It's Personal Podcast

Juana Martinez-Neal is easily one of my favorite authors and illustrators; Alma, Princess and the Pea, Babymoon, Fry Bread (etc). In PART I of this chat, Juana talks about family and how it has played an important part of her childhood growing up. She speaks about a large family in which her mother, grandparents, uncles and cousins all play an important role in who she is today. Stay tuned for PART II in which Juana talks more about her life in America, and how her kids deal with specific situations.

NOTE: Sorry about Audio.. Colby was kind enough to be one of the first educators to interview. This was done on an iphone :-)

From author, to youtube expert, podcaster, educator, father, friend, etc. The dude Colby Sharp does it all! And he does a great job at it too. During this podcast, Gary speaks with the man himself. They talk about the importance of putting the right books in every kids hands, family, his early years in an all white school, and so much more. This podcast is jammed with personal tips on life and education. Sit back and enjoy this one.. Oh yeah, do you enjoy Elvis? If so.. Colby has a book you NEED to check out!

Before you get into this podcast, have you listened to PART II? If not, go back and listen to Mike share personal stories. Don't worry, PART II is not going to disappear. In PART II Mike talks more about the patience of teachers and how important this is for student life. He takes a walk down memory lane and shares his love for Ninja Turtles. Lastly, and probably most important, he shares some amazing insights on what educators can do today to help make their classrooms more equitable and fun.

Mike Ochs is part of TCRWP (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project)He has led site-based staff development in schools across the country. In this episode Gary and Mike talk sports (and of course teaching) Let's not beat around the bush here. Both basketball fans, Gary and Mike talk about the progression of the Brooklyn Nets basketball team and what real personalized learning looks like. Mike hits home the idea of patience and why he feels teachers need to remember that students have ideas that they want to carry out. We can use these ideas to help build learning structures and hit key strategies and learning in the classroom.

Dr. Kim Parker is special :-) What a treat, I mean what a treat! Dr. Kim Parker talks changing her dress to meet the needs of white people, going to HOWARD, disrupting literacy and the breakdown of #31DaysIBPOC on twitter. If you haven't checked out this hash tag, please go and do so RIGHT NOW. You will not be disappointed. Sit back and relax. Enjoy this amazing ladies story.

Matt was the mixed kid in elementary. In middle school. In high school, college. And still is today. On this episode, Gary talks with Matthew de la Peña an American Newbery Medalist who writes children books and novels for young adults. Gary get's personal with Matt, and digs into his past about his childhood home and family. If you enjoy this episode, keep the conversation going on twitter @GaryRGrayJr.

On this episode Gary talks with the one and only Valeria Brown (@ValeriaBrownEdu). This lady has helped Gary in so many ways! She is an amazing wife and momma of 2 love kids. She helps educators understand the importance of race within education. She works closely with TeachingTolerance.org. And host of #CLEARTHEAIR on twitter. If you are interested in tough topics, and engaging conversations, Valeria can help you with that. This podcast is long, but worth EVERY second! Enjoy :-)

On this podcast Gary talks with math specialist Marian Dingle (@DingleTeach)from Georgia. Marian gets right into talking specially about her family love, kids and husband. How she balances her need for alone time, and husbands busy schedule. She talks about being "the black kid" and the "black kid who's smart". All in 5th grade. This pod, is jammed with deep reflection and real life motivation. Marian, thanks for keeping it real.

This is Partt II of my conversation with Tiffany Jewell, the amazing Montessorian Educator. In this episode we wrap up our conversation about the life of a bi-racial kid, the idea of tracking systems in school and how they are ****** up, and super mom. You can find Tiffany on instagram @tiffanymjewell. Go check her out!

Today I have a treat for you. Instagram friend, Tiffany Jewell is a Montessorian, anti-racist educator and passionate book lover. On this episode we talk about Tiffany's past, growing up as a bi-racial kid, and what her favourite teacher did for her. This is part 1 of a 2 part series. You can Jewell on Instagram: @tiffanymjewell