Episodes

  • 138. Small Shifts, Big Impact: Sahba Rohani on Belonging, Anti-Bias Education, and Joy

    138. Small Shifts, Big Impact: Sahba Rohani on Belonging, Anti-Bias Education, and Joy
    Sep 2 2025
    In this episode of Too Dope Teachers and a Mic, Gerardo is joined by Sahba Rohani, Executive Director of Roots Connected, to dive into what it means to center belonging in schools. From her TED Talk on the power of names to her decades of work in intentionally diverse communities, Sahba shares how small shifts in mindset and practice can transform classrooms, staff culture, and whole school communities. Together, Gerardo and Sahba unpack anti-bias education as more than a curriculum add-on—it’s a lens, a practice, and a path toward joy and justice. Show Notes In this powerful conversation, Gerardo and Sahba explore: The story behind Sahba’s TED Talk on names, identity, and belonging. Why belonging isn’t “soft work”—it’s the foundation of learning and thriving. How small shifts in practice (like reframing a simple classroom question) can have big impact. Roots Connected’s dual process for change: internal transformation + practice shifts. Building intentional community with students, families, and staff. Staying grounded and persistent in the face of DEI pushback. The radical power of joy in justice-centered education. And of course… Sahba’s Top 5 hip hop & R&B legends (spoiler: GenX R&B family, this one’s for you). Resources & Links: Roots Connected Sahba’s TED Talk EmbraceRace Follow Roots Connected on Instagram and LinkedIn Listen in for practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and a reminder that joy itself is radical.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 137. Jamila Sams is Doin’ it 4 the Culture with Hip-Hop SEL

    137. Jamila Sams is Doin’ it 4 the Culture with Hip-Hop SEL
    Jul 20 2025
    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jamila Sams—educator, visionary, and founder of We Do It 4 the Culture—to talk about the movement that’s transforming school culture through hip hop, empowerment, and equity. From classrooms to district offices, Jamila’s work helps educators center student voice, cultural relevance, and joy in learning. We dive into her journey as the founder of this unique resource, what it means to lead with authenticity, what it means to think critically, dialogically, and with joy, and how hip hop continues to serve as a cross-generational universe of healing and liberation. Jamila shares the origin story of We Do It 4 the Culture, the real meaning of culturally responsive action, and what schools must do if they’re serious about social emotional wellness, critical thinking, and liberation. If you’re about that life—about students, about joy, about liberation—this conversation is for you. Plus an absolutely fire top five RIGHT HERE. 💥 Tap in. Turn it up. Take notes.🎙️ www.wedoit4theculture.com📲 Follow @SEL4theculture on socials🔗 Subscribe, share, SUPPORT and stay dope.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 136. Growing Your Own Teachers, No Matter the Soil with Dr. Jeff Geihs

    136. Growing Your Own Teachers, No Matter the Soil with Dr. Jeff Geihs
    Apr 12 2025
    One of my favorite quotes about problem-solving on a systems and institutional level is that "the answer is in the room." This means that when there are problems that need to be solved, even big ones, the person, perspective, or idea that will solve it doesn't need to be sought outside of those who know the work best. As teacher recruitment, training, and retention remain persistent challenges to districts big and small, Grow-Your-Own programs have been developed and launched, especially in districts serving highly impacted and very diverse populations. GYO takes many forms, including but not limited to cadet programs and para-to-teacher efforts. Enter Dr. Jeff Geihs, longtime educator, leader, and thought leader. Working with the Silver State Education Foundation as Executive Director, Dr. Giehs and team have brought together GYO and concurrent enrollment opportunities for the next generation of teachers, especially students of color. Dr. Geihs joined Gerardo for an exciting and motivational conversation. To learn more, follow us on Patreon! Follow us on all platforms! @toodopeteachers Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/toodopeteachers
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Chicanologues 09. Chicagoland’s Own Sofia González

    Chicanologues 09. Chicagoland’s Own Sofia González
    Jan 21 2025
    Back in October, Sofia González, teacher, thinker, writer, speaker and activist and Gerardo finally found time for this interview. This was prior to the 2024 election and all that followed. What ensued was a great conversation--provocative, humorous, and energetic. As we brace ourselves to face another four years of anxiety, frustration, fear, and state-encouraged violence, this conversation remains a reminder that the struggle is truly beautiful, and full of opportunities for all of us to engage differently, as the people we are. To quote the great poet Audre Lorde, “We are the ones we have been waiting for,” exemplified by Ms. G. Sofia is 2019 teacher of the year with the National Society of High School Scholars, nonprofit leader for organization Project 214, and education activist from the Chicagoland area. She is a sought-after public speaker regarding the state of education who is known for her cutting-edge presentations and dynamic illustrations with a passion that’s infectious. A High School teacher, 15-year veteran, teacher leader, and alum in a variety of spaces like Fulbright, Latinos for Education, Latinx Education Collaborative-Storytellers for Change, and Urban Leaders Fellowship, Sofia's passion and energy towards education equity remains a leading voice for the 21st-century classroom and beyond.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 🚨 OG Convening 🚨 Kev & Gerardo’s Brave NewDope World!

    🚨 OG Convening 🚨 Kev & Gerardo’s Brave NewDope World!
    Jan 16 2025
    About two years ago, Kevin and Gerardo’s paths diverged. Facing burnout, Gerardo left the classroom to manage aspiring and new educator programs at the central office level, and Kevin became an assistant principal. The last two years have been challenging for us both. Questions arose as to whether the podcast would last. What would happen now that Too Dope Teachers were no longer in the classroom? Could the fellas ever ever ever coordinate calendars? It has been a challenge, but this season, we bring to you “OG Episodes” that bring us back to our roots: no guests, nothing flashy, just a couple of educators remixing the conversation on race, power, and education. This episode was supposed to be out prior to the announcement of school closures, but instead we are bringing it after. Check out our emergency episode, a conversation with two students from one of the closing schools for an in-depth look. We hope you enjoy this episode, whether to get needed affirmation and levity as you continue your important classroom work, or if you are considering other options, while still wanting to remain in education. About two years ago, Kevin and Gerardo’s paths diverged. Facing burnout, Gerardo left the classroom to manage aspiring and new educator programs at the central office level, and Kevin became an assistant principal. The last two years have been challenging for us both. Questions arose as to whether the podcast would last. What would happen now that Too Dope Teachers were no longer in the classroom? Could the fellas ever ever ever coordinate calendars? It has been a challenge, but this season, we bring to you “OG Episodes” that bring us back to our roots: no guests, nothing flashy, just a couple of educators remixing the conversation on race, power, and education. This episode was supposed to be out prior to the announcement of school closures, but instead we are bringing it after. Check out our emergency episode, a conversation with two students from one of the closing schools for an in-depth look. We hope you enjoy this episode, whether to get needed affirmation and levity as you continue your important classroom work, or if you are considering other options, while still wanting to remain in education. Visit our sponsors! Support the pod!
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 🚨 Emergency Episode! Students Speak Out on School Closure and Consolidation 🚨

    🚨 Emergency Episode! Students Speak Out on School Closure and Consolidation 🚨
    Nov 20 2024
    Citing declining enrollment, demographic shifts, and building under-use as primary factors, Denver Public Schools superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero announced his proposal to close or consolidate a number of schools. On school that is proposed for consolidation is the Denver Center for International Studies at Baker, where we met. It is a school that we feel profound affection for and belief in. In this emergency episode, we speak with DCIS students Sophia and Camila, who are helping to organize their peers and families to protest the re-structuring of their school. Very frequently, students are the last to know about decisions and policies that directly impact them. Oftentimes, across American public education, "student voice" is trivialized, downplayed, dismissed, and disrespected. If you go back to our emergency episode with students in the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic, you will see that students were not included in that discussion either. This is, unfortunately, not a problem unique to this district, it is everywhere. Student voice matters. Yesterday, today, and always.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 134. Fatimah Basir’s Big Fish Energy

    134. Fatimah Basir’s Big Fish Energy
    Oct 29 2024
    When Fatimah Basir reached out to the podcast to promote her book, I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy, we had to know more. Not only is this energetic and motivating educator imaginative, creative, and joyful, she also sets a powerful example for how to take on important work for youth and communities. Miss B knows her purpose, knows what she is up against, but more importantly, she draws strength from her family, friends and beloved NYC community. Miss B has a captivating story, contagious energy, and a powerful message. Listen and enjoy! Buy the book! Follow Miss Bee! Plan your future by visiting our sponsors, Tori and Alex! Support the Podcast on Patreon!
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 133. Elect Sunshine!

    133. Elect Sunshine!
    Oct 12 2024
    John "Sunshine" Arthur is really like this. Always smiling, always joyful, this passionate and dedicated teacher has continued to push forward for students and communities from which they come. A veteran teacher, John has always sought ways to elevate educational opportunities and equity in his community and beyond. Even as he runs for the Utah state board of education, John humanizes his opponent and the people of his state. This despite a ballot initiative pushing for increased privatization, which presents a threat to young people who would MOST benefit from a powerful and uplifting educational experience. In this episode, John will share with you his journey, his commitment to students, and ways you can support public education for ALL. support the podcast! Visit our sponsors!
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    Less than 1 minute