Today, we are going to listen to a reflection by Lorena Germán as she dives deep into the intersection of education and the current political climate. With the upcoming school year coinciding with another intense election cycle, Lorena calls on educators and caregivers alike to prepare for the emotional and social challenges that lie ahead. Drawing from her rich experience, she outlines a three-step approach centered on self-care, community building, and equipping ourselves with the right tools to navigate difficult conversations with students. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or anyone working with young people, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt advice on fostering resilience and understanding during these turbulent times.

Resources

The Anti Racist Teacher: Reading Instruction Workbook Second Edition

The Anti Racist Teacher Course: Reading Instruction Workbook Second Edition (Amazon)

The Anti Racist Teacher Course

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, we are honored to host Dr. Sonia Cherry-Paul, a trailblazer in the field of anti-racist education. Dr. Cherry-Paul, founder of Red Clay Educators and co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity and Literacy, brings over 20 years of classroom experience and a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Join us as we delve into practical ways to transform your teaching with anti-racist strategies.

Dr. Cherry-Paul shares insights from her new book, "Anti-Racist Reading Revolution," spotlighting impactful metaphors like the dandelion to illustrate the enduring power of racial literacy. We explore how these tools can help students analyze connections between past and present social issues, fostering critical thinking and advocacy.

Key Takeaways: - The transformative power of racial literacy in education - Actionable insights on implementing anti-racist strategies in the classroom - The significance of widening and sharpening narratives to reveal truthful representations - Practical examples of how students can apply these skills in their daily lives

Stay tuned as we discuss the connection between dandelions and anti-racism, reflecting on how these skills become bone-deep and life-changing for students. For more education resources, subscribe to Multicultural Classroom and follow us on social media.

Dr. Sonia Cherry-Paul's credentials and contributions:

- Founder of Red Clay Educators

- Co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity and Literacy

- Co-director of the Teach Black History All Year Institute -

Executive Director and host of the Black Creator Series

For more insights and to enhance your teaching with equity and antiracism principles, make sure to subscribe to our channel and visit Sonia Cherry-Paul's website at soniacherry-paul.com. Let's create a more inclusive and just educational environment together!

#EducationEquity #TransformTeaching #DrSoniaCherryPaul #RedClayEducators #EducationalEquity

Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul is the founder of Red Clay Educators, co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy, co-director of the Teach Black History All Year Institute, and executive producer and host of The Black Creators Series. She is an educator with more than 20-years of classroom experience who has written several books that support reading and writing instruction and has adapted the #1NYT Best Seller, Stamped (For Kids). Sonja leads professional development for schools and organizations in equity and antiracism. She invites you to visit her online at sonjacherrypaul.com.

Social Media: IG / X / Threads: @SonjaCherryPaul

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-cherrypaul/

Buy Antiracist Reading Revolution https://us.corwin.com/books/antiracist-reading-revolution-285663

In this episode, Dr. Roger A. Gerard sheds light on the concept of "commodification," where educators are treated as replaceable units constrained by standardization and systemization. We discuss how this approach strips teachers of their joy, creativity, and sense of purpose, leading to significant burnout and high turnover rates. You'll hear poignant anecdotes from both educators and healthcare professionals who share their struggles with feeling like mere cogs in a machine.

Dr. Gerard also emphasizes the critical role of leadership, advocating for leaders to be present in the classroom, support teachers, and engage with the school community. He introduces us to his forthcoming book, "Lead with Purpose," and outlines five essential promises every leader should make to their team.

Together, we explore the balance between autonomy and accountability, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the importance of maintaining a student-centered focus in education. Tune in as we aim to shift the educational landscape away from treating professionals like commodities and towards fostering a community of respect, engagement, and purpose. Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges educators face, the signs of mental health issues, and practical self-care strategies. We'll discuss mindfulness, setting boundaries, seeking professional help, and leveraging community resources, all aimed at maintaining a positive, effective teaching environment. Let's prioritize our mental well-being to better inspire and educate our students. Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode, Roberto Germán welcomes award-winning author Ismée Williams and Brazilian-born illustrator Tatiana Gardel to discuss their collaborative work "Abuelo, The Sea, and Me" published by Roaring Book Press. Through heartfelt storytelling and captivating illustrations, Ismée and Tatiana explore themes of immigration, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate with personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. We uncover the inspirations behind the book, the creative process of writing and illustrating, and the powerful impact of their collaboration. Stay tuned as we delve into the meaningful connections between art, storytelling, and personal histories. Welcome to Our Classroom!

Social Media:

Ismee: @ismeewilliams / Tatiana: @gardeltatiana

Today we're honored to have Traci Huahn join us. Traci, a former attorney and daughter of Chinese immigrants, has recently transitioned into the world of children's literature with her debut picture book, Mamie Tape Fights to go to School. This captivating story, based on true events, delves into the fight against racial discrimination and school segregation, rooted deeply in Asian American culture and history.

In this episode, we explore Traci's journey from law to literature, the meticulous research behind her book, and the significant message of incremental progress in the fight for equality. We discuss the challenges of tackling serious topics in children's literature, especially amidst today's climate of book bans. We also examine how her book can be a valuable resource in educational settings to prompt critical discussions about race, immigration, and the power of young changemakers.

Stay tuned to hear about Traci's fascinating research process, her personal connection to Mamie Tape's story, and her hopes for inspiring future generations with her work.

Follow:

IG/Twitter @tracihuahn

tracihuahn.com

This is the third and final installment of our series on Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the significance of humanizing approaches to bilingual education and how these methods help cultivate a respectful and dignified learning environment for students and their families. We also explore the crucial role of community and family engagement in supporting students of color on their language learning journeys. We share personal experiences, practical strategies, and insights to help educators foster meaningful partnerships both inside and outside the classroom. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges, encourages, and inspires educators to create inclusive and effective learning spaces. Welcome to Our Classroom!

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S.

Resources - Textured Teaching En Comunidad Community Literacies en Confianza

Today, we delve deeper into the experiences and challenges faced by multilingual speakers in the U.S., specifically focusing on students of color. Returning guest, Lorena Germán, joins host Roberto to explore the systemic undervaluing of these students within our current education system. They examine a range of dynamic strategies that schools and districts can apply to better support, celebrate, and sustain bilingualism and the mother tongues of students. From having multilingual signs and resources to engaging proactive community inclusivity, this discussion will shed light on practical measures to transform educational environments. Join as they build on these insights and consider how educators and administrators can effectively embrace linguistic diversity, drawing from both theory and lived experiences.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S.

Resources - Textured Teaching En Comunidad