In this episode, we welcome Stacie McClam, founder of School Dismissed, LLC. In our conversation, Stacie will share about her personal journey as an educator, the impact of secondary traumatic stress on teachers, and strategies that teachers can use to reduce anxiety during the pandemic.  To learn more about Stacie's work, you can visit her website at staciemcclam.com or follow her handle @staciemcclam on all social media platforms.  

BIO: Stacie McClam is an educator, author, and radio show host of “Teacher Talks” on Tribe Family Channel. Stacie has 10 years of teaching experience in different states and countries. In July 2018, she published a book entitled, “School Dismissed: Walking Away from Teaching” where she describes why she left the teaching profession. The book raises awareness about the trauma that students and teachers experience at school. Stacie earned her Master's of Education degree from Howard University and her law degree from the University of Denver. She hopes to use her law degree to advocate for teachers and students through film. She is currently in production for her first feature documentary.

In this episode, we welcome Guivens Andre, who is currently an ELA teacher in Boston Public Schools and the founder of Unofficial E. In our conversation, Guivens will share about his early life in Haiti, his experiences as a young black male educator, and how he's used the COVID-19 pandemic to prioritize his personal & professional growth.  To learn more about Guiven's work, you can follow him on the following platforms:  

FACEBOOK - Guivens Andre or Unofficial E.                    TWITTER - @GuivensAndre                            INSTAGRAM - @aka_givs   

BIO: Guivens Andre was born in Haiti and came to the states with his family at the age of 5. He is an English Language Arts Educator & ESL tutor in Boston Public Schools and the founder of Unofficial E., an organization that helps immigrants enhance your English speaking skills with culturally relevant content. He received his Bachelor's Degree in English from UMass Boston and will graduate with a Master's Degree in Education this May.

In this new episode, we welcome Pittsburgh native K. Chase Patterson, who is the CEO of the Urban Academy, the oldest charter school in the Greater Pittsburgh area. During our conversation, Chase shares about his upbringing in Pittsburgh, his thoughts on the state of black learning nationwide, and details about the upcoming State of Black Learning conference happening in August 2020.  To learn more about Chase's work, you can visit the State of Black Learning website (stateofblacklearning.com) or follow him on the following platforms:  

FACEBOOK - K. Chase Patterson           INSTAGRAM - kang_chase           TWITTER - @KChasePatterson  

BIO: 

As a native of Pittsburgh, K. Chase Patterson began to appreciate the power of knowledge from his earliest days. Patterson began his professional career at the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh where he established that Black Male Youth Summit, now known as the Black Male Leadership Development Institute (BMLDI) and taught post-secondary prep classes at Wilkinsburg High School. Before working as the Chief Diversity Advisor to the largest Panera Bread Franchisee, Covelli Enterprises, Chase served as the federal liaison to the Departments of Homeland Security, Immigration, State and Education on behalf of 13-term Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Doyle. He has served the Urban Academy in a number of capacities and was instrumental in rebranding and relocating the school. Now as CEO of Pittsburgh’s oldest Charter School, the Urban Academy, Chase has the privilege of working in his purpose each and every day, to demonstrate that ALL children can learn when immersed in a rigorous, respectful and relational learning environment. Chase is the owner of Society Mens Grooming Lounge, an award winning Barbershop & Salon. He is General Chairman of the Pittsburgh NAACP Human Rights Dinner and his local and national leadership has been recognized in Pittsburgh Magazine, Whirl Magazine, the New Pittsburgh Courier, Ebony Magazine and Black Enterprise.

In the episode, we have a conversation with special guest, Anthony Carter, about his life as a writer, career coach, teacher, and an unapologetic advocate for young black gay men.  To learn more about Anthony's work, you can visit his website at anthony-carter.com or follow him on Twitter with the handle @anthonylcarter.    

BIO: 

Anthony Carter is a career coach, with experience organizing and supporting more than 100 people as they pursue their professional and personal goals. His background in theatre, teaching and writing inform his personalized and creative approach. Anthony is fueled by his passion for reinvention, transformation and client driven solutions. He considers himself a ‘forever student,’ eager to both build on his creative and presentation skills and stay in tune with the constantly changing job market. His hunger for knowledge and determination to turn information into action has contributed to his successful support of more than 40 homeless individuals as they develop 21st century job searching skills. Meanwhile, he created then launched a pilot program at a local college where he organized classes, networking opportunities and mentoring sessions. Anthony believes ongoing training and self care in the workplace is key to success – a tenet he lives out through his interests in professional development, yoga, meditation, and writing. Anthony is currently working as a placement specialist and is always interested in a challenge.

In this special episode of IDTALK4ED LIVE, we chat it up with London-based educator, Karl Pupé, who is the author of "The Action Hero Teacher: Classroom Management Made Simple".  During our conversation, Karl shares about his personal journey into the education field, his personal keys and tips for classroom management success, the state of black educators in the UK, and much more!  To learn more about Karl’s work, you can visit his website at actionheroteacher.com or connect with him on the following social media platforms:  

TWITTER - @actionheroteach            INSTAGRAM - @actionheroteacher   

BIO: 

Karl C. Pupé is a qualified classroom teacher based in London with a decade's experience across the Primary, Secondary and Further Education sectors in the United Kingdom (UK). Specializing in Behavior Management, he worked as a Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) Coordinator teaching students with severe Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. He is the author of "The Action Hero Teacher: Classroom Management Made Simple," which is a practical guide for teachers who are looking to enhance their classroom management skills in the classroom.  Karl runs workshops that help teachers feel like heroes in their classrooms. As a former NEETs Coordinator and SEMH teacher, Karl shares his wealth of knowledge gained by working with some of London’s most challenging students.  Karl has designed and facilitated rehabilitation classes for Year 8 to 11 students who have been excluded from Mainstream Education and were at risk of becoming NEETs themselves. Karl has earned a Level 4 ILM Diploma in Leadership and Management in Further Education.

In this episode, we had the honor of speaking with Lavinya Stennett, the founder of the London-based organization "The Black Curriculum".  In our conversation, she shares about her inspiration for starting the organization, the state of black educators in the UK, and what educators can do to further the mission of incorporating Black History into the UK curriculum.  To learn more about Lavinya and the work of the Black Curriculum, you can visit the website theblackcurriculum.com or connect with them through the following social media handles: 

FACEBOOK - The Black Curriculum                 INSTAGRAM - @theblackcurriculum               TWITTER - @CurriculumBlack

BIO: 

Lavinya Stennett is a multi-award-winning strategist, visionary, and writer who has produced several articles focusing on the need for social change, educational reform, equality, and access in the UK.  Her work has most prominently been featured in major publications such as the BBC and Huffington Post.  She recently completed her studies at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) University of London as a First Class Graduate in African and Development Studies.  During her time at SOAS University of London, she earned many awards; most notably the inaugural Walter Rodney award, which recognizes student excellence for their work on the history of Africa and the African diaspora.  She earned the award for her outstanding dissertation, which explored Maroon Ecologies in Jamaica and Brazil.  Most recently, she was recognized as the #2 UK Future Leader by Powerful Media and is the Founder & CEO of “The Black Curriculum", a solutions-based project that teaches Black British History to secondary school children around the UK, using a range of art forms.  Lavinya has a wealth of experience in devising, building and implementing specialist services for clients, project management and communications within the private and public sectors of the UK.  She is also fluent in Swahili.      

In this episode, we speak with Shequila Roberts, who is the founder of Determine Now Inc. in Orlando, FL.  In our conversation, she shares about her personal journey as a single mother, her philanthropy work within the Orlando community, and her advocacy for students and parents within the Orange County Public Schools district.  To learn more about Shequila and support the phenomenal work she's doing, you can visit the Determine Now website or connect with her on the following social media platforms:  

FACEBOOK - Shequila Roberts                      INSTAGRAM - @determinenow_   

BIO: 

Shequila Roberts is a mother, philanthropist, business owner and a prominent member of her community. She is a single mother who came to a city where no one knew her name. Shequila decided to be a part of the solution and not the problem. With a foundation of Christianity and faith her philanthropy and innovation was no longer a dream but her life’s passion. She puts God first in her home and at the core of the change that she would like to see.   Shequila Roberts has impacted the lives of more than 500 children. She started a City League called the Orlando Seahawks that consisted of 85 children from very disadvantaged homes. There were 4 football teams and 2 cheerleader squads. The boys and girls not only enjoyed the league they loved it and asked her to please return.  In addition to working full time as a Mental Health Targeted Case Manager she volunteers consistently to several organizations – The Mission, One Heart for Women and Children, Mentoring and Motivating Youth and Compact. Shequila never stops giving of herself and volunteers at the Homeless Coalition and is still an Emerging Leader for United Way.  She devotes herself to her son and other parents at his elementary school, serving as President of the PTA. She ensures that she is annually approved through Orange County Public Schools as Additions Approved to volunteer for any activities.  Shequila is also a partner and a vendor for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). Once a month, she faithfully attends their Pine Hill Community Council meetings to discuss the betterment of their neighborhood as well as crime prevention. She has facilitated three workshops topics thus far, in Miami once a month to encourage preteen, adolescent and adult women who have escaped unfortunate and dangerous situations. She naturally won their attention and positively affected the lives of these ladies.   Shequila has been laying the groundwork for her dreams since 2002 and is now the CEO/ Owner of her own business ‘Determine Now’. She is looking forward to the future and partnering with organization that are making a difference in the communities that need it most. She is definitely the epitome of great strength, leadership and vision.

In this episode, we connect with educator David Obianyor, who is pioneering the ed tech revolution in his native Nigeria.  In our conversation, he shares about the current state of education in Nigeria, his professional development work with teachers in Nigeria, and his ultimate mission to spread the gospel of educational technology throughout the African continent.  If you would like to connect with David, you can follow him on the following platforms.  

FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN - David Obianyor                  INSTAGRAM - @obianyordavid,  @teachersidaraanddavid  

BIO: 

David Obianyor is a technology integrational specialist, and a one of a kind Nigerian educator who, has set out on a mission to give the teaching profession in this part of the country a face-lift by being a game-changer and breaking from the status quo. This has made me engage in various activities locally and internationally.  In recognition for his contribution in the education sector, he has earned numerous individual awards and some include Teacher of the Year, Model Primary Teacher of the Year, recognition for ‘The Most Innovative Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning’ by Microsoft Nigeria, Corona Schools I.T Proficient Teacher of the Year and the CEO’S Award of the Year Corona Schools 2017 in recognition for outstanding achievement in and outside the classroom. He was named among the Top 5 educators in Nigeria in the Meadow Hall Foundation’s Inspirational Educators Award in Nigeria (INSEA) 2016 and Arclights Foundation's Teacher of the Year in Nigeria 2018.  He was recently recognized as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (2019-2020) because of the pivotal role that he and his colleagues played in getting his school to become a Microsoft Showcase School (2019-2020). He was also awarded an ambassadorship by the ClassDojo software in the United States of America as the pioneer ambassador for Africa because of his enthusiasm for creating a fun and happier classroom. This was necessitated by a feat which he achieved with apps like Flipgrid, Skype and ClassDojo after connecting with a teacher from the United States of America in the bid to connect his classes, share cultures and teach kindness to his students such as raising funds for impoverished schools in Nigeria.   David has been invited to speak about his practices in the classroom at notable conferences, locally and internationally and a few include the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) Innovative Practice Series and the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) Global Classroom.

In this episode, we welcome Charles Williams, who is the founder of CW Consulting, an organization focused on helping schools, educators, and school districts unlock their potential and deliver positive results for their students.  In our conversation, Charles talks about his transition from a classroom teacher to a school administrator, his take on the state of education in Chicago Public Schools, the importance of students developing a growth mindset, and much more!  If you would like to connect with Charles, you can visit his organization's website at cwconsultingservice.com or follow him on the following platforms:  

INSTAGRAM & TWITTER - @_cwconsulting                  FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN - Charles Williams  

BIO: 

Charles Williams currently serves as the Principal of Plato Learning Academy in Chicago, IL. He has been an educator for nearly 15 years serving as a teacher, a mentor/lead teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal for urban students in grades K-12.  Charles still serves as an educational administrator and is a member of several professional organizations including Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM), Men of Color in Education, the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), and the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). After presenting at numerous events including nationwide conferences, educational workshops, and fundraising events, he founded his own organization, CW Consulting, which focuses on helping institutions to unlock their potential and promising to deliver results.  Charles holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Purdue University Calumet, a Master’s Degree in Education from Calumet College of St. Joseph, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration from Purdue University, and a Certificate in Organization Leadership & Management from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

In this new episode, we bring in Dr. Christopher Brazzle, founder of L.I.M.E.LIGHT Transformations and the author of the newly released book, "Outlier Leadership: The 5 No Excuse Habits of Outlier Leaders", to talk about his transition from class clown to school principal.  He also describes the step-by-step process of becoming an outlier leader and how those steps are transferrable to any industry you work in.   To learn more about Dr. Brazzle's work, you can visit his website at www.drchrisbrazzle.com or connect with him on the following social media platforms:  

FACEBOOK - Christopher Brazzle            INSTAGRAM - limelight_trans             TWITTER - LIMELightTrans1  

BIO: 

Dr. Christopher Brazzle is the Founder and CEO of L.I.M.E.LIGHT Transformations, a company specializing in the training and development of transformational leaders personally and professionally within organizations. He is an educator of almost two decades where he has served as a coach, a mentor, a K-12 teacher, a graduate teacher, a behavioral campus coordinator, an athletic director, a regional director and a school leader. He is a professional speaker and motivator.  Dr. Brazzle’s mission is to educate and lead others to transformational change. His goal is to help you achieve positive results through accomplishing your personal and professional goals as a leader in this 21st century.  Dr. Brazzle has studied, researched, written and spoken for over a decade on leadership development and accomplishing your goals through hard work and perseverance. He is a Best Selling author and responsible for the #1 Amazon Hot New Release of Outlier Leadership – “The 5 No Excuses Habits of Outlier Leaders” and also authored his first book From Class Clown to Principal.  Since 2002, Dr. Brazzle has delivered over 50 programs, helped and worked with thousands of students and student athletes to achieve their maximum potential, and mentored many educators toward becoming transformational change agents and leaders.  Dr. Brazzle has earned a reputation where parents, students and teachers trust in his leadership, experience and unmatched relationship building.  Dr. Brazzle’s strong skill as an experienced learner and facilitator teaches seminar participants to acquire the necessary training skills to move towards transformational leader in todays’ workplace.