “revolution” is too strong, but trust me, moving a party away from approaching voters with wonky policy appeals and achievements to focusing on making sure regular Americans know what the modern GOP has planned for them is no small reform. It requires a revolution of thought based on the cold, hard, realities of the American electorate i lay out in the book. In my forthcoming book Hit Em' Where it Hurts: How to Save Democracy By beating Republicans at their Own Game I highlight the other massive problem that hampers Democrats in terms of message distribution. You can have the greatest messaging in the world but it doesn't do s**t if no one sees it and folks, as I keep using google trend data to show how little Americans care about news and politics, no one sees it. This is the fundamental flaw behind the White House's efforts to lift Bidenomics: paid ads, speeches, and social content will never replace the ability of the right wing echo chamber to propel things, even false things like Joe Biden has dementia, to top-of-mind awareness which is what Democrats would have to accomplish to make voters responsive to Biden's record. Yes, message distribution is a tough nut to crack because it requires money, lots and lots of it. Which is why I want to talk to you today about something I call digital direct mail, but what you likely call memes and gifs. Direct mail is a staple expenditure for competitive campaigns and often voters in swing contests receive plenty of it even if you never do. In the book I highlight how much better Republicans tend to do with direct mail because they understand the target, the average voter, knows next to nothing about civics, cares even less, and will give the same direct mail your team agonized over for hours about 3 seconds of a glance before it is tossed directly into the recycling bin.Republicans understand voters and have constructed their direct mail to deliver the main message in just that one glance using very little copy. A rigorous direct mail campaign, one that targets voters with the multiple contacts research says voters need to actually show up and vote, easily runs l into the tens of thousands. It is expensive to produce and then distribution direct mail through the USPS. But when you strip down direct mail to its purpose, delivering a message, it is easy to see that the internet creates a massive message distribution advantage if campaigns choose to see it as such. That is why I'm delighted to introduce you to the Freedom Writer's Collaborative and one of their dedicated grassroots volunteers, marketing strategist Yvonne Brandon. Yvonne joins me to talk about the ready-to-use messaging toolkits created with the also awesome folks at DemCastUSA where the meme that leads of this post was pulled from. I hope you will consider using these toolkits, and even more importantly, getting your friends, family, and followers to do the same. Whether your network is 150 people, or 150, everyone is an influencer. FWC makes it easy. Get full access to The Cycle- On Substack at thecycle.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell and original Freedom Writer Mauricio Antonio "Tony" Becerra explore themes of ambition, identity, and hope. Tony shares his powerful story, starting with the significance of his name and the personal choice to adopt "Tony" as a means to avoid ridicule and mispronunciation by teachers. Through his candid conversation with Erin, Tony's story becomes a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance, inspiring listeners to find strength in their struggles and recognize the potential for growth and transformation in the face of adversity.

April Hernandez Castillo made a big splash in her portrayal as Eva Benitez in the hit move Freedom Writers alongside Hillary Swank. She's starred in television shows such as; Law & Order: SVU, The Following, Person of Interest, and Elementary and more. April garnered a recurring role on Showtime's  Dexter which she was nominated for a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble cast. She opens up about her stories of resilience and her pivot to entrepreneurship, being an author, and more. You'll love her powerful stories and wonderful personality! You can learn more about April www.aprilhernandezspeaks.com, on Instagram @aprilhernandezcastillo and LinkedIn at April Hernandez Castillo. You can follower her company LionChaser Media Inc. @lionchaser_media on Instagram.

Journey through a vivid tapestry of resilience and relentless spirit with Narada Comans on this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast. From a tumultuous neighborhood of Pittsburgh to the chaotic streets of Los Angeles during the infamous riots, Narada's childhood was a battlefield, punctuated by domestic violence, homelessness, and racial tension. Despite being marred by agonizing moments, his story unfolds not as a tragedy but as a triumphant tale of overcoming, as he miraculously carves out a path of hope and empowerment, turning pain into a powerful narrative that has reached, and will continue to reach, hearts globally. Join Erin Gruwell in this profound dialogue, exploring the depth of Narada's harrowing yet inspiring journey and discover the potent resilience that lies within the human spirit, capable of transforming anguish into a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless souls navigating through their storms. To invite Narada or any Freedom Writer to your school or event, please contact Rick Croom (rick@freedomwritersfoundation.org).

When Precious Symonette became a creative writing teacher at Miami Norland Senior High, she brought in the principles of the Freedom Writers — a movement started in California in the 1990s to teach students to write through their troubles.She started the Viking Freedom Writers, named for the high school's mascot. She's now taught more than 3,000 students these principles. Some have gone on to become professional writers.The creative writing teacher has been named a Miami-Dade County teacher of the year. And the County Commission named April 18, 2023, Viking Freedom Writers Day.On this Best Of episode of Sundial, Symonette joined us to talk about why the vocations of writer and educator go hand-in-hand.

Tim is joined by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde, Film Director, and Rod Barr, Film Writer, to discuss Sound of Freedom Artifacts, production timeline, and more! Purchase tickets to Sound of Freedom by clicking the link below! https://www.angel.com › ticketsListen on: SpotifyYouTubeApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsRead Tim's latest statement on The Daily Wire: https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-we-need-a-global-coalition-to-fight-child-trafficking53mWatch 'The Light in the Darkness' here:https://www.prageru.com/video/episode-1-find-the-courage-to-fight-for-libertyFollow Tim on Instagram:@timballard89

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by original Freedom Writers, Melvin Logan and Carlos Barragan. Both Carlos and Melvin are inspiring and loving fathers who share what it was like growing up in Long Beach surrounded by poverty, racism, and gang violence. They discuss their survival, how they turned their pain into purpose, and breaking the cycle of generational trauma to prevail as the loving fathers they are today. This episode is a heartfelt look into what it means to be a dad, and we hope that this episode leaves you all feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference. Donate to the Freedom Writers Scholarship Fund: https://givebutter.com/4pIBzH

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Tony Award-winning actor John Benjamin Hickey – who plays Brian Gilford (one of the rival educators) in the film “Freedom Writers.” John shares his insights on the transformative power of storytelling, how his roles have influenced his outlook on life, and the lessons he's learned along the way from stage to screen. John's insights into character creation and the importance of empathy in acting are a must-listen for any aspiring creatives, and we hope this episode leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

This week, BullCast welcomes Erin Gruwell, celebrated teacher, author, and social justice activist. In this touching show, we'll explore the concept of hope and possibility for at-risk students who are deemed unteachable. We'll start the show with our list of the best movies about education. Then, we'll jump right in with Ms. G, discussing her story as a young teacher entering Room 203 and how the Freedom Writers came to be. In the show, we'll talk to Erin about what it was like having Academy-Award winner Hillary Swank portray her, how Erin inspired her students to believe in themselves, and why being an educator is so important to her. While we tried to keep this episode fun and full of laughter, we found ourselves deeply impacted by Erin's spirit and story. The List: Best Movies Based on Education and Teachers Hashtags: #ErinGruwell #FreedomWriters #FreedomWritersFoundation #Education #Hope #Room203 Freedom Writers Foundation: https://freedomwritersfoundation.org/ — Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

#100: "And Tango Makes Three" Beyond the Ban w/ Dr. Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

Bio taken from IMDB One of the most respected Latina actresses in Hollywood, April Hernandez-Castillo's personal life story is one of victory. Her feature film debut as Eva Benitez in the Image Award-nominated MTV film, Freedom Writers (2007), alongside Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank, put her in the ranks of some of the biggest names in the industry. An actress with a blend of unlimited expression and humor, the Bronx (NY) native made her stage debut at the famous New York Comedy Club in New York City as a stand-up comedienne. As an actress, April expanded her stage experience to television. She got her first acting break as the Yo/Yoa Girl alongside NBA All-Star Houston Rockets center Yao Ming in the 2004 Super Bowl Visa Check Card national commercial. Next came major television roles that would include NBC's Emmy-award winning series ER (1994), Law & Order (1990) and 30 Rock (2006). Keeping an eye on the big screen, in 2007 she tried out for the role of a lifetime and got it--in "Freedom Writers". She would co-star alongside one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Hilary Swank. It was in this role that April would catch the attention of The View (1997) producers, who invited her to co-host the show. Reaching critical heights, her portrayal of Eva Benitez earned her recognition and critical acclaim confirming her status as one of the more talented up-and-coming actresses. Displaying the talent and drive to parlay success into a career as a respected actress, April garnered roles in the pilot Blue Blood (2008) on Fox and Showtime's Nurse Jackie (2009), CBS' Person of Interest (2011) and received a SAG Award nomination for her role as Officer Cira Manson in Showtime's award-winning drama Dexter (2006), a role in John Mitchell's sci-fi comedy The History of Future Folk (2012), guest-starred as Danny Pino's sister on NBC's drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and appeared in two episodes of FOX's hit show The Following (2013). April has demonstrated her versatility as an actress. However, her latest role is not in front of the camera but as a motivational and inspirational speaker. Connect with us on social media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKvKY93BmNp9D-uuStspcEQ https://www.facebook.com/sprinkledwithhopepodcast https://twitter.com/sprinkledhope20 https://www.instagram.com/sprinkledwithhopejason_shane/ email : info@sprinkledwithhope.com

In this episode of Behind the Language, we will talk about this movie called Freedom Writers. It is one of those classic teacher movies. However, this one brings up controversial topics such as racism, gangs, crimes, nationality, peoples, and how propaganda can be dangerous to create a fake ‘reality'.

The most easily recognized teachers in our culture are on the big screen. So when we think about good teaching, it's almost impossible not to think of Robin William's character in Dead Poets Society standing on a desk and inspiring his students. This might be part of the problem. When teaching is associated with unrealistic Hollywood characters, it can create impractical or ridiculous assumptions about what teachers do. In this episode, we hear how the stereotypes of teachers may be contributing to teachers' decisions to leave education. Music: Theme Song By Julian Saporiti “NPC Theme” by HoliznaCC0 is in the Public Domain. “Sunny Afternoon” by HoliznaCC0 is in the Public Domain.  “Infrastructure” by Scott Holmes Music is licensed under a  CC BY-NC license. “Just a Blip” by Andy G. Cohen is licensed under a CC  BY license. “Room With a View” by Jahzzar is licensed under a CC BY-SA license. Movie Clips: Freedom Writers (Paramount Pictures) Dead Poets Society (Touchstone Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures) School of Rock (Paramount Pictures) Ferris Bueller (Paramount Pictures, United International Pictures) Transcript:  Episode 3: “What Would Robin Williams Do?” There is a picture-day-esqu photo on my parents' fridge of me sitting on my dad's lap. I am wearing a tie-dye shirt and my orange hair is in its natural state of an Eddie Munster widows peak. My dad is in a blue button down and has on a tie. My cheeks crowd my eyes, my smile is so big. My dad, who doesn't always smile for pictures, has a cheeky grin.    This picture was taken around the same time that my dad squatted down to eye-level with me and said: “When people ask you where you got your red hair, you tell them the milkman. Okay?”   He didn't make a big deal about telling me this. It was just a directive, and I said okay. I figured, yeah, that makes sense.    So as adults would come by, ruffle my hair and say things like, “Oh my, what pretty red hair. Where did you get hair like that?”   I'd look up at them, smile, and tell them, “The Milkman.”    They would guffaw, cough down a drink, blush, and I'd try to explain, “You know, because he delivers things.”    And they'd laugh out an “I'm sure he does!” and find my dad who would have a grin settled between his bouncing shoulders as he muffled a laugh, and my mom would say something like “G-uh, Darcy Joe”   Not to be heavy handed, but the stereotypes of what a milkman may or may not do when visiting people's homes is what makes the joke land. This joke was lost on me until high school. I didn't understand the baggage associated with being a milkman.   Language matters. Words like milkman have connotations - they carry weight or have stereotypes attached to them. That's why I can't flip someone off and say, “Why are you upset,this means joy to me.” There are too many representations of middle-fingers that situate the digit as a symbol of the obscene. Repetition and representation give meaning.    The middle finger or terms like milkman or teacher, carry a history of expectations and stereotypes. Last episode we heard about the historical inheritance of teachers, which is significant in how we view modern teachers. But history isn't the only thing that impacts how we view teachers. Today, we're going to look at the teacher stereotypes in pop-culture and how these stereotypes can be contributing to teacher attrition. This is Those Who Can't Teach Anymore, a 7-part podcast series exploring why teachers are leaving education and what can be done to stop the exodus. I'm Charles Fournier. Here is part 3: “What Would Robin Williams Do?” Molly Waterworth: I've gotten to the point where I see any TV show or movie where some sort of plot device hinges on the inspirational teacher. And I just roll my eyes.   This is Molly Waterworth. We heard from her last episode, and she just left education after teaching English for 8 years. She points out a stereotype of inspiring teachers in media: Molly Waterworth:I just can't.  I can't stomach it because it's so saccharin. It completely obscures the fact that these inspiring teachers that are either drawn from real life or the product of someone or someone's imagination, it completely obscures the fact that their inspirational teaching is very likely the outgrowth of massive mental health deficiencies. And like a complete imbalance of where they spend their time and where they're getting like their soul fed. Inspiring teacher stories make me feel awful.    That shouldn't be the case, right? Inspirational teacher movies should INSPIRE. And they can and they do - they inspired me - but what Molly points to is a nagging reality in many inspirational teacher stories.    Dead Poets Society Clip   As you can hear in this scene from Dead Poets Society, Mr Keeting, played by Robin Williams, pushes his student, Todd Anderson.. And in this unconventional way Mr. Keeting helps Todd start to gain some confidence and see his potential. Similar scenes occur in other famous teacher movies, like Mr Holland's Opus, or Freedom Writers.    These movies project a fantasy of heroism onto education, and people love it. Inspirational teacher movies are usually underdog stories: A  teacher rails against convention and inspires and does amazing things for others no matter the personal cost. We are attracted to this as a culture. We want heroes that are selfless. We want to see ourselves as capable of being like Robin Williams' character in Dead Poets Society.  And the way these movie teachers influence kids…man, that's the dream.  But, several if not most of the teachers in those stories that inspire don't have the healthiest work-life balance. They give everything to their students - time, energy, love, inspiration. And these movie teachers inspire in the public comments like, “We need more teachers like this” or “I wish teachers would be more like (whatever movie teacher).” But we need to ask, what is expecting teachers to fit a stereotype asking of real teachers?   Think of Freedom Writers, a movie based on the real-life Erin Gruwell, who is played by Hillary Swank. She is the epitome of the inspirational teacher stereotype. Halfway through the movie, her husband leaves her because she is spending so much time focused on her students,  Freedom Writers Clip  The film creates a feeling that the husband might be unrealistic. As an audience, we're rooting for Erin Gruwell because she does amazing things - her husband points this out. And don't get me wrong, Ms.Gruwell is phenomenal and her story is amazing, but there might be danger in presenting this story as a precedent for what good teaching looks like. Yes, she is a good teacher, but at what cost? In most other films about different careers, it's likely the main character would realize that work is taking too much and family is more important, but not in inspirational teacher movies. Expecting teachers to do what Gruwell does is expecting teachers to forfeit their own lives for students. It's expecting martyrdom. This is a stereotype.   And the reality is different. Molly Waterworth: We're not martyrs, and we're not perfect. And there are things that can be said about the profession as a whole and certainly about individual teachers that needs improvement, absolutely. But I think a lot of it maybe stems from just this sense that teachers aren't entirely human - that we are saints. And so therefore, we shouldn't worry about all of these factors that are making our jobs harder, because we have this big calling on our lives that turn us somehow into people that don't have needs. This language that surrounds teaching is significant. It feeds the stereotype of selflessness, which in turn has an impact on how teachers are treated. Right now teachers are feeling burned out because this stereotype is unrealistic - it's creating an expectation that makes teachers want to leave education.  I met up with Rachael Esh at Welcome Market Hall in Sheridan, Wyoming on the eve of her very last day as a teacher. Rachael Esh:  It's a bit of a stereotype with teachers. It's like, Oh, this has been your calling since you were this age, or since this teacher impacted you. This idea of a calling is that you don't teach for the money, you do it for the kids because it is what you were meant to do. It is your destiny or purpose. A quote unquote “calling” can create a sense of guilt in teachers when they realize, crap, I'm not getting paid enough for this, which is in contrast to the narrative surrounding  teaching like Molly points out: Molly Waterworth: People don't get into this for the money, why would they? But they're in it for the kids, and they're in it for that sense of purpose and mission. That's like, “Yeah, but I also would like to be paid.” So to have a calling is to feel like teaching is more than a job, more than a paycheck, it is a clear directive from some higher power for the direction your life should take in service of others. Rachael didn't feel like that stereotype matched her experience. Rachael Esh: And I don't feel like that's usually the case. It's more of a roundabout zigzag pattern. This surprised me. I grew up wanting to be a teacher because, as Rachael said, I had some amazing teachers leave an impact on me, but I never thought teaching was my calling. It was something that sounded cool, and it was made cooler by movies like Dead Poets Society. I wrote the movie's motto, “Carpe Diem” on all of my notebooks. And I liked reading and writing and teaching people, and teaching would give me a chance to coach. Not once did I get the sky part and shine a light on my career path. It wasn't a calling, and of the 30 teachers that I interviewed, hardly any of them felt like teaching was their calling either. For Rachael and Molly, they had different plans with where their lives were going to go. Rachael Esh: So my undergrad I actually got at Ohio University in environmental biology, and so I thought I was gonna maybe do field work or something like that. Molly Waterworth: I declared my major as geography, but I did it with the intent of being able to go into the forest service. But I found out pretty quickly that I really didn't care about any of my classes. And I found out that I was going to have to take calculus and I wasn't interested in doing that. So I kind of bounced around into various humanities areas. And both Rachael and Molly landed in education because they each had a summer experience in college that put them in front of kids. Rachael took an internship teaching environmental education and Molly went to China with a group from college and got to help kids with their conversational English. They both found their way to being educators because of positive experiences teaching kids. Rachael Esh: So I knew I either wanted to go on to park service or education after working with kids then. And so it kind of just worked out that getting my degree in education was just more accessible, and I kind of wanted to separate my fun time, which was like outdoors, from my work. So I decided to kind of go into education. And I mean, the kids are never boring. So you're like, well, heck this. This beats an office job any day of the week. And when Molly returned from China, she declared first as an elementary teacher.  Molly Waterworth: I think that when I envision myself being a teacher, I thought of myself reading with kids, and talking about literature and talking about books and big ideas and stuff like that. And so at that point, I had the very obvious revelation that I should be a secondary English teacher because that would afford me that opportunity most often. So that was kind of my meandering path into into There was no bright light for either of these teachers, no calling. Nothing so profound. Like most people, they stumbled onto their desire to do a job because they took advantage of an opportunity and realized, “Hey, this isn't bad.” And Teaching wasn't a last option for either of them. They weren't failing at other things in life, which is tied to another stereotype of teaching. If teachers aren't depicted as martyrs, they're often seen as selfish or deviant or lazy or dumb or boring, like in Ferris Bueler's Day Off. Ferris Bueller Clip And this image of teachers perpetuates the idea that teaching is a last ditch option for people that can't do anything else. This stereotype often leads to a willingness to discredit teachers as experts in their field. Not being seen as experts in their field is a major reason teachers gave for leaving teaching.  For Molly or Rachael, they became teachers by choice. They didn't need to fall back to something easier. It wasn't a School of Rock scenario, where Jack Black's character, Dewey Finn, hits rock bottom before becoming a long term sub proving that someone with no qualifications can be a better teacher than trained and dedicated teachers - a trope that we see over and over again.  In the film, Jack Black's character even draws attention to a common saying that is tied to education.  School of Rock Clip Dylan Bear is a PE teacher in Pinedale, WY. We sat at a picnic table in front of his house with a view of the Wind River Mountain Range, while we drank coffee, snacked on a loaf of banana bread he was gifted from a student, and talked about these sayings and images surrounding education.  Dylan Bear: I think another thing, we've gotten a lot of quotes, like funny quotes in the society, like, oh, teachers, they take these jobs for June, July and August. I think that's something that needs to stop.  What Dylan has noticed is the negative lens with which culture and Hollywood has viewed teachers. Like I mentioned earlier, we stereotype teachers as good or bad, the marty/savior type that saw teaching as a calling or the boring/lazy person who saw teaching as a backup plan.  But, Dylan, like Molly and Rachael, didn't see teaching as a calling. He didn't see teaching as a fall back career either. Dylan Bear: So I started off as an engineer, and those were just not my people. And I was looking more for a little more social environment, a little more high energy versus analytical, consistently, day in and day out. And so I went from engineering to math in secondary math education because I liked working with kids. And then after a few years of that three years deep, looking at all the papers all the time, I just couldn't do it, so I switched from math. I was actually sitting in Prexy's Pasture and Laramie. And the special ed teacher came and sat down next to me and she said, What are you thinking about? Instead, there was my longboard. I said, I don't know if I can do math the rest of my life. Would you rather be teaching math or out playing a field, you know, and I thought like instantly. Dylan would rather be out in a field. Teaching was a good path for Dylan - not a calling and not a last ditch option. He takes his job seriously, and he is someone that plans on teaching for some time. And when Dylan started feeling a little burned out, he moved towns and got a change of scenery, so that he could keep teaching. He isn't naive to the reality of burning out or how difficult the job is, nor is he jaded in thinking that anyone could do this job. The key word here is reality. The reality of a teacher is that teachers are human, not a stereotype. We make mistakes and we have successes and we make some profound impacts on kids and we make some mediocre impacts on kids.  Dylan Bear: Some teachers are really good, and some are really lazy. And some kids are really good, and some are really lazy. So it's like, we don't want to paint a broad brush over everybody. And I think sometimes we do an education because there's so many people in education. It's like one of the leading job forces out there. So you hear these stories that are negative about one or two teachers, and then you say all I'm doing the same with kids. I hate when people say, kids are always on their phone. It's like, no, no, some kids are on their phones. Some of them are waiting for you to talk and give them a good lesson. I think education gets those broad brushes which devalue people. And that's a dangerous world.  Dylan recognizes the need for grace and the danger of broad generalizations of any groups. He recognizes the fact that people are human, but sometimes we only get a snapshot of education, which creates these generalizations that feed into the stereotype of teachers as either good or bad. Dylan experienced this first hand when he had a student continuously refuse to take off his hat.  Dylan Bear: I was like, This is absurd. So I'm a climber, and so he was playing badminton, and I popped his hat off and ran up and jumped up the basketball hoop and climbed in the rafters and hung it from like, the highest point in the gym, like, 50 foot up. And yeah, not very smart, but it was like, I didn't think about it, but kids Snapchatted it. And all the kids came like, “Oh, we saw you but it was out that was so funny. That it's like you have to be aware of that.”  The snapchat of Dylan only includes his climb. It doesn't include the warnings he gave the student from that day and previous days. It doesn't include Dylan's positive relationship with the student and the students' family, or all of the normal/positive interactions Dylan has with his other students, or the mundane aspects of his job that he does everyday. The Snapchat lacks context, and this is how stereotypes begin and are fed. A single image becomes the representation of the whole - even if it is a fragment of the reality.   This is the kind of thing that becomes an overgeneralization - a stereotype of teachers. These stereotypes are on social media and in movies and they contribute to cultural narratives about education that are unrealistic. Some of these glimpses and snapshots might be part of what teachers expected education to be, which is misleading and could be contributing to the disillusionment leading to teachers quitting. Here's Molly again. Molly Waterworth:  I think that the image probably came from a couple of places, a selective memory of my high school and middle school classrooms. So thinking back to those good experiences that I had as a student, I was like, “Okay, I want to create that for other people.” But I also had it in my head, the the image of the cool, thoughtful, worldly literary teacher that you see in like Dead Poets Society or any number of  other movies like that - opening up doors and exploring identity and figuring out who we are all along the way.  Dead Poets Society Clip I love Dead Poets Society, and Freedom Writers, but I remember telling my wife, after our first week in real teaching jobs: “This sure as hell isn't Dead Poets Society.” I had been fooled with what teaching would actually be, and this is also an image of what the public seems to see of educators. They want the engaging classroom, the teacher that inspires, and don't we all. Or they expect the lazy, boring, slacker who got into teaching because their real goals didn't pan out. But education is more complex than a movie.  Molly Waterworth:  The crushing reality of grading was something that I hadn't quite prepared myself for. I think that I knew going into teaching, because obviously, you know, that you're going to have to grade and that's part of the job. So the grading part was overwhelming. You never see in movies, like staff meetings, or having to figure out the copier or the deeply existentially difficult process of figuring out the culture of the building in your first year. Just the kind of mundane but deeply tangible on a daily basis struggle of making sure that everything fits in your lesson plan. Like that's not glamorous. But it's, it's the part that makes or breaks you as a teacher of just balancing the day to day and making sure that you're hitting your standards and teaching the stuff that you don't care about, but you have to do anyway. Like, Robin Williams isn't gonna do that. I would love to have a b-roll version of Dead Poets Society where Robin WIlliams' character, John Keating, sits for 4 hours grading papers, intermittently standing up to stretch, get a coffee, shake his head and mumble things like, “I swear we went over that.” Molly Waterworth: You never see an inspiring teacher movie where they are tracking missing assignments. You never see them answering the onslaught of emails at the end of the semester, asking how to get my grade up. You never see that. You see the inspiring parts and that's it. Never the work that it takes to get there. So we see teachers that either act as martyrs like Keating who, don't forget, gets fired at the end of the film after a student kills himself, or we see teachers that make real teachers cringe. Molly Waterworth:  I remember watching Glee when that was out.  And it was not just unrealistic, but it was just so I thought it was insulting the way that the teachers were showing their like, as just unserious. Too involved in teenagers' lives. And, like, really, really concerned about both of those things. That I was just I couldn't do it. I couldn't put up with it.  And again, why does this matter? Why does it matter that depictions of teachers are unrealistic? It honestly wouldn't matter if these depictions didn't seep into how teachers are currently being treated. If the cultural view of education remained realistic. But this is how stereotypes work. We may recognize a stereotype as wrong or dangerous, but they can still seep into our behavior.  And they influence what parents expect from teachers, what students expect from teachers, and even what teachers expect from themselves. If teachers buy into the stereotypes, they may be striving for a sense of perfection and martyrdom that is unhealthy and unrealistic. So it's up to us, all of us, to push against these stereotypes. Like any other cultural stereotype, we need a massive cultural shift in how we think about teachers, which often starts with how we represent and talk about teachers.  Unless we become conscious of our biases or of these stereotypes, things won't change, and in the context of teaching, teachers will continue to quit.  The misconceptions surrounding teachers and education are very much influenced by what folks see on a consistent basis. This isn't to say that there haven't been realistic depictions of teachers. I love Tina Fey's character in Mean Girls. She was quirky and smart and imperfect. Her character felt more real to me, but this is an outlier in teacher representations.  Stephanie Reese: Culturally, I think the media shows teachers as “Man, they just work tirelessly.” You might recognize Stephanie's voice from last episode. I met up with her at Blacktooth Brewery in Cheyenne, she's the general manager there. Stephanie taught PE from kindergarten to college, and she left education after 8 years. She points out how some of the perceptions of education bleed into the expectations placed on teachers.  Stephanie Reese: They just love what they do so much. They love kids. They're willing to put in all these extra hours, because they just love what they do. And they're okay with that. And, and that doesn't actually give teachers a voice. And that, to me is bullshit because teachers are tired, they're exhausted, they're stressed to the max there. Some may love it. And fine. If you have that intrinsic motivation to love something without getting anything back. That's amazing. You are a superhero.  When being a teacher is associated with loving kids as Stephanie points out, does that mean that leaving education means a loss of love for the kids? Or that not wanting to put in the extra hours is because teachers don't love the kids? This rhetoric is dangerous and it isn't helpful when thinking about why teachers are leaving. When teachers decide to leave education, they often hear, “You can't, you're so good for the kids” or something to that effect. This is said in praise, but it actually ignores what teachers are dealing with and it pushes this cultural stereotype that teachers ought to be willing to give everything for the kids. The reality is, the list of what teachers do, the extra work teachers have, is tremendous and all of that work rarely makes it into films. Here's Dylan. Dylan Bear: It's funny when you asked me to do this, I looked up, like, what are the job requirements for teachers and there was like, on the, on the description, it was, like 30 bullet points. It was incredible, like, lift 50 pounds, walk 100 yards. When Does anyone do that? We think teachers are just this, like square. But it's not, it's this open ended job that you can work your tail off forever, you know, or you can do the minimum and you still get paid the same. So it's like, I think a lot of people want to know, like, here's your job, and here's what you're gonna get for it. And that's not the case in teaching.  And that list of job requirements is long and ambiguous and continuously added to. A big portion of what it means to be a teacher isn't simply “to teach” or “to inspire.” It's to manage a huge amount of expectations, which doesn't often get included into the stereotype of teachers, and if it does, it's only for a moment.  Stephanie had strong thoughts about what teachers are expected to do.  Stephanie Reese: This isn't going to be a positive one, Charles, I hope that you're not like, brace yourself, right? I'm not gonna sit here and say, oh, yeah, teachers are here to inspire teachers are here to you know, try to spark some sort of love or interest in something and help every single kid and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, like all that sugar coated shit. Fine. That might be the case. But to me, and I know a lot of teachers who agree, it's babysitting. So our roles are just sit tight, do your best, try to get in something that's worth value. Or maybe try to teach his kids to be decent human beings.    The stereotype often clashes with the reality of teaching. Still many teachers try to live up to the inspiring teacher stereotype, which can be contributing to the sense of burnout lots of teachers are experiencing.  Many teachers, whether they intended to or not, have wrapped their identity around education, which is kind of a cultural expectation - they are one with the school. This can make being in public and trying to have a personal life kind of awkward especially in small towns.  Rachael Esh:Anywhere we would go. I'd be like, I can't go there. All my kids are gonna be there, you know? Or like, do you want to go bowling? No, I don't want to go bowling. So I have to talk to seven of my students online, like no, like, you know, so there's just places that I don't even want to go because I just get bombarded with children. Which is, I love them. But you know, you want to like, be away from work for a while and you're like, I've done this all day. I want adult time. It's adult time now. they'll walk by when I'm having a beer. I'm like, don't, don't you look at me.  The teacher advocating for healthy boundaries or focusing on mental health in a genuine way is not a common teacher stereotype in pop-culture. This has only started bubbling up more recently on social media with teachers and former teachers drawing attention to their struggles in the classroom. There have even been some new television shows that have started to address what teachers are struggling with. They are pushing against the stereotypes. This kind of representation can help restructure how we think about and discuss teachers.  Seeing teachers as stereotypes either creates standards so high it is absolutely unrealistic or we are creating a villain to be a scape-goat for all of our worldly problems. Both of these images are contributing to teachers leaving the profession, and both of these images are very common cultural tropes. To break free from stereotypes, we need to first recognize they are there and how they are working.  I teach about stereotypes when I teach rhetoric. One of my favorite lessons to teach is about binary opposition. We get to address stereotypes and how we, as humans, often categorize ideas and language into this or that, and how such categorization is often a logical fallacy.  Here's a quick look at how the lesson goes.  I start by asking students what a binary star system is, then draw it on the board. Binary stars are two stars that orbit each other. They rely on each other for survival. If one dies, the other dies. In this binary, one star is larger than the other, it carries more weight. Even so, if the other star dies, the larger star will also die.  How we categorize language and ideas is similar. Things are good or bad, and we often privilege one side of that opposition. And we wouldn't know good without bad. The poet Wallace Stevens wrote, “Death is the mother of Beauty,” which means, without death, we wouldn't know beauty.  At this point, a few of the students are nodding, others are usually staring, but as I move around the room, their eyes all follow me. This is when you know that you've got ‘em. Now, I move to the board again and ask the students to picture the perfect and stereotypical 1950s couple. I give a few seconds - they don't need long. Then I ask, “So, who are they?” Right away, students establish a white, able-bodied couple, made up of a man and woman. This is when I turn my back, marker ready, and say, “Okay, tell me about the woman.” They yell over each other rattling off the same image of a blond-haired, blue-eyed woman with a light color poodle skirt, wearing minimal makeup. She cooks, cleans, and takes care of children. Her only vices are gossip and the occasional cigarette. I then have the students describe the man. He's tall, has dark hair, wears a dark suit, and works in an office. His vices include drinking, smoking, fighting, and adultery.  In less than two minutes, my students always describe Don and Betty Draper perfectly. Then we continue with other opposing stereotypes under men and women. We agree that these are stereotypes as a class, but I point out that they came up with these opposing lists in about 5 minutes total. It takes that long because I can't write as fast as they yell out ideas. I tell them, even if they don't believe in these stereotypes, they are ingrained in their brains because of the culture in which we live, and if they're not careful, they might unconsciously let them dictate their behavior At this point, I pause the class and take a different colored marker and circled  qualities on both sides of the list. Then I tell the students, these are things that make up who I am. I have a lot of qualities under both men and women circled: I cry more than my wife, I am emotional, I like to cook, I'm terrible with vehicle maintenance, but I am also a woodworker, I was an industrial ironworker,  I've been in fights, I was a college wrestler. We talk about monoliths, and the reality that in a binary, most people live in the gray. We're not one or the other, and that doesn't make us less-than.  Even so, we tend to categorize ideas based on binary opposition.  Thinking back to the binary of men and women, I ask the students who is good and who is bad. Kids argue and defend, but we don't have a consensus. Then I ask who wears what on a stereotypical wedding day. Men wear black, black is associated with bad. Women wear white, which is associated with good, (which is problematic in its own right).  Inevitably one of the students says this isn't fair.  They're right - it isn't. That's the danger of binary logic, of assuming things are either good or bad. It creates an all or nothing scenario and double-standards.Binary logic is a fallacy.  Now, if we only think of teachers as either good or bad, we are forcing them into unrealistic stereotypes.  When teachers are associated with being martyrs, saints, nurturers, or people following a calling, and if all of this is seen and represented as good, then as soon as a teacher doesn't want to give their life to education or be like the teachers in the inspirational movies, then there is a cultural damnation that they must be bad or selfish or deviant or lazy or mean. It sounds ridiculous, but teachers are either leaving because the expectations for being a teacher are more than what they're willing to give, or they are seen as lazy and unintelligent. Either way, teachers are leaving as a result. As my students point out every single year, binary logic is simplistic and unfair and most things aren't simple enough to be one or the other. But, this is often how we interpret the world, it's good or bad, Democrat or Republican, wrestling or basketball. You get the idea.  So what can be done? As I said earlier, we need to first recognize that there is a stereotype and why that stereotype might be dangerous. Then, the next step would be to listen to real teachers and be able to differentiate stereotypes from reality.  The way teachers are talking about leaving education is not cinematic, it's real, and it's happening.  Unlike the stereotype, real teachers are listening to their friends and family.  Molly Waterworth: And I was talking about it with Ryan, and he was like,” Molly, you cannot keep teaching. You just can't because it ruins it ruins you emotionally.” And I'm like, Yeah, you're really right because I live for months with just dread, dread, and exhaustion. And you don't want to see anybody that you love feel that way. And it sometimes it takes that external viewpoint of like, No, this is wrecking you to to actually recognize that like, Oh, this isn't just something that I feel internally terrible about. It's obvious to other people. So this is a problem. They realize that education doesn't have to be a life sentence of martyrdom.  Rachael Esh:  I've given this job and these kids everything that I have, and I don't have anything left. And that's just the reality. And it's like, I had to pick myself over them. And it's, it's like, I love them dearly, and I care about them. But I can't put my mental health on the backburner for the rest of my life.  When people decide to become a teacher, I think everyone thinks like, oh, my gosh, you're a teacher, and you're going to be my kids teacher. And you're going to be a teacher forever. And like, that's your, that's your identity.  I've always felt like  this wasn't necessarily my forever career, like some people have. I was like, I'm gonna do this and I want to see how it goes. And the first few years, I was like, yes, like this is, this is my jam. I'm learning so much. I just started thinking I was like every year is just the same. I'm like  a permanent sixth grader, and I was like, I am not the kind of person that can stay in a job for 30 years if I don't have any room to grow in it. I just started seeing that cycle. And, when summer comes, it's like, such a huge relief. And then when you start going back to school, just the anxiety about thinking about that already. I was like, no, I would rather have a job all year that I am not going to be completely stressed out about.  What I heard teachers tell me is that they are dynamic humans, not cultural stereotypes. I feel that too. Teachers live in that liminal gray space in-between, just like everyone else. They are neither wholly good nor bad. So it would be great to see a cultural shift, teachers included,  in how we discuss teachers - it can start by framing them as complex humans rather than cultural tropes. This will include allowing teachers to voice concerns they have about the profession, so that things can be addressed and we can keep great teachers.  Now, a common cultural reaction to this last statement and to teachers airing their grievances in general, is to say that, “Well, they're just whiners.” So, if this was your reaction, it is a good time to review that lesson on binaries. If you thought the teacher sharing a concern was a whiner, then it seems like  you would prefer that teacher to remain silent. To, in essence, be a martyr. But just like binary logic, expecting teachers to be martyrs is not helpful and is based in stereotypes.  So it would be worth reflecting on our own stereotypes about teachers, and try to humanize them. They really are just humans. But if folks continue to struggle to separate real-life teachers from the stereotypical, dramatized, fictionalized, news-worthy, or social-media teachers, we'll continue to struggle with holding onto brilliant teachers who won't fit into the restrictive categorization.    Next time, we will talk about the purpose of public education. Many teachers are leaving because our country cannot reach a consensus on what public education is for and who it's for.  That will be next time on Those Who Can't Teach Anymore. Thank you for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share episodes with everyone you can think of. This episode was produced by me, Charles Fournier. It was edited by Melodie Edwards. Other editing help came from Noa Greenspan, Sarah-Ann Leverette, and Tennesee Watson. Our theme song is by Julian Saporiti. All other music can be found on our website. A special thanks to Rachael Esh, Molly Waterworth, Dylan Bear, and Stephanie Reese for taking time to sit down and chat with. This podcast is funded in part by the Fund for Teachers Fellowship. With movie clips from Freedom Writers (Paramount Pictures), Dead Poets Society (Touchstone Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures), School of Rock (Paramount Pictures), Ferri Bueller (Paramount Pictures, United International Pictures)  

What do teachers believe about black students and is implicit bias is a major factor in those beliefs regardless on the teachers race? This is what I was left thinking about after watching a parody of films like Dangerous Minds and Freedom Writers. Saturday Night Live's Ego Nwodim plays a substitute teacher who's determined to let her students know that their race and stupidity won't stop them from achieving their dreams. The only problem is, the kids aren't dumb and as host Megan Thee Stallion points out: "Miss? This is an honors-level physics class." Let's Talk about what teachers believe about black students and whether implicit bias is a major factor in those beliefs.www.thesneakerprincipal.comJoin The Sneaker Principal Live Call-In PodcastOn Sundays, Wednesdays & Fridays @ 10pm EST on…YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UcheLawrenceLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/snkrprincipalTwitter: https://twitter.com/SNKRPrincipalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086712754224Also follow me on…Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesneakerprincipal/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@snkrprincipalSupport the show

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, November 17, 2022, we talk with Erin Gruwell, a California-based English teacher who initiated the Freedom Writers project.

You've seen her on Law & Order, Elementary, New Amsterdam and plenty more of your favorite shows! Jayzen is thrilled to welcome his very special guest, April Hernandez Castillo to the show. She launched her career as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card spot starring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra, originally airing on the Super Bowl. Expanding her impact on the world, she has gone on to become a successful author and keynote speaker, sharing her message of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the ability to move beyond trauma. Her career wisdom learned from the hussle of Hollywood and constantly keeping your foundation strong while striving for more, are lessons that apply to any industry. Guest Bio April Hernandez Castillo Actor, Speaker, Author April Hernandez Castillo's dream became a reality when she booked her first commercial as the “Yo girl” in the Visa Check Card spot starring Yao Ming and Yogi Berra. The commercial would air for the Super Bowl and become a sports classic. She then went on to star in television shows such as; Law & Order: SVU, The following, Person of Interest, and Elementary. April garnered a recurring role on Showtime's Dexter which she was nominated for a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble cast. April is most noted for her powerful portrayal as “Eva Benitez” in the hit movie Freedom Writers starring Oscar winner Hilary Swank. She also has worked on NBC's popular show- New Amsterdam, Prodigal Son, and Gossip Girl. April has also graced a different stage as a public speaker. Her message of resilience, overcoming adversity, and the ability to move beyond trauma has taken April on a journey across the United States and internationally. Reaching an array of audiences from high schools, universities and conferences, she has spoken on some of the most prestigious stages starting from Harvard University, Q Conference to her biggest stage to date, TEDx. Links To learn more about Lead With Your Brand system, please visit: LeadWithyYourBrand.com To book Jayzen for a speaking engagement or workshop at your company, visit: JayzenPatria.com

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by two Ukrainians currently living in the United States. Our first guest, Lenny Shtyenberg, is one of the co-founders of UkraineNeedsYou.org - an impressive mental health care non-profit that provides services to those affected by the conflict. Lenny makes a passionate plea about what you can do to help support their efforts. Later, we are joined by a Ukrainian member of our Freedom Writer family, Laurence Bezinover, whose parents escaped the former Soviet Union, but instilled in their children a profound respect for their people and culture. This episode is a heart-wrenching look at the human cost of conflict, and we hope it will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference. Donate to Help Ukraine: https://www.UkraineNeedsYou.org Learn More About BlueCheck Ukraine: https://www.bluecheck.in/

Rebecca Cokley is a Program Officer, developing the U.S. disability rights program strategy at the Ford Foundation. Prior to joining Ford, Rebecca was the co-founder and director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress (CAP). She was responsible for organizing a campaign that resulted in an unprecedented 12 Presidential candidates developing disability policy platforms. Prior to her work at CAP, she served as the executive director for the National Council on Disability where she worked on sexual violence on college campuses, policing reform, and the civil rights of disabled parents. A three time Presidential Appointee, Rebecca served in key policy roles at the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as a successful stint at the White House where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts for the Obama Administration.  Learn more about Rebecca and the Ford Foundation. Learn more about Cara Reedy. Learn more about The Passionistas Project. FULL TRANSCRIPT: Passionistas: Hi, we're sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington. We founded the Passionistas Project to tell the stories of women who are following their passions and fighting for equality for all. The more we spoke with women for our podcast, subscription box and the annual Power of Passionistas Summit, the more we saw a common trait in all of them. They are unstoppable. Whether they chose to use their voices to start a women owned brand or fight for the rights of the marginalized, we found that all Passionistas are resilient, compassionate and persistent. Each year, we honor women who embody these qualities by presenting the Passionistas Persist Awards. This episode of the podcast is an interview with one of the 2022 recipients. Our final award this evening is the Passionistas Persist Humanitarian Award, which honors a woman who spends her days in pursuit of equal rights and promoting human welfare for all people. The award is being presented by Cara Reedy, a journalist, actor, director and photographer. As the director of the Disabled Journalist Association, Cara knows that the world is missing out on some of the best stories on the planet, and the journalist in her knows that can't stand. Cara: I met Rebecca three years ago when I was interviewing her for a documentary I was working on at The Guardian. Literally, the moment we clapped eyes on each other, she screamed, "You don't get down with that LPA bullshit either." I knew we would be friends immediately. Rebecca is a second generation activist. She's been around since she could ride on her godmother's wheelchair to, uh, protest. She was the co-founder and director of the Disability Justice Initiative at Center for American Progress, where she built out a progressive policy platform that protected the rights and services disabled people depend on for survival and also developed an innovative solutions like a proposed disability disabled worker tax credit, and increased access to capital for disability owned small businesses. She stewarded a campaign that resulted in an unprecedented 12 presidential candidates developing disability policy platforms. She's a three-time presidential appointee. Rebecca served in key policy roles at the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts for the Obama administration. I'm honored to present her with a Passionistas Persist Humanitarian Award. Rebecca: Thank you so much, Cara. It is such a tremendous honor to accept the 2022 Passionistas Persist Humanitarian Award. 43 years ago, my parents, both people with dwarfism, recorded an interview for a local news station where they said that they hoped for a future for their child or people with dwarfism would not be jokes. Could achieve any job they desired and live a life free from discrimination. Their work as activists and advocates paved the road that led me to youth leadership programs, to the University of California, Santa Cruz, Go Banana Slugs, the White House, numerous campaigns and today at the Ford Foundation. As the mom of three, I find myself honestly wishing the same thing for my children. 43 years later. If there was anything I learned from my mom, a single mom who became a single mom when my dad left us after she got accepted into college, there was a lesson in persistence. Sometimes the only way out is through. And in troubling times like these, there is no one else I would rather be in the trenches with, working our way through all of this hot mess, than all of you fellow Passionistas. Thank you again for this tremendous honor. Cara: I always like to think about like how people grew up and like I grew up in a, in a house full of black people cuz we were black, that persisted through the Civil Rights Movement, but I didn't have a full understanding of like disability as an identity, how they intersect. Just I, I was a little behind kind of in my understanding of disability and oppression. How do you feel? You being a second generation, um, activist in this space has prepared you to attack the problem, the problems of oppression of disabled people. How did your understanding of your oppression as a child lead you to this and, um, having your parents kind of lead you to. Rebecca: My parents never hesitated to talk about either our oppression that we faced as people with the warism or the privilege that we faced. And you know, you see, I have a good trouble banner up in the background. Um, my dad was the son of a federal judge in Selma, Alabama. I have no problem using the term, a white supremacist federal judge in Selma, Alabama. Um, who. Routinely through Freedom Writers in Jail who oversaw the travesty. That was the Reverend James Reeb trial and who, uh, filed an injunction that made it, like, made it a violation of the law for three or more African Americans to congregate in Selma and talk about voting. And that history was never hidden from me. My parents were very open in talking about. How my dad was raised, how he was brought up, um, his parents and, and siblings perception of the world and their place in it. And you know, for my dad, yes, he was, you know, the younger son of this, this big time jackass of a judge. But my dad was also the only little person in his family. And so, you know, wherever they went, yes, he was the judge's kid, but he was also the d. Um, and his older brother had schizophrenia. So in a, in a very southern, very patriarchal family. Both sons were disabled. And I think that was something that was never lost on my dad. His, his brother became institutionalized when my dad was a teenager and his brother was in, was in his early twenties. Um, and so while yes, he grew up with a lot of privilege, he also grew up with a brother. You know, nobody talked about. Um, and then he was the heir, or, you know, you had the air and the spare if we're gonna, you know, use a, use a, um, a monarchy term. Um, and the spare was a little person. And so, uh, you know, my dad. Spent a lot of time thinking about what, what his life was like. And my dad grew up with gay friends in Alabama and saw how they were treated and ended up at a little people convention where he met my mom. Who was the, the number five of nine kids, all red haired flower children. And it was love at first sight. My dad went home to Alabama and packed up the 69 Camaro and drove her from Selma to San Francisco. Um, and they got married like six months after my mom turned 18. And, uh, my mom was also the only person with dwarfism in her family. And growing up at the bay at the height of the AIDS epidemic, my dad ran a Center for Independent Living. My mom ran a disabled student center at a community college. . And so they were losing friends and students and clients left and right. And I remember as a kid, like my parents skipping my ice skating lesson for us to go to funerals. And I remember like being like, Why are we going to another funeral? And my parents being like, Nobody deserves to die alone. Like, we have a responsibility to show up for people. Um, and that was always my parents' core value. And you know, we would talk about things like, I remember. When I had the realization that my dad's best friend was gay. And I remember asking my dad, Why does Uncle Don's roommate come with us whenever we go anywhere? Like, why, why does, why does Mark come with us? And my dad was like, Well, that's his, you know, that's his roommate. And my mom was like, Come on, Billy, Like, give me a break. And my dad was like, That's his partner. They love each other. And like, I was six. And so it was like, Oh, they love each other. Ok, that's cool. Like whatever. Um, you know, so my parents were really open in both talking about sort of the, the ways they moved about the world, but also the fact that like, that there was oppression and that we had to talk about it, and that it wasn't always like stiff upper lip or, you know, pick yourself up from the bootstraps. That there are days that it really sucks being a disabled person and like they didn't hide that. . Cara: You also kind of touched on like grief being a really big part of being disabled. I don't say that lightly. But what I, whenever I say this or, or bring up something that's negative around disability, people are like, We knew it. And it's like, no, not, you don't really get it. Like, that's not what we mean by that. But it's, but there is a level of grief that is involved in being disabled. Um, because the systems let you down so often. How do you navigate your grief, um, to keep moving? Rebecca: I was in your spot and I was interviewing Senator Tammy Duckworth, um, when we launched the project that I was running at the time at the Center for American Progress. And I asked her about it, um, as a disabled woman veteran, and she said, You know, Becca, sometimes you just have to embrace the. And I thought that phrase was so perfect, and I was like, I've never heard anyone just say it like that. And she was like, Yeah, there's days. It totally sucks. Um, and there's days that it's really rough. And that's, that's the reality. And we don't tell the, we don't do any of us a service by not being willing to talk about that. And I think as a, you know, as a kid, growing, My parents, um, handled people staring at us very differently. My dad being a southern kid and being a judge of son, was it, you know, eternal politician would go be like, Hi, my name is Billy. And me like, I was sitting in the corner like going like at like six and I remember the first time I did that and my mom, like the other parent, grabbed my mom and was like, Do you know that your child just flipped off my. and my mom pulled me aside and was like, Did you just flip them off? And I was like, No. I gave them the finger. And she was like, That's what that means, . Um, and I was like, Why is it okay for them to act that way towards me in public? Like, why am I supposed to be, um, okay with it? Um, you know, it's not okay. And like if I can't act that way in public, Like, why are they allowed to act that way? And my mom was always like, Well, you know, different people are raised differently and whatever. But like there are moments like I find even now as a parent watching my kids grow up. Um, and, you know, two, three years of a pandemic meant my kids weren't in school with their peers all of this time. They were remote learning. And I remember my son's response the first time. He saw his best friends from, that he had been going to school with from kindergarten on after this break. And he was like, Mom, they got really tall. And I was like, Yeah, they did. And he was like, Oh. and it was a reminder for my hus, like my son is a, is a jock. He loves sports, he's super outgoing. But I remember when I was on softball teams and I remember when it got to the point where my 100% was literally dwarfed by their 100%. And no matter how hard I tried, like I couldn't keep. And that's like, and, and going through that period of time. And I remember coming across a, a book on dwarfism, um, recently actually that had my mom's story in it. And my mom talked about how when she was 16, my grandpa, to me woods just north of San Francisco and with the family of nine kids, nobody got alone time with parents. It just doesn't happen. And my grandfather sat in the car with my mom in the, in the Volkswagen bug that they had and told her she was never gonna get any. And, and her talking about her morning process and like that wasn't something my parents took for me. And so, you know, there are days when it sucks. I mean, I remember there was a job I really wanted a vice president for health justice for, for a progressive women's organization. I was a finalist. And then they called me to tell me I wasn't getting the job. And what they said, and I quote was, Our organization is not ambitious enough to hire someone. Oh, and I was like, What the, like what the hell? Like, am I, is that a compliment? Is it an insult? Like, how do I even take that? And I remember being like, Oh, okay, like you're proud that your organization has such a ba like backwards view about the world. Um, you know, And so I think it's just, it doesn't, doesn't mean you're not proud in who you are. It actually means that you have just. Like, you know who you are. I've spent a lot of time like investigating ableism that like ableist ideas I have and um, I feel like you end up kind of almost mourning that like period where you're like, Oh, this isn't gonna get any better. Like, it's always gonna be like this, but that's okay cuz I know how to do. And you have people to do it with. I think, you know, growing up with community, with people with all different types of disabilities, with role models, with dwarfism, um, had such a positive impact on me because, you know, did I know when I was like a teenager that like the people that I looked up to had the same insecurities and fears and whatnot that I didn't know they were the cool teenager. Who managed to get their parents to pay for altering acid washed jeans and let them crimp their hair like they were cool. Um, and like being able to see that was really important. Being able to, um, . I remember the first time I ever saw a porn and I was at my godmother's bridal shower and I was, I was, 15 and in a room with a whole bunch of women with a whole bunch of different types of disabilities. There were deaf women, there were cerebral palsy, there were women who used communication boards to talk. It was like the most like pro feminist, rabel, rousing crew of like disabled, crippled women on the face of the planet. And this porn came on. And I remember just like being like, I dunno what to do with this Ok, this is interesting. And like they thought it was the funniest thing on the face of the planet. I remember just being. This room of like real, like what does it say that this room of really, like, we're sitting here laughing at the ables doing like sex acts on TV as a room of like disabled women and just being like, this is funny. Like, right, this is funny. Like, am I supposed to laugh at this? And I remember my mom just be like, I cannot believe I'm watching this with my 15 year old daughter. Um, you know, and, and I think it's moments like that where, You share space or, I mean, as, um, my, Patrick and I just watched almost Famous the other night and they talk about the, the currency of being collectively uncool. Mm. And I think there's something about that, like among other disabled people or among other people from other diverse communities too. Cause I've found similar, um, similar support and comfort among like my black women friends. You know, one of my biggest frustrations is, doing media and having the article come out later that's like little person, big, whatever. Or you know, Rebecca's personality is so big. I never noticed she was small and it's so enraging cuz it's like, so you don't understand my reality and you don't know me. From the time I wake up in a bed that's oversized and huge and made by Restoration Hardware and I have to high jump to get on it, even though I really love it. Um, I wake up in a world that's been structured for average type people, so I have to talk to you like a child because you're acting like a child. Um, you know, And so I think that there is this, I I watch media claim to try to. But that would actually require, as, you know, like the, the labor that comes with doing the work versus being able to say, Well, let's just like slap a reality show tag on it and call it a day. Passionistas: We're Amy and Nancy Harrington and you are listening to the Passionistas Project Podcast. Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the women in your life? Visit ThePassionistasProject.com to order our subscription box filled with products made by women owned businesses and female artisans to inspire women to follow their passions. Get a free mystery box with a one-year subscription using the code WINTERMYSTERY. Now here's more of the Passionista Persist Award ceremony. Cara: I find there's a lot of. Language around sensitivity. Like, Oh, we are going to be sensitive to, to disabled people. And I'm like, well, I don't care about your sensitivity because this is fake sensitivity. What I need you to do is do your job and investigate things. I don't care about your feelings. Which kind of brings me to my next question about you building out your the Ford Disability Program. I, I feel like one of the things that you do the best, you do a lot of things great, but like one of the bigger, biggest things is that you're such a connector, but you not only connect dots, but you. You understand how to fund them and like it's, it's been amazing to watch just from the little bit. I know. Can you talk a little bit about how you've approached kind of building this groundbreaking sort of platform and base for so long? Rebecca: The number one thing holding back work in the disability rights and justice base. We don't have money. And so I remember, um, when I was at the National Council on Disability, I should know even before that, I remember when I was working for President Obama and I needed to find people with disabilities that were experts in housing policy. And I made like 30 calls and I couldn't find anybody. I was just like, Oh my God, this has, this is ridiculous. Why is there this problem? And you know, part of the problem is because people with disabilities live in a state of legalized, codified poverty. And so folks don't go to college or can't go to college, can't afford going to college, or if they go to college they can't work. Cause if they work, they lose their health insurance. Um, and I remember just being like, what would it be like if like money wasn't the problem? Like, what could we build? And so I started years ago building this list that was originally entitled things that We Need. And it was like a cross disability rights community housing portfolio, like policy agenda. Like what, what do we like? What are the issues? What are the problems, et cetera. Um, like what else do we need? Why do we keep, I remember saying like, why do we keep funding exoskeleton? When disabled people by the thousands die every year as a result of bed sores, like Jesus, do we need another GA exoskeleton? And why is money going to this? And people are like, Oh, the, the averages and the ables are like, Oh, it's exoskeleton. So, yeah, but I'd rather not die of a bed. So, um, and so I just started building a list and then, uh, when I was asked to apply for the job at Ford, the list became a bit more formal and turned into cool shit. I want the Ford Foundation to fund at the back of a notebook and in it, um, I'm very specifically laid out like, we need a place doing work on immigration reform. We need to fund work, uh, supporting. Native and indigenous folks with disabilities. Um, we need a disabled journalist organization. We need a disabled, or we need an organization of disabled doctors. Um, you know, especially during this pandemic. And so much of the, the health reporting is just so crappy. So if we have good journalists and we have good doctors, like as a package deal, we can, we can move something forward. Um, you know, and real like, I need a disabled economist. I wanna be able to break down the numbers. So we can actually tell the real story around disability and poverty and like, if we're talking about reparations, have we thought about how reparations would impact disabled African Americans? No, we haven't. Well, how do we make sure they don't screw African American disabled folks? Um, and can I get an economist to build out that work because I know we're really gonna need it, but no one's doing it. Um, and that's like the most fun part of the job is sometimes just like sitting back and being like, Okay. So if we get this, this, and this, like what's the next thing? What would be really cool to do? Like who? And also at the same time being at a place like Ford, like I joke all the time that when I was at the White House, everyone took my calls. No, like 90% of people took my calls. 100% of people take my calls when you give away money. . And I was lucky that I had friends that worked in the foundation space that were like, Enjoy it now. Cause when your time is up, nobody will answer your calls. They're like, so like, use it. Um, and so continually thinking of like, what are the spaces we need to be in and how can I use. The privilege that I have in my role at the Ford Foundation to get our people into those spaces and make sure that they're supported in those spaces and that they can thrive in those spaces. Cause it's not just getting in the door. Cause like you can get in the door and then be surrounded by a room full of assholes. Um, but how do we make sure it's the right door? How do we make sure whatever we're funding is set up to thrive? How do we make sure the people on the other end get it and are going to, to, to truly welcome and embrace, um, not just accept, but amplify and support disabled folks and disabled issues in that way. And, you know, I think through my career, like having the, the sort of sense of scale of the community that I do and sort of the sense of the progressive world as it is, you know, just always continually like keeping, keeping track of who's doing cool work, Like who's doing something that's really neat. Who's doing something that's different.. And is there a way that we can fund it? And if not us can I like connect them with another funder that can help support their work? Cara: Your kids are third generation now activist, and they're already Rebecca: Mouthy, obnoxious, persistent. Cara: They're persistent, which is, they're persistent. Where do you hope to get the disability right? Civil rights space to hand off to them? Rebecca: I want them to not have to choose whether they're black or they're disabled. Like I want them to be able to walk in a space, whether it be a disability, majority space, um, uh, African American majority space, and be welcomed and celebrated and support. For who they are, regardless of who their mother is. And what I had to do to, to lovingly encourage those organizations to stop being butt heads and let them in. I want them in those places and thriving, you know, if they, if they wanna be. I've made a point of never running for office in LPA because my mom did that my entire life. And I told myself I was not going to be an LPA officer because I wanted to be the parent at the pool with my kids. I wanted to know who their friends. I wanted their friends to know me. Um, and, you know, if they want to move in these spaces, I want them to feel comfortable with it. I want Kaya to be proud of the fact that Elizabeth Warren made her pinky promise to consider running for president one day that Elizabeth Warren called her to ask her about her presidential platform that you po that she had me post on Twitter, you know, and at the same time, I want ki if Kai wants to say, You know what? I wanna be a teacher instead, or I wanna be a mom. I want those choices to be her choices and not choices she feels are imposed on her or limited by society. And I want Kendrick to feel okay for just being an average. You know, I want good jobs for, for average kids like. Light bulb turner is just not good enough. Like person who hands down stuff to their mom from the top shelf at the grocery store. No. Like he can go to college too. He can do real things. Cara: What are you most passionate about? Rebecca: It's hard in this moment to think about things that we're fighting for. You know, like I won't, I frankly, am struggling like a lot of people and figuring out what is it I'm passionate about in this very moment because it's hard to feel excited about stuff as a disabled person and watching society be like, Oh, we're just going back to normal. And like I was talking to somebody recently and they're like, Well, as we go back and our grantees go back to to the office, and I was like, Who's grantees? I was like, my grantees aren't going back to work. My grantees are still afraid of going outside and dying. My grantees are mad that they have to take a, you take a bus to the pharmacy to get some damn in 90 fives, because our government didn't think enough about sticking them in the box with the task kits. I wanna get to a place where I can be like positively passionate about something I adamantly despise. And I pour JK Rowling in all of the horrible things she says and does. But as somebody that grew up, uh, reading Harry Potter as a, a late stage adolescent slash early adult, I remember like reading the first book on the plane when I realized that they wouldn't card me as a little person on the plane. And like drinking a Corona at like 19 on a plane was like the first Harry Potter. But I have a, I have a tattoo that says constant vigilance, um, which is Mad Eye Moody's, a constant warning throughout, um, book four. And I got that tattooed when Trump became president because I never wanted to take my eyes off of what was happening. I knew it would be really easy to turn away and just be like, I'm just not gonna listen to that guy. He's a reality show. Blow. And we need to be in the fight. And so I dream I, I am passionate about getting to a day where I don't have to be constantly vigilant. Tell us about a time you persisted back when I was at the Center for American Progress and we were starting to talk about the 2020 election, and I remember a colleague of mine. A dude who, um, was overseeing some parts of my work and may have contributed to giving me more aggressive migraines, which I still live with today. I'd never realized that somebody could actually give you a disability, but like this person gave me an extra disability and like I never even got to thank them for that said to me. What are the two or three things that you would like to see presidential campaigns buy into as it relates to your people? And so at the time we were thinking, well, elimination of sub wage marriage equality for disabled folks on SSI and means tested programs, um, greater funding of special education and home and community based services, HCPs were like, Those are the four things. And I remember sitting there and being like, Yeah, that. And I remember getting a phone call as I was walking through the airport, um, and I answered it and it was from a, a five 10 number, so it was Oakland and I answered it and it was a staffer for then Senator Kamala Harris. And they were like, Hey, so we wanna build a disability platform like it's own standalone platform. We don't just wanna like weave stuff into. The senator is is talking about, but like we want our own standalone. Like this is where she stands on these issues. And mind you, at this point in time, there were 25 Democrats running for president. So the field was beyond full. Um, and I remember talking to them as I like walked through the airport and being like, Well we could, like, these are like the four things. And they're like, Well, what else? And so I remember being like, Well, you know, we could look at, let's break down income inequality. Let's make sure that any income data is broken down by race and disability and race and disability together. Um, and they were like, Huh, okay, that's cool. You know, we talked about a couple other things and, and the phone, and then we hung up the phone. Then like three days later the phone rang and it was Senator Booker's staff, and they were like, Cory wants a disability platform. And so what I realized at the time, there were a couple things. One, everyone was looking for a way to stand out. And everyone was looking for a, a piece of vote that hadn't been claimed yet. Um, and the other part was on the cap website. Disability was right between climate and the economy. And so as they were going through pulling platform ideas from the organization, Like putting disability between climate and the economy. Alphabetically was genius because they were just like, Oh, let's call the disability people. Hey, I guess we need to have a disability platform. Cap says we should have it. Like, let's do that. I remember like after talking to, um, to, to Senator Booker staff being like, you could get bigger than this. What if it's not just four bullet points? What if we could get every can. To have a platform. And I remember people at my office being like, Oh, that's never gonna happen. And mind you, these were the same people that told us, Oh, this project's never gonna do anything. No one's ever gonna give you money. Like, ho hum, whatever. This is a trend. It'll go away eventually. Um, and then I remember actually like getting towards the end. And we had had, um, Pete Budha judges' platform come out and, and hiring Emily Vorge as a, as a campaign staffer. Um, Secretary Castro, Senator Warren. Um, and at that point we were waiting on, on on, on, uh, Senator Sanders's platform. And I was on a train and my phone rang and it was a a two one oh number. And so I answered the phone and it was Secretary Castro. And I was like, hello, this is Rebecca. And he is like, hey Rebecca, it's Julian. How are you? And I was like, Good. And he's like, look, I'm just calling to say thank. For what you did for writing that platform for us, I'm really proud of it. We're really excited and like this is massive for people with disabilities, for Texans with disabilities. He's like, this was a learning moment for me. And we talked for about 10 minutes on the train and I hung up the phone and never in my entire life had I ever received a call from any of the candidates I had worked with. And then the next week, Senator Warren called to say thank you. And to date, they are the two political candidates, um, that I've ever called to thank me for my work. Called me personally and just been like, Thank you. It was awesome. Like we learned. And it blew my mind because like, like I had expected we would get some things done. I expected, I was like, maybe we'll have an impact. But to see then Secretary Castro stand on the debate stage and get asked a question about education. And him talk about, and then also specifically turn it around to turn it into a disability question to see Senator Warren take a disability question, See, you know, second now Secretary Buttigieg. Um, to see Senator Sanders talk about home and community based services after he released a 40 page plan that included everything and the kitchen sink. God bless Bernie. And then to have to fight Biden and Biden's people who were my friends that I had worked with in the white. On putting out their disability platform and actually having to create a hashtag, hashtag access to Joe to shame them that he was the last man standing. We still didn't have a platform. And um, finally getting that out and then being able to take a app and just being like, I'm gonna take a nap now. Like, and then somebody was like, But what about Marion Williamson and Andrew Yang? And I was like, Nope. Had nothing to do with them. B bye bye . Um, you know, and today to still have the relationship. Secretary Castro and his team and Senator Warren and that they haven't given up. It wasn't a fluke, and if we hadn't have fought for it, we wouldn't have gotten it. Cara: Why is it important for women to lift each other up? Rebecca: We have a responsibility to do things better than previous generations, you know, and Richards used to say there's a special place in health for women that don't support each other, and I totally believe that that's true. Cara: What does the Power of Passionista mean to you? Rebecca: It's the power of the fight. It's the power of not giving up. Um, it's the power of the possible. The thinking about in this moment, feeling not excited about the world, but still not losing hope, like still having hope that we will get to a place where. Um, we can live our fullest lives, be bring our whole selves unabashedly and proudly and excitedly to whatever table we go to. Or if we don't like a table, you know what? We pull out a chainsaw. We saw the damn thing down. Set it on fire and we have a campfire and we set a campfire that we can all bring our whole selves to. Passionistas: Thanks for listening to the awards presentation with Rebecca Cokley and thanks to Cara Reedy for the amazing interview. To learn more about Cara and the Disabled Journalist Association, follow her on social media at InfamouslyShort. To learn more about Rebecca's work as the program officer for US disability rights, visit FordFoundation.org. And if you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for the women in your life, visit ThePassionistasProject.com to order our subscription box filled with products by women, own businesses, and female artisans. To inspire women to follow their passions, get a free mystery box with a one year subscription using the code WINTERMYSTERY. And be sure to subscribe to the Passionistas Project Podcast so you don't miss any of our upcoming inspiring guests. Until next time, stay well and stay passionate.

I'm cool like that! I'm cool like that! And we are back like that with a new episode, Freedom Writers! Hosts Hilary and Correy find the and discuss the best quotes from this 2000s tale and update their “All Time Movie Quote” List! Please rate review and subscribe to the podcast on all streaming platforms (5 stars only) and be sure to follow @whatsthatfrompod for updates on future episodes! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 44 – In this episode, we continue the conversation with April Hernandez Castillo, April is an Actor, Keynote Speaker, and Author. She is a survivor and advocate for intimate partner violence. Best known for her riveting performance as “Eva” in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo was living the Hollywood dream. She started on TV shows such as; Person of Interest, Law & Order: SVU, Dexter, and New Amsterdam to name a few. However, behind the glitz and glamor was a woman dealing secretly with a traumatic past. Since the recording of this episode, arrangements have been made for April to visit the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University, in October, where she will be a featured speaker in the Studies in Entrepreneurship Speaker Series

Episode 43 – This interview with April Hernandez Castillo, is Part 1 of a 2-part Latino Business Report podcast. April is an Actor, Keynote Speaker, and Author. She is a survivor and advocate for intimate partner violence. Best known for her riveting performance as “Eva” in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank, April Hernandez Castillo was living the Hollywood dream. She started on TV shows such as; Person of Interest, Law & Order: SVU, Dexter, and New Amsterdam to name a few. However, behind the glitz and glamor was a woman dealing secretly with a traumatic past. April's first professional acting job - https://bit.ly/3UmGKwW April's daughter 9-year-old Summer Rose Castillo has an acting career of her own as Alma in the PBS animated series Alma's Way. - https://pbskids.org/almasway

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with Krish Sharma, a British student author from our new book, Dear Freedom Writer, and his fabulous Freedom Writer Teacher, Sam Norwood. They discuss Krish's struggles with bullying, how important trust is for victims of bullying, and how parents, teachers, and students alike can protect students from bullying. This episode is a powerful look at how to find strength in the face of adversity and we hope it will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference. Purchase Dear Freedom Writer: bit.ly/3wpsB8N Donate to Our Student Authors: tinyurl.com/DearFWFundraiser More About the "Write Back" Program: Write Back is a UK based charity founded by Freedom Writer teacher Sam Norwood. Like the Freedom Writer Foundation, Write Back is guided by the belief that every young person has a story to tell and the capacity to tell it. Its mission is to build the confidence and capacity of young people to express themselves creatively through the sharing of their stories. The charity does this through collaborative after-school storytelling programmes for marginalised young people which develop their creativity, self-esteem and agency. Its work is inspired by the work of the Freedom Writers and Ms G. Website: www.write-back.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writebackuk Twitter: https://twitter.com/writebackuk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writebackuk/

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with 11 year old Kyan, a student author from our newest book, Dear Freedom Writer, and his parents, Dale and Manuel. To help celebrate Pride month, they discuss the inspiration for Kyan's Dear Freedom Writer story, the righteous indignation Kyan uses to fuel his activism and how they are both allies and advocates for LGBTQIA+ families across the world. This episode is incredibly insightful and we hope it will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference. Purchase Dear Freedom Writer: bit.ly/3wpsB8N Donate to Our Student Authors: tinyurl.com/DearFWFundraiser

more red hot content/join the RO Discordtoday we gather to discuss in depth:our Dad changes his mind about pizzaJermaine's exclusive Freedom Writers experiencewhen Pimp My Ride got too pimpindoes bladder size matter?the whip garbage canDownload NEO Financial and get $60 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with four of the amazing student authors of our new book, Dear Freedom Writer - Jadyn L from New York, Jayden B from Alabama, Kelly from California, and Yamon from Israel. They discuss what it feels like to be a Freedom Writer student author and how our student authors hope to spread the power of the pen. This episode is an eye-opening look into the minds of our amazing student authors, and we hope this episode will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference. Purchase Dear Freedom Writer: bit.ly/3wpsB8N Donate to Our Student Authors: tinyurl.com/DearFWFundraiser

Hello everyone! Welcome to part two of my talk with Erin Gruwell! Last week, we discussed the power of writing, stories, and teaching honestly. In this episode, we dive into HOW to create a workshop that that is an empowering writing community and why this should be our goal. Backstory: Over twenty years ago, the students in first-year teacher Erin Gruwell's high school class in Long Beach, California, were labeled “unteachable”—but she saw past that. Instead of treating them as scores on a test, she understood that each of them had a unique story to tell. Inspired by books like Anne Frank's diary, her students began writing their own diaries, eventually dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers. Together, they co-authored The Freedom Writers Diary. In Dear Freedom Writer, the next generation of Freedom Writers shares its struggles with abuse, racism, discrimination, poverty, mental health, imposed borders, LGBTQIA+ identity, and police violence. Each story is answered with a letter of advice from an original Freedom Writer. With empathy and honesty, they address these young people not with the platitudes of a politician or a celebrity, but with the pragmatic advice of people who have dealt with these same issues and come out on the other side. You do NOT want to miss this one.   Want to support the podcast and learn how to empower writers? Check out: WRITEFULLY EMPOWERED   Tap into the Transformative Potential of the Writing Workshop The time has come to shift how we think about writing in our schools. In Writefully Empowered, Jacob Chastain calls on educators to embrace the deeply personal, powerful, and transformative potential of the writing workshop by pivoting toward a classroom that honors each student's individual voice. As Chastain argues: “When we let-no, push-for students to use their voices for their own purposes, we give them what is rightfully theirs as human beings: the tools to shape the world in their image.” Writing through this lens is an exercise in agency, empowerment, and self-determination. Chastain outlines key considerations for creating a writing workshop that centers freedom, equity, and equality of opportunity. He begins with what writers need, classroom routines, and how to catalyze creativity through mini-lessons, independent work time, and conferencing. He also addresses how to track growth, advocate for equitable practices, and navigate the trauma that sometimes emerges in student work. A clear-eyed call to action informed by Chastain's years of classroom experience, Writefully Empowered will equip educators with all the tools they need to facilitate dynamic practices in their own spaces.       This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new classroom resource, Math by the Book by Sue O'Connell and colleagues. Math is everywhere—even in great children's books! Teachers and students love a good story. But those stories can also help elementary students make sense of important mathematical concepts. Math by the Book shows teachers how to use high-quality children's books to teach grade-specific math skills and content. You'll find activities, investigations, and teaching strategies…all paired with lists of carefully chosen K-5 literature. So, if you're looking for a fresh way to bring math teaching to life in your classroom, visit MathByTheBook.com to download a free sample or order a copy. That's MathByTheBook.com.  

Hello everyone! Over twenty years ago, the students in first-year teacher Erin Gruwell's high school class in Long Beach, California, were labeled “unteachable”—but she saw past that. Instead of treating them as scores on a test, she understood that each of them had a unique story to tell. Inspired by books like Anne Frank's diary, her students began writing their own diaries, eventually dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers. Together, they co-authored The Freedom Writers Diary. In Dear Freedom Writer, the next generation of Freedom Writers shares its struggles with abuse, racism, discrimination, poverty, mental health, imposed borders, LGBTQIA+ identity, and police violence. Each story is answered with a letter of advice from an original Freedom Writer. With empathy and honesty, they address these young people not with the platitudes of a politician or a celebrity, but with the pragmatic advice of people who have dealt with these same issues and come out on the other side. In this episode, we discuss the power of writing, stories, and teaching honestly. We discuss legacy. We discuss purpose. You do NOT want to miss this one.   Want to support the podcast and learn how to empower writers? Check out: WRITEFULLY EMPOWERED   Tap into the Transformative Potential of the Writing Workshop The time has come to shift how we think about writing in our schools. In Writefully Empowered, Jacob Chastain calls on educators to embrace the deeply personal, powerful, and transformative potential of the writing workshop by pivoting toward a classroom that honors each student's individual voice. As Chastain argues: "When we let-no, push-for students to use their voices for their own purposes, we give them what is rightfully theirs as human beings: the tools to shape the world in their image." Writing through this lens is an exercise in agency, empowerment, and self-determination. Chastain outlines key considerations for creating a writing workshop that centers freedom, equity, and equality of opportunity. He begins with what writers need, classroom routines, and how to catalyze creativity through mini-lessons, independent work time, and conferencing. He also addresses how to track growth, advocate for equitable practices, and navigate the trauma that sometimes emerges in student work. A clear-eyed call to action informed by Chastain's years of classroom experience, Writefully Empowered will equip educators with all the tools they need to facilitate dynamic practices in their own spaces.       This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Four Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher. Four Essential Studies is based on the belief that secondary students can only be prepared for life after high school when we purposefully shift the decision-making in our classrooms over to them. By reimagining how we teach essay, poetry, digital composition, and sustain talk in book clubs, we can ignite student curiosity, independence, and decision-making skills. Penny and Kelly share the strategies and activities they use in their own classrooms over the course of each unit, and show us what is possible when we expect more than compliance from our students. Learn more about how to transform students' relationship with literacy.  Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Four Essential Studies.