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Embark on a profound journey from courtroom battles to classroom triumphs with "From Courtroom to Classroom: A Journey of Self-Discovery 🎓." This episode chronicles the remarkable story of Shawntaye Smith, a former criminal defense attorney turned passionate educator, illustrating the transformative power of embracing personal growth and navigating the path of education. Through her candid reflections, Smith shares how her quest for self-acceptance and proving her intellect led her from the legal field to finding her true calling in teaching. This tale is not just about a career shift but a holistic approach to education and well-being that underscores the importance of finding one's purpose and the courage to pursue it.

Listeners will be inspired by Smith's journey of self-discovery, from her initial struggles with identity and belonging to her ultimate realization of using education to empower herself and others. This episode delves into the pivotal moments and personal anecdotes that shaped her path, offering listeners a roadmap to empower themselves and their children through education, reflecting on personal experiences, and harnessing the power of learning as a tool for liberation.

Tune in to Falling for Learning for compelling stories of personal growth, educational narratives, and diverse storytelling that inspire action and change! We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 PM. Follow us for more insights into how education can be a transformative force in addressing systemic issues and fostering empowerment.

#BarExam #ClassroomChallenges #TeachingInspiration #EducationTips #PassionForTeaching

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Are you struggling to find the right balance between guiding your teen and allowing them the autonomy they crave? In this episode of Falling for Learning, hosted by educator and mother T.D. Flenaugh, we delve into the crucial topic of independence in teens.

T.D. Flenaugh shares personal experiences and expert insights on navigating the delicate dance of parental guidance and teen autonomy. From building independence to fostering responsibility, she offers practical advice to help parents empower their teens while avoiding common pitfalls.

One key aspect discussed is nutrition and the importance of involving older kids in food choices. Drawing from her own upbringing, Flenaugh highlights the significance of allowing teens to have a say in what they eat, promoting healthier habits and fostering independence.

But independence isn't just about food choices—it extends to all aspects of a teen's life. Flenaugh provides strategies for gradually increasing independence while maintaining necessary boundaries, especially in the digital age where privacy is a concern.

Financial responsibility is also on the agenda, with Flenaugh stressing the importance of teaching teens about money management early on. By setting clear rules and boundaries, parents can empower their teens to make wise financial decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

Above all, Flenaugh emphasizes the vital role of open communication in parenting teens. By respecting their feelings and opinions and fostering trust through honest dialogue, parents can navigate the challenges of the teenage years with grace and understanding.

Join T.D. Flenaugh on the Falling for Learning Podcast as she shares invaluable insights and practical tips for fostering independence in teens and maintaining strong parent-child relationships. Tune in for this enriching discussion on empowering the next generation for success.

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Get TD's newly released books:

1. The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method: The Parent and Educator Guide for Getting Middle Schoolers to Fall in Love With Writing -  https://a.co/d/7DDN95v

2. The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method Workbook: The Parent and Educator Action Plan for Getting Middle Schoolers to Fall in Love With Writing - https://a.co/d/bFd0ncY

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of parenting teens and tweens, navigating through communication hurdles, setting boundaries with natural consequences, and empowering our children to think independently.

Host T.D. Flenaugh, educator and mother, shines a light on the crucial aspect of communication with teens and tweens. Highlighting the significance of active listening and empathetic understanding, she offers insightful strategies to bridge the communication gap. From setting clear expectations to establishing designated timeframes for tasks, T.D. Flenaugh advocates for open conversations that foster mutual respect and connection.

Moving forward, our discussion shifts to parenting with natural consequences, as T.D. Flenaugh champions an approach that allows teens and tweens to mature through experiential learning. By exploring the concept of privileges over punitive measures, she encourages parents to tailor rewards to their child's interests, fostering motivation and responsibility.

Empowerment takes center stage as we explore T.D. Flenaugh's perspective on nurturing independent thinkers. Through acknowledging and embracing their flaws, parents can provide the space for teens to cultivate their identity while nurturing a foundation of trust and respect.

Lastly, she dives into the realm of trust-building and leadership opportunities within the family dynamic. T.D. Flenaugh emphasizes the importance of parental authenticity and flexibility, urging parents to lead by example and engage their children's interests to foster a positive learning environment.

Tune in to the Falling for Learning Podcast for this enriching episode! 🎧 #ParentingTeens #CommunicationStrategies #EmpoweringYouth

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In this episode of Falling for Learning, educator and mother T.D. Flenaugh delves into the profound impact of Black History Month on personal growth and empowerment. Reflecting on her journey as both an educator and a parent, T.D. shares heartfelt anecdotes and insights that resonate deeply with parents and caregivers navigating the path of education.

Sharing her experience as a first grader in Alaska passionately writing reports on Martin Luther King Jr., TD explains how her mother shaped her pursuit of learning through support in self-discovery. 

When studying Black history, T.D. discusses the essential balance between acknowledging black struggles and celebrating triumphs, emphasizing the importance of infusing joy and excellence into educational narratives. Drawing from personal experiences, T.D. highlights the need for diverse storytelling that reflects the nuances of black experiences, advocating for a more holistic approach in learning environments.

Beyond academia, T.D. delves into the realm of empowerment through skincare for people of color. Candidly sharing struggles with dermatological issues, T.D. underscores the significance of representation in healthcare and the journey to finding products and professionals that cater to diverse skin tones.

As the episode concludes, T.D. inspires listeners to empower themselves and their children through inquiry, exploration, and a deeper understanding of Black history and culture. Encouraging the integration of healing practices rooted in history, T.D. invites caregivers to embrace a holistic approach to education and well-being.

Tune in to Falling for Learning for a poignant exploration of Black history!

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In the upcoming episode of the Falling for Learning Podcast, hosted by educator and mother T.D. Flenaugh, listeners are invited to explore the transformative power of building a village to support children's learning and success. Flenaugh underscores the crucial role of enacting a nurturing community, encompassing relatives, friends, tutors, and caregivers, to help children reach their goals effectively. Drawing from personal experiences, she delves into various forms of village support, from childcare assistance to fostering children's interests and activities.

Listeners will gain insights into practical strategies for finding quality childcare arrangements, ensuring children thrive in nurturing environments with trustworthy adults. Moreover, Flenaugh addresses the importance of seeking support in navigating children's needs, emphasizing the significance of evaluating reliability and adjusting expectations accordingly.

The episode also touches upon the unique challenges faced by solo parents, highlighting the importance of recognizing blind spots and fostering a supportive village for emotional and practical assistance. Flenaugh underscores the role of the community in addressing issues early on to prevent them from escalating into larger problems in adulthood.

Furthermore, the discussion extends to the realm of protecting children from the negative effects of social media. Flenaugh advocates for parental vigilance and emphasizes the need for a vigilant village to monitor and support children's online interactions, safeguarding them from harmful influences.

Overall, this episode serves as a beacon of guidance for parents and caregivers striving to nurture their children's learning and success, emphasizing the collective power of a supportive village in fostering holistic development and addressing challenges effectively. Tune in to discover how to build your village and empower your child's journey towards lifelong learning and achievement.

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We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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To see the slides, go to the video version: https://youtu.be/gVwelgYVIiM

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Falling for Learning Podcast, the go-to resource for parents and educators striving to get children on track for learning and to stay on track for success! The host, TD Flenaugh, dives deep into the world of writing instruction by shedding light on why many kids hate writing. By making the crucial distinction between revision and editing, TD reveals best practices that lead to a love for writing. 

Discover the secrets to nurturing a growth mindset through feedback. A focus on recognizing strengths and addressing root causes of writing difficulties builds on children's strengths and provides targeted feedback for skill improvement.

We explore the realm of child development and learning with a special emphasis on accepting students' current writing abilities while setting achievable goals for improvement. TD Flenaugh shares a personal story of learning to drive, encouraging parents to share their own narratives to connect with their children.

Delve into the intricacies of sentence quality in children's writing. TD Flenaugh distinguishes between editing and revision, advocating for a focus on improving the overall quality of sentences rather than merely correcting grammar. Learn how this approach can lead to better writing outcomes for children.

Discover tips and tricks to engage middle schoolers in the writing process, as TD Flenaugh introduces her book, The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Method and its corresponding workbook, The R.E.W.R.I.T.E. Workbook filled with strategies and resources to transform writing with not only educational but enjoyable experiences.

Join us as we unravel the secrets of enhancing children's writing skills, fostering a love for writing that extends beyond the classroom. Whether you're a parent or an educator, this episode is packed with valuable insights to make a significant impact on the journey of falling for learning.

Tune in now to our audio and video versions of the podcast – and be prepared to witness your understanding of writing instruction transform! Don't forget to share this episode with fellow parents and educators; let's make the joy of learning go viral!

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In this episode of the Falling for Learning Podcast, we unravel the extraordinary journey of Micah Jackson, the innovative mind behind AR content strategy at Snapchat. Buckle up for a ride through education, career setbacks, and triumphs that led to his current success.

Micah's fascination with space exploratio, math, and science was ignited by a teacher's encouragement, setting the stage for a remarkable career in education. It was at a small private school and Hamilton Music Academy in Los Angeles, where Micah's educational roots took hold!

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Micah shares his college setbacks and the transformative decision to attend community college, challenging the conventional path. This episode delves into the importance of community college as an alternative for those facing transition challenges or financial barriers.

Micah's journey from West Los Angeles College to UCLA, transitioning from art history to a revamped design program, is a testament to resilience and determination. His success is attributed to nurturing art in grade school, studying science and math, and paying attention to diverse subjects.

As the episode unfolds, we explore Micah's exposure to computers in grade school, instilled critical thinking skills by an English teacher, and the pivot from architecture to a fulfilling career in computer animation. Discover the joy Micah finds in bringing creations to life through technology.

Parents and tech enthusiasts, brace yourselves for insights into the vast tech industry, career paths, salaries, hiring trends, and the impact of graduate degrees. Micah's diverse career, spanning NASA, Disney, AOL, and Yahoo, showcases the limitless opportunities in tech. Jackson also graduate programs and the significance of passion in tech.

Closing with Micah's advice for parents and children to research tech companies and invest in coding for kids, this episode is a treasure trove of valuable information. Micah's stint as a game producer for Disney, creating content for Wreck-It Ralph, adds a touch of magic.

This episode is a compass guiding parents and caregivers through the maze of education and tech, revealing the blueprint for a thriving future. #TechSuccess #CareerJourney #FutureProofEducation

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Resources

LA County Rent Relief 

https://ceo.lacounty.gov/recovery/

Food Assistance

https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/food.html

Education Assistance

https://dcfs.lacounty.gov/youth/education/

Laptop and Hotspot Loan Programs

https://lacountylibrary.org/laptop/

LA Housing Services Authority

https://www.lahsa.org/

LA County Workforce Development Programs

https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/

LA County Office of Small Business

https://www.ajcc.lacounty.gov/businesses/office-of-small-business

Doing Business with LA County

https://doingbusiness.lacounty.gov/

SUMMARY
Welcome to Episode 30 of Falling for Learning! Dr. D’artagnan Scorza takes us on a transformative journey, aiming to improve outcomes for young people in schools and communities. In this episode, Dr. Scorza delves into his research project addressing systemic issues affecting black males, sparked by the tragic death of a young black man.

Reflecting on personal experiences, Dr. Scorza shares a poignant story of loss in his family, a turning point that fueled his commitment to addressing systemic issues. Inspired by the Malcolm X Academy model, his research focuses on guiding young black men through the carceral system towards pathways of opportunity.

The episode explores Dr. Scorza's own educational journey, shaped by influential teachers, family members, and church mentors who guided him through challenges like homelessness and negative influences. It emphasizes the crucial role of education and cultural relevance in upbringing.

The conversation then shifts to the challenges faced by teachers and parents due to overtesting and rigid education standards. Dr. Scorza argues that these standards are politically influenced, hindering creativity and cultural relevance in the classroom. The need for equal opportunities, creativity, and critical thinking in underserved communities becomes a focal point.

Education as a tool for liberation takes center stage, with Dr. Scorza advocating for entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic engagement. Anti-racism initiatives in Los Angeles County, such as the AR Di initiative, are discussed to address structural racism in education.

The episode also highlights LA County's efforts to improve lives through education and economic support, acknowledging the challenges faced by families during the pandemic. Dr. Scorza underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues like poverty and inequality to create an inclusive society.

Homelessness in LA County beco

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Resources

LA County Rent Relief 

https://ceo.lacounty.gov/recovery/

Food Assistance

https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/food.html

Education Assistance

https://dcfs.lacounty.gov/youth/education/

Laptop and Hotspot Loan Programs

https://lacountylibrary.org/laptop/

SUMMARY

On Episode 29 of the Falling for Learning Podcast, hosted by the dynamic educator TD Flenaugh. In this enlightening episode, TD engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. D’artagnan Scorza, a passionate advocate for education and racial equity.

Dr. Scorza delves into his impactful work, sharing insights from his research on the challenges faced by young black men in today's society. The episode explores the crucial role of education in shaping outcomes for youth in schools and communities. TD and Dr. Scorza emphasize the transformative power of education and its far-reaching impact on young people's lives.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Dr. Scorza reflects on his journey into education, sparked by a family tragedy that fueled his commitment to make a positive difference in the community. Despite facing adversity, including homelessness, Dr. Scorza's teachers, family, and church members recognized his potential, investing in his education and encouraging positive choices.

The episode further addresses the intersection of education, family, and personal growth, with Dr. Scorza sharing experiences of incarceration and how it influenced his research focus on helping young men of color transition out of the carceral system.

TD and Dr. Scorza also tackle the complex issue of education standards and testing. They discuss the negative impact of the standards movement on education, lamenting the loss of creativity and customization in teaching. The duo argues that an excessive focus on testing has restricted teachers' ability to invest in students beyond mandated requirements, leading to disengagement and a lack of creativity in the classroom.

In a compelling exchange, Dr. Scorza emphasizes the importance of standards in education, particularly in the context of a shifting economy. However, both agree that standards in certain subjects, notably social studies and science, may be politically driven and not tailored to the needs of students of color.

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We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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