This episode is called ‘The Other Side of the Looking Glass’, but could just as easily be called, ‘A potpourri of topics’. We begin with the a few tidbits from the state of education, both national and specific to Connecticut. Then Linda talks about her new job, teaching in an affluent district. (How do YOU pronounce affluent? Emphasis on the first or second syllable?) Finally, Shannon shared some of her recent experiences as a presenter and an attendee at the UCEA-University Council for Education Administration Conference in Denver.

We also plug for The Educator’s Room (theeducatorsroom.com). Linda appears as a guest on episode 57 of their podcast.

Wow! Linda and Shannon are particularly proud of this episode. We took our show on the road to interview Jennifer Laviano and Julie Swanson, Child Advocate (that is, a person who advocates for children, not a child who is an advocate). They have recently published the book Your Special Education RIghts - What your School District isn't Telling You.”

Too much good stuff in this interview to list! I will tell you . . . there were tears.

Listen, review, repeat.

Jennifer and Julie’s website (which is chock full of videos and information about special education rights): http://yourspecialeducationrights.com/

We recommend this book for teachers and parents alike . . . so much good information.

Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Your-Special-Education-Rights-District/dp/1510719393/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508940932&sr=8-1&keywords=your+special+education+rights)

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/your-special-education-rights-jennifer-laviano/1126192333?ean=9781510719392

For the Nook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/your-special-education-rights-jennifer-laviano/1126192333?ean=9781510719408

This episode (our 22nd) focuses on the topic of special education with a side of conversation about Columbus Day.

Shannon interviews Sarah, a veteran special education teacher and we discuss how special education has perpetuated the lack of equity of education in underserved populations.

This show serves as prelude for episode 23, in which we interview authors, Jennifer Laviano and Julie Swanson who just published a book entitled, “Your Special Education Rights - What your School District isn’t Telling You”.

We’re back!! We apologize for our unintended hiatus. However, schools back in session, we have more regular schedules and we are going to make it up to you with some great topics and great discussions.  This week, we start off with a summary of what is happening in Connecticut with our budget and what the implications are for education in the state.

The second half of the episode revolves around the ‘take a knee’ controversy obsessing the country right now. As always, we take a look at it through an education lens and ask our listeners, what is the policy in your school regarding the anthem and the pledge?

Please remember that we would appreciate any ratings or feedback you have for us and find us on twitter, facebook and our website.

Wow, has it really been 20 episodes? We are proud of our little podcast and we thank all of our subscribers. Please consider rating the podcast and/or give a review. We would really appreciate it.

This episode provides a ‘Back to School Bundle’. It starts off with some thoughts and advice for the beginning of a new school year from veteran teachers. If you have a tip you would like to share please email us, tweet at us, or post on facebook. Next we talk about how to address the Charlottesville protest with your students. Finally, Linda has been accumulating some culture questions for Shannon . . . she went 1.5 for 3.

Educulturepodcast.com

https://www.facebook.com/educulturepodcast/

On the 19th episode of the educulture podcast- Shannon and Linda discuss the August news cycle. We bring back our Bel Biv Devos segment where we provide updates on the current administration's quest to not prevent discrimination of LGBTQ students as well as a brief discussion about affirmative action. They end with the Culture Question segment where Linda asks Shannon about current pop culture.

Introducing (drum roll, please) our DIY-Summer Academy for Professional Learning. In this episode Shannon and Linda provide a list of suggested readings, viewings and listenings for educators this summer; specifically related to education and culture.

Also, I quick hit from the Belle Biv Devos files.

Summer Suggestions:

Movie

Shannon- Antonine Fisher

Linda - Stand and Deliver

Documentary

Waiting for Superman: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1566648/

Fruitvale Station: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2334649/

The 13th: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5895028/

Book

For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education - Christopher Emdin

https://www.amazon.com/White-Folks-Teach-Hood-Rest/dp/0807028029/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=43DRRQAEWWHXKXFEMRY6

The Hate U Give- Angie Thomas

https://www.amazon.com/Hate-U-Give-Angie-Thomas/dp/0062498533

Nobody- Marc Lamont Hill

https://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Casualties-Americas-Vulnerable-Ferguson/dp/150112496X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1499449438&sr=1-1&keywords=nobody

Binge-worthy TV series:

Last week Tonight

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Last_Week_Tonight_with_John_Oliver_episodes

Season 4 of the Wire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wire_(season_4)

While you’re in the car:

Another Round Podcast:

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/another-round

See Something-Say Something Podcast

https://www.buzzfeed.com/seesomethingsaysomething

Shannon- Sza- ctrl

https://szactrl.com/music

Next Up:

Summer episodes will be dedicated to interviews with educators with particular areas of expertise.

This is our second episode in which we respond to listener questions. Out of the dozens of questions we received, three in particular rose to the top of the pile:

When is it ok to believe a stereotype about my urban kids?

Why do people perceive Asians as being smart? Am I racist if I think all Asians are typically smart?

Should I use pop culture in a classroom? How can I use it in the right way?

Books and resources mentioned in this episode:

The Asian American Achievement Paradox by Jennifer Lee and Min Zhou https://www.russellsage.org/asian-american-achievement-paradox

Ted Talk: The Danger of a SIngle Story, Chimamanda Adiche

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg&t=996s

This week Shannon and Linda give a recap of current news in education. The Bel Biv Devos segment is back and we discuss the new education budget being proposed. Then we discuss the Bethune Cookman graduation and a charter school that has banned hair extensions. We end with a great resistance story out of NYC.

This Episode is titled   Microaggressions- Death by a Thousand Cuts- shout out to Kevin Nadal at city university of NYC for the title.  We discuss microaggressions and how to avoid them.  Then we talk about what you can do in your schools about microaggressions.  Then Linda quizzes Shannon in our pop culture segment.