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In Part II of this compelling Pride Month conversation, David continues his interview with Dr. Rodney Glasgow, focusing on the recent pause of the NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and what that means for equity work in independent schools.

Rodney reflects on the decision to pause the conferences and how it conflicts with their activist roots (04:05). He addresses the tension between POCC as a space for people of color versus a broader diversity conference (09:22), and offers historical context on the naming and founding of both POCC and SDLC (11:20).

He shares the real reason for his departure from SDLC leadership, a newly imposed term limits policy, and the lack of recognition for long-serving faculty (15:18). Rodney and David discuss the erasure of the conferences’ digital history (20:46) and his powerful farewell at SDLC (22:11).

Rodney looks ahead to new spaces created in response to the pause (26:30) and offers reflections on holding institutions accountable with love (29:54). He closes with a story of mentorship and impact from his 6th-grade teacher, Johnny Forman (34:15).

To contact Rodney and learn more about his work, visit The Glasgow Group.

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
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In Part I of this powerful Pride Month conversation, David speaks with Dr. Rodney Glasgow, a prominent educator and advocate for equity and inclusion, about the intersections of race, class, and sexual orientation, and the role of educators in today’s challenging climate.

Rodney reflects on growing up in Baltimore and how it shaped his understanding of racial and economic segregation (04:45). He shares his journey to the Gilman School (06:00) and how he navigated his identity in a predominantly white institution (10:34).

He explores the meaning of Pride and the importance of knowing one’s worth and finding community (19:20). The conversation then turns to challenges facing LGBTQ educators and students (25:20) and the importance of purpose and advocacy (31:22).

Finally, Rodney discusses navigating difficult conversations in education (33:00), the historical context behind today’s backlash (36:00), and the sustaining power of resilience and joy (40:14).

To contact Rodney and learn more about his work visit The Glasgow Group

Join the Conversation:

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

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In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David speaks with Michael and Lana Manson, founders of the Musical Arts Institute in Chicago, in celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month. They discuss their musical roots, the role of HBCUs in shaping their journeys, and the power of diverse musical training. The conversation explores the impact of music education on personal expression, critical thinking, and community building, as well as the challenges faced by programs in underserved areas. The Mansons share their vision for empowering youth through music, the realities of running a nonprofit, and the legacy they’re building—one student at a time.

Learn More and Support the Musical Arts Institute

To learn more about the incredible work Michael and Lana Manson are doing through the Musical Arts Institute, or to support their mission to provide high-quality music education to underserved communities, visit MusicalArtsInstitute.org

There you can:
Explore their programs and student success stories
Contact Michael and Lana directly
Make a tax-deductible donation to help expand their impact

Join the Conversation:

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

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In this episode of The Teachers Forum, David interviews David Spellmon, a behavior specialist who integrates hip hop pedagogy into education. Spellmon shares his unique journey into education, emphasizing the importance of cultural relevance and social emotional learning. He discusses the resistance educators may have towards hip hop and how he addresses these concerns by highlighting the original principles of hip hop. The conversation explores how hip hop can be used to teach essential skills and engage students in meaningful ways, ultimately transforming the educational experience. In this conversation, David discusses the importance of culturally relevant education through hip-hop and music. He emphasizes the need for educators to connect with students' lived experiences and the challenges of implementing such curricula. The discussion also touches on the balance between passion for teaching and the necessity of data to support educational programs. David shares insights on the deeper themes present in hip-hop and the influence of educators in shaping students' lives.

To contact David Spellmon or learn more about his curriculum visit his website at https://positivearchersolutions.com/

Join the Conversation:

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

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris speaks with Freda Lin, co-director of the YURI Education Project, about her journey from a conflicted racial identity in a homogenous suburb to becoming an activist for Asian American studies in education. Frieda shares her experiences at Northwestern University, where she fought for the establishment of Asian American studies, and discusses the importance of integrating marginalized histories into school curriculums. She also talks about founding the YURI Education Project to help educators teach Asian American history and the challenges they face in doing so. In this conversation, Freda Lin discusses the importance of integrating Asian American history into education, emphasizing the need to go beyond mere representation. She addresses the challenges educators face in the current political climate, the significance of building multiracial coalitions, and the complexities of Asian American identity. Freda also highlights the importance of connecting historical exclusionary policies to contemporary issues, finding hope in activism, and providing resources for educators to better teach these narratives.

To Contact Freda Lin you can reach her at freda.lin@yurieducationproject.com

Resources on Asian American History:

Asian American Histories of the United States by Catherine Ceniza Choy

The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee

Asian Americans PBS Documentary

Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans by Ronald Takaki

Join the Conversation:

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

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews former student Michael Lamb, who shares his journey from being a student at the University of Chicago Lab School to becoming a teacher in the South Side of Chicago. Michael discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced while teaching in the Ickes community, emphasizing the importance of understanding students' backgrounds and the role of community in education. He reflects on his commitment to educational access and equity, as well as the impact of political decisions on educational institutions. The conversation highlights the significance of advocacy in education and the personal growth that comes from teaching. In this conversation, Michael Lamb shares his journey from teaching in Chicago to working in the Obama administration's Department of Education. He discusses the challenges and successes of the Office for Civil Rights and the Turnaround Model aimed at improving struggling schools. The conversation also touches on the critical role of the Department of Education, the ongoing issues of segregation and equity in education, and the importance of building strong relationships with students. Michael reflects on the impact of educators and the need for significant change in the educational system.

Join the Conversation:

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

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David Harris interviews Abeer Ramadan- Shinnawi, a Palestinian-American educator and equity advocate. Abeer shares her journey from being a child of Palestinian immigrants to becoming a teacher and advocate for Muslim and Arab students in the Baltimore area. She discusses her early education experiences in both the U.S. and Palestine, the challenges of cultural identity, and her commitment to creating supportive spaces for Muslim girls in schools. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding diversity within the Muslim community and the need for educators to be aware of the unique challenges faced by their students. In this conversation, Abeer discusses her work with Muslim students, particularly focusing on empowering girls and addressing the unique challenges they face. She emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments in schools, the need for unlearning biases, and the role of educators in fostering inclusive spaces. Abeer also reflects on the current societal challenges and the importance of community building, resilience, and authentic conversations in education.

You can contact Abeer on LinkedIn or visit Altair Educational Consulting

Books mentioned:

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X with Alex Haley
• I Cannot Write My Life: Islam, Arabic, and Slavery in Omar ibn Said's America by Carl W. Ernst and Mbaye Lo

Join the Conversation:

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

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David sits down with esteemed educator and historian, Dr. Charles Branham to discuss Black History Month 2025. The also discuss the ongoing backlash against African-American advancements, particularly in the context of Black History Month. He explores historical patterns of resistance to African-American progress, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the potential for a constitutional crisis. The conversation also delves into the global context of change, the importance of agency and empowerment within the African-American community, and the historical journey of Black education. This conversation explores the evolution of African American education, the decline of Black educators, and the impact of integration on the community. It emphasizes the importance of reframing African American history to highlight resilience and resistance, rather than solely focusing on oppression. The discussion also touches on the role of Black teachers in improving educational outcomes and the need for vigilance in preserving African American history amidst contemporary challenges.

Books mentioned in the Podcast:f

From Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin

Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett, Jr.

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima

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.