Difficult Student

Tisha Marina Bernard shares her journey in education, emphasizing the importance of restorative practices and community building in schools.

I sit down with Sherry Asberry to talk about different aspects of teaching like how important it is to build strong relationships with our students, the role social emotional learning plays in the classroom, and some of our favorite strategies for creating a positive learning environment. We also share some personal stories, from becoming grandparents to how we take care of ourselves as educators.

Elizette Cuevas, a special education teacher, shares her journey into education, driven by her personal experiences as a mother of an autistic child. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and their families, understanding the root causes of behavior, and the need for empathy in education.

Rafael Dominguez shares his journey as an educator and school climate advocate, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with students, creating a safe environment, and the transformative power of mentorship. He discusses the significance of consistency, love, and care in education, and how these elements contribute to a positive school culture.

Eric Garcia shares his journey from a troubled youth to a school social worker, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community support, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth. He discusses the challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and ongoing immigration issues.

John Vergara and Sana Sunia discuss the multifaceted role of educators, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation, transparency, and emotional intelligence in teaching. Sana shares his journey from a campus supervisor to a fifth-grade teacher at a Christian school, highlighting the challenges and rewards of teaching in a diverse classroom.

Jairo Bautista shares his journey as a substitute teacher, discussing the challenges and rewards of working in education. He reflects on his experiences transitioning from a SPED assistant to a substitute teacher.

John Vergara and Laura Vazquez discuss the profound impact of immigration policies on communities, particularly focusing on the fear experienced by families and students. The discussion transitions into the importance of building relationships with students, emphasizing that educators must invest time in understanding their students' needs. The conversation concludes with strategies for fostering a positive classroom culture that supports student engagement and success.

What does it really take to build an inclusive, compassionate classroom where every student and every educator can thrive? Join Hir Patel as she unpacks her journey from first-gen student to mental-health specialist, spotlighting the unsung power of paraeducators, and share battle-tested tips on self-care, relationship-building, and leading with consistency even in toxic environments.

How can we bridge the gap in behavioral support for children of color? Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and CEO of Behavior Genius, Portia James, joins us for an insightful discussion sparked by her own formative experiences.