Classroom Matters

Shaunak Roy is the Founder and CEO of Yellowdig, a community-driven active learning platform with a mission to transform every classroom into an active, social, and experiential learning community. Prior to founding Yellowdig, Shaunak spent a decade advising global companies on technology, strategy, and growth. Today, Shaunak shares a rich discussion on the state of institutional learning, how Yellowdig is rethinking education, and the critical role that agency, mastery and connectedness play in the learning process.

Website Link: https://www.yellowdig.co/

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle sits down with Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President of Diversity and Social Responsibility for Emerson Electric and Dr. Gwen Diggs, Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start at the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis. This discussion will focus on Emerson’s commitment to education equity and the emphasis on programs and initiatives targeting children from infancy through 12th grade with an emphasis on early childhood and student services in under-resourced communities.

Dr. Gwen Diggs, Vice President of Head Start/Early Head Start at the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Adjunct Professor at University of Missouri-Saint Louis In her over 21 years of experience she has served as a dedicated educator as a teacher, principal and district level administrator overseeing federal programs, curriculum and instruction, early childhood, elementary, secondary, gifted and community education. 

Boykin Farr is a graduate of Saint Louis University where she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in management and industrial relations, an MBA in human resource management, and a doctorate in organizational theory and public policy studies. She currently serves on the boards of directors for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and City Academy.  She has overseen the development and rollout of the company’s Diversity and Inclusion programs, including unconscious bias training globally and the launch of employee resource groups to help promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Julius B. Anthony is the president of the St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature. His organization is changing the lives of Black boys and girls by sharing books with characters that look like them.  

The STL Black Authors of Children’s Literature Initiative is committed to fostering awareness about the importance of early literacy by creating innovative opportunities for all kids to have access to Black children’s literature.  Julius has also published a book called “ME! Ten Poetic Affirmations,” which was written to encourage and motivate children to achieve their highest dreams.

St. Louis Black Authors Website

Education PowerED presents educators with a powerful new set of Culturally Responsive Teaching standards that can be used by teachers and administrators to counter institutionalized racism and white supremacy. On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast an expert panel of guests and authors of the book Culture to the Max! Culturally Responsive Teaching and Practice offers an in-depth look into the practice and implementation of Culturally Responsive Teaching that can inform curriculum development, teacher evaluation, and classroom and culture evaluation.  Join host Kristy Houle as she speaks with David McDonald, Founder and Managing Partner, Danielle Ross, Co-Founder and Partner, Andre Ross, Co-Founder and Partner and Dr. Shontoria Walker, Executive Director.

Education PowerED Website Link

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle chats with Vicky Weber. Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children’s literature. As a Puerto Rican author of Taíno descent, she strives to create picture books that are fun, engaging, and educational. All her current titles are based on her background in music education or her heritage. Vicky also serves as one of the coaches at At Home Author where she teaches others how to become successfully published too.  During this conversation we discuss the inspiration for her stories, the joys of being an author, and the writing process.

At Home Author Website

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast, host Kristy Houle chats with internationally-recognized teaching and recording artist, actor, TV host, and storyteller, Bobby Norfolk.  Bobby’s innate ability to read and connect with audiences of all ages makes him one of America’s premier storytellers. Using dynamic movement and vocal effects, he creates vibrant characters who come to life through imaginative, creative story. Living History programs that highlight the African American experience, and toe-tapping musical shows are also part of his repertoire. Norfolk’s storytelling CDs have won ten prestigious Parents’ Choice Gold awards, and he has co-authored eight award-winning children’s books. He’s the recipient of three Emmy awards as host of CBS’s television series, Gator Tales, and the NSN ORACLE Circle of Excellence award. 

Bobby's website.

On this episode of the Classroom Matters podcast host Kristy Houle chats with a pair of popular children’s book authors: Lori Orlinsky and Alysson Bourque.

Lori Orlinsky is CDC-certified in Bully Prevention and Response Training and serves as a National Bullying Prevention Center Ambassador. She has also earned multiple awards for her children’s books such as Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache, and Balloons for Tiger.

Meanwhile, Alysson Bourque is also an incredibly accomplished author, earning multiple awards with her adventures in children’s literature, namely her immensely popular “Alycat” book series. With such titles in the line of books like Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday and Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, the Alycat series continues to both entertain and educate its readers.

 During this episode we focus on how both of these amazing women dived into the world of writing and the impact of children’s literature on students in and out of the classroom.

Sasha Graham is the founder of Tiny Ninja Books and is the author of Milo Does Not Like Mornings, and Whitney Wins Everything. Sasha is a former executive at the Walt Disney Studios and her writing has appeared in magazines, newspapers and on television. Every book in the Tiny Ninja Books collection centers on the idea that we are each born with our own Tiny Ninja who is the very best version of us; brave, strong, compassionate, and kind. Our Tiny Ninjas are always there for us - all we have to do is listen.

The Tiny Ninja Books website.

Sandy Joy Weston is a keynote speaker, international podcaster, 3x published author, and entrepreneur, who has owned and operated health and wellness companies over 30 years. She became the first female trainer for the Philadelphia Flyers and created the nationally recognized Philly Street Line Dance to help combat Philly’s “fattest city” label. For the past five years, Sandy has been focusing on SJW Productions, an international company whose main mission is to highlight all the positive in the world. Her recent book Recess to Reset is a guided journal for kids to charge up all the positive stuff they already have inside. It will empower them to tap into their true SUPER power, and unlock their unique and awesome gifts.

During our conversation we discuss how students set themselves up for success and reach their goals, the GAME Plan, power statements and action plans and they relate to students and classroom performance.

Website: www.sandyjoyweston.com

In the last session of this 3-part series with the HOMEWORKS! organization we focus our discussion on the links between attendance, academics, and student behavior in the school setting.  Founder Karen Kalish and CEO Colleen Polack describe what the HOMEWORKS! organization is doing to close the gap on equity, attendance, and academics in the schools they currently partner with.