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In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David welcomes back Brian Li, a pioneering educator in financial literacy whose first appearance remains the podcast’s most-downloaded episode. Brian shares his journey since that conversation (02:43), offering an update on his expanding work promoting financial education in schools and communities across the country (04:07).

He discusses why the hunger for financial knowledge feels more urgent than ever (05:53), the insights gained from speaking at the Joy Raising Experience summit in Chicago (06:47), and the importance of finding joy and community in financial learning (08:42). The conversation explores a new generation of young investors and the risks of “get-rich-quick” culture (11:03), the cultural barriers that make talking about money difficult (12:42), and how investing can serve as a great equalizer for building generational wealth (15:11).

Brian also unpacks the challenge of delayed gratification in long-term investing (17:24), the mindset shift required to plan for inheritance and generational wealth (21:18), and how his financial literacy and entrepreneurship curriculum at Providence Day School is preparing students for real-world success (26:22). Together, he and David challenge the idea that homeownership is the only path to wealth (35:17) and discuss how educators can reform the system from within by integrating financial literacy into their teaching (41:52).

The episode closes with Brian sharing how listeners can access his free financial-literacy resources for teachers, parents, and student-athletes (45:34).

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community leader, this conversation offers practical tools — and a powerful reminder — that financial literacy is social justice in action.

To contact Brian Li visit his web site at blifinancecoach.com or email him at blifinancecoach@gmail.com

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David sits down with Dr. Latrisha Chattin to explore the realities of special education and its impact on students of color. From her personal journey growing up in North Philadelphia (05:09) to her leadership in the field, Dr. Chattin offers deep insight into what special education is (12:18), how students are identified (13:32), and the rights parents have under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)(25:42).

They discuss key distinctions between Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans (31:11), the problem of disproportionality (35:38), and the historical roots of mistrust among families of color (39:30). The episode closes with a focus on student self-advocacy, the challenges facing special ed teachers, and reasons for hope in the field.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader, this is an essential conversation about access, stigma, and equity in education.

To contact Dr. Chattin vist her website at https://www.sageeduconsultants.com/ or email her at latrisha@sageeduconsultants.com

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David sits down with Jonathan Santos Silva and Dr. RoseMary Clairmont to explore the revitalization of Native education. From Dr. Clairmont's journey from the classroom to tribal leadership (04:12) to Jonathan's powerful origin story beginning with a library card (07:31), they reveal the ongoing presence and resilience of Native communities (11:42). The discussion addresses the fight against erasure in education (15:15), the complexities of public, tribal, and BIE school systems (27:16), and how a community response to slashed tires sparked educational change (33:45). They highlight innovative programs centering students and culture (40:45) and the integration of NASA's star knowledge in redefining success (43:06). The episode concludes with reflections on the dark origins of Native education (52:38) and a vision for a new educational future (01:03:16).

To learn more about The Liber Institute visit their website at https://www.theliberinstitute.org/

Resources:

National Indian Education Association

An Indigenous People's History of the United States

Brené Brown Books

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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