“We need our voices to be heard. Knowing that… you’re not in this fight by yourself.”

- Mr. Blake Nathan, CEO/Founder, Educate Me Foundation, Inc.

https://www.educatemefoundation.org/

How do you know if you are making an impact?

On today’s episode, we are joined by CEO/Founder of Educate Me Foundation, Inc, Mr. Blake Nathan. After growing up around Black Excellence in Atlanta and attending Tennessee State University as an engineering major, Blake realized that his desire was to address inequities and injustices that were happening (influenced by a lack of diversity) within the field of education. Tune in as he reflects on his educational and career journey (#shoutout to the early childhood experiences), and shares how he was able to combine his passions for STEM, education, and empowering Black communities to create a dream career and meaningful organization. Want to make a difference and impact? Listen up, Mr. Nathan is about to educate us all.

"It is my duty as a human being to teach what I know."

Adjunct Professor and Author Nicole D. Vick

https://www.nicoledvick.com/

Pushing Through: Finding the Light in Every Lesson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-d-vick/

#Shoutout to the origin stories! And for telling YOUR life story!

This week, I am joined by adjunct professor and recently published author, Nicole D. Vick. We discuss the lived experiences that help amplify the lessons and messages she shares with students, including her teenage pregnancy, an encounter with her white college counselor, and the transition into online teaching with Covid-19. Is racism a public health issue? We think so. Tune in and listen up, as Nicole gives us a word to help us push through and find the light in every lesson.

Jesicka Monroe, Instructional Assistant / Elementary Special Education Teacher

“It’s white people who are picking what they want us to learn.”

On this week’s episode, Ms. Jesicka Monroe is ringing the bell and hitting us with a reality check. Education is a game, and we are not taught how to play it appropriately.

After working as an Instructional Assistant under an inspiring influence, Jesicka accepted her calling to become an authentic leader in the classroom. Since becoming a Special Education Teacher, Ms. Monroe is on a quest to advocate for Black students, empower all parents to be present and informed, and reject revisionist history (hello, Plantation field trips).

Tune in as we talk about poverty and racism within the classroom, why it’s important to find your crew, and the “wow” moments that occur on this lifelong quest for knowledge (including learning about Ma’at and the vast influence of Africa).

“We realize that we are the answer. We not gonna be saved, we gotta save ourselves. And that’s what we’re doing.”

Alonzo Nelson, Athlete / Educator / YouTuber / Yoga Instructor

Youtube: Alonzo Nelson, Jr.

Twitter: @MrAlgebraNelson

https://www.thecollectivestl.org/

www.mrdothemath.com

On today’s episode, we are joined by Math Teacher Mr. Alonzo Nelson. He speaks on the impact and influence he has as a Black male educator (#shoutout to being a counter stereotype!), vulnerability and lightbulb moments when discussing police brutality amongst his students, and suggestions on how to retain Black educators. And shares REAL advice for navigating the space and building your ecosystem… hello paper trails and support groups!

We are also talking about self care… exercise, support groups & yoga!

Mr. DoTheMath is already doing the work. Tune in as Mr. Nelson reflects on his experiences building his career in education, being a window and a mirror within the classroom.

“If I can’t go to an instrument and play your song, how is it music?”

Mr. Phil O'Neal, Performer, Choir Director

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtyJoIj9NlQHXH2BfoAR2A

“In 2020, how are you not going to put yourself out there?”

Let’s give it up one time for the performers! On today’s episode, we are joined by Choir Director/  Educator Mr. Phil O’Neal. With a background in gospel, R&B and pop, Mr. O’Neal reflects on his 16 years as an educator, how his appreciation for music has evolved, and why he approaches his classroom like a team sport.

We discuss the value of education, how to build an award-winning program (holding everyone to the fire!), and the current problem with hip hop (bring back the samples!). Phil also advocates for creators to publish and promote their work, and shares a story of how his YouTube page led to the choir performing at Carnegie Hall.

Tune in (in-tune, of course… see what I did there?) and listen up - Mr. O’Neal is about to hit the stage.

Angela Hayde, Retired English Language Arts Teacher & Guidance Counselor; Current Adult Education Teacher

“It’s getting better.”

#Shoutout to the retired educators!! Thank you for your service!

Join us on today’s episode as we speak with Ms. Angela Hayde, who has dedicated over 40 years (and counting!) as an educator. Ms. Hayde speaks about her experiences as an educator in Barbados and the United States, her optimism regarding parent advocacy and student access for opportunities, and reflects on her impactful moments with students.

Tiffany Bostic, MSW

“We got each other. We saw each other.”

#Shoutout to the mental health professionals! 

On today’s episode, we are joined by HBCU graduate and career changer Tiffany Bostic. Tiffany speaks on her evolution into the mental health professional / Social Worker that she is today, and how her cultural competency and identity has been shaped throughout her career. Let’s talk about healing work, growth and The Black Experience.

The Pruitt Family

Nayesha Pruitt, School Counselor

Terrence Pruitt, Founding Principal Consultant of Project Restore Initiative

“This system of Black education…  the hope lies in the fact that… maybe we will unwed ourselves from the way things were, and fight for a type of education that first affirms my identity.” - Terrence Pruitt

“I know who my child is… why aren’t yall supporting her, the way she needs to be supported?” - Nayesha Pruitt, reflecting on her mother’s advocacy

It’s a Black Illini Reunion! #Shoutout to Project 500!

On today’s episode, we are joined by The Pruitt Family, two educational leaders based in Chicago.

We explore ego through the lens of a Black boy from East St. Louis, access through the eyes of a Black girl speaking with her counselor, and how college orientation brought this duo together. Tune in as we discuss the mysticism around whiteness, the lynchings of Black folk, and opportunities to be obstinate.

The Adderley Group

Ky Adderley, @kyconnex

Teacher, Founding Principal, Education Consultant, Athlete

www.kyadderley.com

“The awesome responsibility of getting this right…”

Tune in as Ky Adderley walks us through his educational experiences, and shares his perspectives on role models, change makers, and problem solvers in the community.

Part 1: The Journey

“It’s in the blood, it’s in the DNA”

Reflections on day one as a TFA Corps Member (45 minutes…)

His experience founding a KIPP campus (“I want to learn from them”)

The image of Black men (“3 Black men in positive, powerful positions…”)

Part 2: The Philosophy

“Life doesn’t come on schedule”

Capoeira and the Diaspora

State of Education in Black America

Part 3: Leadership Philosophy

“Check Yoself...”

You gotta shine.

The answers are in the community.

Disrupting systems

The lottery

“Being younger, having representation… I didn’t know where I would fit. Being an image to someone, that is relatable… that’s kind of a big thing for me” - Tiffany

“Being an educator… your job is to make an impact” - Michael

Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Physical Education Teacher / Athletic Director) & Tiffany Norwood (First Grade Teacher Assistant)

Advocacy, Relatability and Representation

It truly does take a village. On today’s episode, we are joined by The Norwood Family. Mr. and Mrs. Norwood reflect on their educational journeys in the suburbs of Chicago. We explore how experiences with their own children, a desire to create lasting impact, and listening to the Good Voices in the village led them to building careers within the classroom (and becoming I.E.P. pros!).

Part 1: Michael

Teacher influence

Small School vs Big School environment

Powerful Paraprofessionals

Part 2: Tiffany

High School experience

Entrepreneurial experience and white models

Family partnership and interactions

Impact and influence on younger kids