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In this engaging and final episode of Season I of The Teacher's Forum, David sits down with his former student, Sam Bright, an eighth-grade science teacher in East New York, Brooklyn who is in his third year of teaching. Sam shares his journey to becoming an educator and the challenges he faces in a diverse urban school. He discusses the importance of cultural awareness and the joy of helping students experience 'eureka' moments. Sam also highlights the extracurricular activities and unique opportunities provided by his school, such as a step team and a 2024 trip to Japan. He acknowledges the challenges of teaching a large number of students with diverse needs and the need for strong routines and support.

In this conversation, Sam discusses the challenges and potential solutions in the education system today. He highlights the need for targeted interventions and specialized intervention teachers to support students who are below grade level. He also discusses the impact of class sizes on teachers and the potential trade-offs of reducing class sizes. He shares his thoughts on pursuing a career in administration and the importance of extending grace to oneself as a teacher. The conversation also touches on the ongoing issue of segregation and inequities 70 years after Brown v. Board of Ed. Sam concludes by emphasizing the power of positive feedback from students and the importance of saving and revisiting that feedback to stay motivated.

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In this compelling episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David interviews Matt Hawn, a veteran high school teacher from Tennessee who was fired in 2021 for teaching about race and white privilege. As educational landscapes across the country face unprecedented challenges, his experience sheds light on the broader issues at play. Matt openly explores the events leading up to his firing, and the larger context of political and social changes in education today. He also shares his perspective on the impact of the state's divisive concepts legislation on teachers and students, the challenges he faced during the appeals process, and the importance of standing up for teachers' rights. Matt emphasizes the need for support systems and resources for teachers facing similar situations and shares advice for educators navigating this perilous time. Join us for this important and inspiring conversation on an issue that is affecting teachers across the country.

To support Matt financially as he goes through the appeal process go to Matt's Go Fund Me page.
Check out these advocacy organizations for teachers: The Education Trust; The African American Policy Forum
Additional Articles and Resources:
Matt Hawn's story: A White teacher taught White students about White privilege. It cost him his job
A Mississippi Teacher was Terminated for Reading a Book
James Whitfield, former Grapevine-Colleyville principal, sues district
Her students reported her for a lesson on race. Can she trust them again?
The Growing Attack on Educators
Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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 engaging episode, David interviews Charles Williams, a Chicago public school assistant principal and host of The Counter Narrative Podcast, about his educational journey and career path. Charles shares his motivation for becoming an assistant principal and highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for teachers. They discuss how principals are depicted in media, with a particular focus on Ava from the hit sitcom "Abbott Elementary." Charles emphasizes the need for a shift in education systems to better accommodate all students. Throughout the conversation, Charles and David tackle the challenges and necessary changes in education. They explore the apprehensions surrounding the implementation of project-based learning and the impact of high-stakes testing. Additionally, they delve into the flaws and inequities of the selective enrollment system in Chicago and reflect on the lasting significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on its 70th anniversary. Join us for this insightful episode as we dive deep into the future of education, exploring how pivotal changes can forge pathways to equity and excellence in our schools

To contact Charles you can reach him on Twitter(X) @_cwconsulting and listen to his podcasts: The Counter Narrative Podcast and Inside the Principal's Office

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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.

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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 honor of Women's History Month, join David as he sits down with two extraordinary educators: Zakiyyah Ali, a former New York master Social Studies teacher and EdD student at Howard University, and Stacey Gibson, an educator, and featured TED Speaker.

Our conversation delves deeply into education today, starting with a robust discussion on James Baldwin's timeless 1963 piece, "A Talk to Teachers." Together, we explore living up to Baldwin's call to action amidst the backlash against educators today, and how, in this era, educators can stay rooted in teaching the truth. We also examine the burgeoning trend of homeschooling in the African American community and ponder the future of education as a whole.

Additionally, we tackle other important issues including the plummeting numbers of black educators as a result of Brown v. Board in 1954; the triple pandemic of Covid, mental health, and racial violence; teacher wellness, and the unique challenges black women face in our educational system. Our discussion is both provocative and multifaceted, offering insights into the complexities of modern education not often discussed with such clarity and insight. Don't miss out on this rich and enlightening episode!

If you would like to contact our guests you can follow Zakiyyah Ali on Instagram @doitgurl or email her directly at zakiyyahali@icloud.com, and you can email Stacey Gibson at Transformthecollective.com or through her website at www.transformthecollective.com.

Resources/Articles mentioned in the episode:
“A Talk to Teachers” by James Baldwin
"65 Years After ‘Brown v.. Board’ Where are all the Black Teachers"
PBL World 2022 - Dr. Lisa Delpit's Keynote Address

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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 a special Black History Month episode of "The Teacher's Forum," join David in a powerful exploration of the forgotten enslaved cemetery at Sardis Road Presbyterian Church, just across from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. In an exclusive interview, former Eagle Scout Hoke Thompson shares how he discovered and restored the 234 year old cemetery.

The conversation broadens to address the erasure of Black history from curricula and the challenges Hoke faced during the restoration. Together with history teacher Thamar Labron, they unravel the stories of 80-90 souls buried in the cemetery, discussing the unique restoration process and the importance of preserving this history.


David and Thamar also discuss the curriculum they have meticulously crafted for grades K-12 at Providence Day School. This curriculum serves as a tool to ensure that the stories of the enslaved are not just preserved but integrated into the fabric of education, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy among students.

Join us for a thought-provoking and impactful discussion that emphasizes the importance of preserving, learning, and embracing the history that shapes our collective identity. This Black History Month, "The Teacher's Forum" invites you to be part of a conversation that challenges erasure, celebrates resilience, and sheds light on the extraordinary journey of reclaiming sacred ground.

For more information on the Sardis Road Presbyterian enslaved cemetery contact David at the email below.

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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.

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In this captivating episode of "The Teacher’s Forum," join us as we delve into the inspiring journey and vision of Hatim Eltayeb. Hatim takes us through his incredible life story, starting with his upbringing in Oman and Cairo, leading to his unexpected detour from a legal career path to becoming a driving force in education.

From his formative years to attending Harvard University, Hatim's trajectory takes a pivotal turn when he encounters the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg, South Africa. He shares his transformative experience at ALA, initially leaving but eventually returning as dean and becoming its Chief Executive Officer. Hatim's compelling narrative highlights the school's role in shaping ethical and effective leaders for Africa's pivotal role in the coming decades.

The conversation unveils ALA's distinctive approach in cultivating leadership among high school students from diverse African backgrounds, with a faculty reflecting this rich tapestry. Hatim discusses the school's unique identity while emphasizing its similarity and distinctiveness from other educational institutions across the continent.

Moreover, the discussion extends to the significant role and opportunities of pan-Africanism, exploring the connections between Africans and the diaspora. Hatim passionately articulates how ALA is primed to empower the next generation, leveraging Africa's youthful population to seize forthcoming global opportunities.

As the episode progresses, Hatim eloquently outlines the future trajectory of ALA, painting a compelling picture of its vision, mission, and contribution to nurturing leaders poised to shape Africa and humanity in the forthcoming decades. Tune in to gain profound insights into the future of education, leadership, and the promise that ALA holds for Africa and the world.

For more information on the African Leadership Academy visit their website at https://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/ and you also reach Hatim on LinkedIn.

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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.

Join David for an enlightening conversation with early childhood educator Giselle Sanchez-Santiago as she shares her journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago's south side to becoming an educator at Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center. Nestled in the heart of the McKinley Park neighborhood, Velma Thomas, a Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool, becomes the canvas where Giselle paints a vivid picture of her passion for education and children.

Giselle's narrative traces her experiences from Columbia College to the dynamic environment of Velma Thomas, a haven where the majority of students are children of color and dual language learners. In this episode, Giselle takes a deep dive into the Reggio Emilia approach—a philosophy that transcends a mere curriculum. It embodies a profound set of values that cherish children as capable agents of their own learning. Its fundamental aim? To spark curiosity and kindle a love for learning within the young minds it nurtures.

Drawing on her expertise, Giselle offers a comprehensive look at Velma Thomas, unveiling how this innovative preschool serves its students by integrating the Reggio Emilia philosophy into its core. She sheds light on the school's unique approach to partnership with families, and its distinctive identity as a dual language school.

Giselle's unwavering dedication as a passionate educator and advocate for children shines throughout this conversation. Her understanding and appreciation of an often overlooked age group in wider educational circles are both enlightening and inspiring. Join us for an engaging discussion that celebrates the spirit of curiosity, empowerment, and the richness of early childhood.

For more information on Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center visit their website at http://thomas.cps.edu/. To contact Giselle directly you can reach her at gmsanchezsantiago@cps.edu

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
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.