"Send me a Text Message!"

The way our kids learn has changed faster than most classrooms and homes can keep up. We’re past the era of memorizing from a single textbook; the real advantage now is knowing how to verify a claim, trace a source, and turn digital tools into deeper learning—not distractions. I share a clear roadmap for parents and educators who want students to thrive in a world where search results, AI tools, and social feeds shape what children see and believe.

You’ll hear why starting media literacy in elementary school matters, how personalized and competency‑based models unlock growth, and where game‑based learning and collaborative platforms can raise engagement and agency. I lay out 10 practical benefits digital tools bring to classrooms, from real‑time feedback to publish‑ready student work that builds pride and audience awareness.

Beyond the classroom, I tackle the hidden gaps: keyboarding, file management, safe browsing, email etiquette, privacy, and data analysis. I  connect digital citizenship with social and emotional learning, pointing to tools like VoiceThread, Headspace, and Canva that foster perspective taking, mindfulness, and reflective goal‑setting. For families seeking real support, I outline a community‑powered solution—school “Tech Nights” that turn family engagement into shared learning, complete with themes, short activities, and simple guides so parents can practice the same tools their kids use every day.

If you’re ready to raise savvy, ethical, and capable digital learners, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a fellow parent or teacher, and leave a review to help more families find practical strategies that work.

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Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
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• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Honest history should not be controversial, yet every step toward equity seems to trigger a counterpunch. I dig into how White backlash has shaped K-12 education for generations—from laws that criminalized Black literacy to modern book bans and vague “indoctrination” claims that chill classrooms. Along the way, I unpack the difference between White rage and White backlash, explain why CRT became a political smoke screen, and connect today’s “parents’ rights” movement to earlier strategies that protected dominance while sidelining truth.

I walk through a historical line that includes Reconstruction sabotage, Brown v. Board’s resistance, and the fear-driven narrative of A Nation at Risk that corroded public trust in public schools. Fast-forward to the 2000s and 2010s, and you’ll find promising shifts toward culturally responsive teaching and student activism—but also the persistence of anti-Black structures, surveillance, and discipline disparities that undermine progress. The current wave of censorship policies and book bans doesn’t appear out of nowhere; it’s part of a long, predictable pattern that surfaces whenever Black students’ learning, dignity, and futures come into clearer focus.

This conversation is not just a diagnosis, it’s a plan. I share practical moves families can make now: build racial literacy at home with books by Black scholars and authors; testify at school boards and state hearings; use counter-storytelling to document harm and advocate for inclusive curricula; support teachers who teach truth; and organize broad coalitions that can stop harmful bills, as seen in Indiana. If you care about accurate history, safe and inclusive classrooms, and real opportunity for Black children, these steps matter.

If this resonates, subscribe, share with one friend who needs it, and leave a quick review. Your voice helps push honest history forward and protects the future that Black children deserve.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

A single ransomware email can steal weeks of learning and years of privacy. I dig into the hard truth behind rising cyberattacks on K‑12 schools: why districts are prime targets, how AI makes phishing smarter, and what happens when student records and critical systems are held hostage. From real breaches that forced closures to vendor incidents that exposed millions of records, I unpack the patterns every parent should know and the practical steps that actually reduce risk.

I talk candidly about the district catch‑22—highly sophisticated attackers versus limited budgets and staff—and the policy landscape that leaves schools to fend for themselves. You’ll hear how inconsistent state laws and a shrinking federal role compound the problem, why under-reporting persists, and what it really costs when systems go dark: lost instruction, emergency spending, and long-tail identity theft for students and staff. 

Most importantly, I share four pointed questions you can bring to your principal or district leader to spark transparency and action. These questions turn concern into momentum and help protect both learning time and personal data. If you care about safer classrooms and resilient technology, this conversation gives you the language and leverage to push for change.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help other families find it. Your voice can shape smarter, stronger safeguards for every student.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Your child’s school day is powered by data—grades, health records, survey answers, device activity, and the dozens of apps woven into homework and instruction. I pull back the curtain on how that data move through districts and vendors, and how a lack of basic policies turns classrooms into soft targets for misuse and cybercrime. From the NYC Illuminate incident to AI-driven tools in everyday learning, I connect the dots so parents can spot real risks and take clear action.

I talk through the expanding role of artificial intelligence, the practical gaps many districts face in staff training and encryption, and how political shifts reduce federal enforcement even when laws stay on the books. You’ll hear how state privacy laws and youth-focused bills aim to help, where they fall short for daily school operations, and why opting out of edtech can undermine personalized instruction if schools don’t plan carefully. Most importantly, I explore equity: low‑income and majority Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native communities face more ads, more trackers, and fewer disclosures—conditions that feed data brokers and deepen bias.

I frame student data privacy as a civil rights issue with real‑world consequences and share a focused action plan: seven questions to take to your principal or district leaders about app sprawl, data use, survey storage, protections against data brokers, and best practices for vendor oversight. Expect practical language, not jargon, and resources like third‑party certifications that signal stronger privacy hygiene. If you care about how technology can help your child learn without turning them into a data product, this conversation gives you the clarity and confidence to speak up.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with another parent, and leave a review to help more families find these insights. What’s the first question you’ll bring to your school?

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

What if the fastest way to help your child succeed is to stop rescuing and start coaching? I dive into the mindset and methods of mentally strong parenting, using Amy Morin’s “Thirteen Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do” as a springboard to share practical tools that work in real homes. From replacing a victim mentality with accountability to building emotional literacy and healthy boundaries, this conversation focuses on what parents can do today to raise resilient, self-reliant kids.

I share why productive struggle matters, how to set age-appropriate responsibilities, and ways to follow through without micromanaging. I discuss the trap of perfectionism and how to pivot toward excellence using the praise-criticism-praise approach that keeps motivation high. You’ll hear concrete strategies for naming emotions, teaching kids to “change the channel” on intrusive thoughts, and introducing mood busters so they can self-regulate when stress hits. Research on prosocial skills, long-term outcomes, and self-control shows why these small daily habits pay off in school, relationships, and life.

I also get candid about discipline versus punishment, why quick fixes backfire, and how consistency—plus a united front between parents—creates the safety kids need to grow. Finally, I zoom out to values: how to align household rules with what you stand for, model the behaviors you want to see, and even craft a simple family statement that turns ideals into actions. If you’re aiming for confident kids who can handle setbacks, make good decisions, and treat others with empathy, this one’s for you.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with another parent, and leave a quick rating or review to help more families find these strategies. Got thoughts or a favorite takeaway? Send me a message and let’s keep the conversation going.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Parents don’t just want updates; we want a seat at the table. This episode explores how to move beyond volunteer hours and sign-up sheets to real partnership—where families, teachers, and schools build trust, share responsibility, and help kids thrive in reading, language, and math. I break down the difference between parent involvement and parent engagement, explain why two-way communication matters more than polished newsletters, and share practical ways to set clear expectations at back-to-school meetings so everyone starts aligned.

I walk through five strategies any school can implement to welcome families. You’ll also hear a powerful Detroit-area case study showing how a community school model—with onsite health services, food support, and a parent resource room—boosted enrollment, lifted reading growth, and pushed parent-teacher conference rates to 98 percent. The message is simple: reduce barriers, build trust, and learning time increases.

I also address a missing link in teacher preparation: family engagement training. Too many educators graduate without the skills to partner with caregivers, which is why districts must make engagement systemic, accessible, and responsive to culture and schedules. To help you act now, I share 10 concrete parent moves—from daily reading talks and consistent study routines to respectful, steady communication with teachers—that build confidence and achievement over time. Ready to turn school-home contact into a true partnership? Listen, share your experience, and help us grow a community where every family has a voice.

If this conversation resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with one friend who cares about stronger parent engagement and school-home partnerships. Your story could spark someone else’s next step.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

What if the easiest way to boost your child’s curiosity, listening skills, and confidence didn’t involve a screen at all? I dive into the world of children’s podcasts—why they work, how to use them at home and in class, and what the research says about attention, comprehension, and family learning. From science explainers driven by kids’ questions to short, story-rich episodes that fit into busy routines, audio turns car rides and bedtime into moments that matter.

I share practical strategies for parents and educators: how to pick age-appropriate shows, the ideal episode length for younger versus older children, and simple prompts that help kids transfer what they hear into action—drawing, experiments, and teach-backs. You’ll hear about Brains On! as a model for inquiry and representation in STEM, plus PBS Kids options like The Plate Show, Molly of Denali, Keyshawn Solves It, and Work It Out Wombats! that nurture empathy, responsibility, and cultural awareness while building vocabulary and background knowledge.

For classrooms, I unpack two powerful pathways: podcast listening to anchor units in science, social studies, literacy, and math; and student production to strengthen research, writing, and presentation while elevating diverse voices. I outline a lightweight workflow for creating short, standards-aligned audio and a critical literacy lens that helps teens analyze who speaks, who’s missing, and how language shapes power. Along the way, I spotlight findings on low-income families’ engagement with audio and why the medium’s flexibility fosters intergenerational learning and equitable access.

Ready to turn 5 to 15 minutes into real learning? Follow the show, share this episode with one friend, and tell us which kid-friendly podcast your family loves. Your feedback shapes future topics—subscribe, leave a review, and join us in growing curious, confident listeners.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

A funding shock the size of a small state budget doesn’t just make headlines—it changes classrooms. When the federal government froze, then unfroze, billions destined for K–12, districts delayed hiring, shelved curriculum purchases, and cut partnerships that keep after‑school and migrant education programs alive. I walk through how those ripples hit hardest in communities that rely most on federal support—students of color, English learners, and children with disabilities—and why even a short pause shakes long‑term trust.

The story doesn’t end with money moving again. Fresh NAEP results show twelfth graders slipping in reading and math, eighth‑grade science down since 2019, and a widening gap between the highest and lowest performers. I connect the dots: the attention drain of smartphones and social media, the gradual decline in clear accountability that once lifted low-performing students, and the pandemic’s lasting disruption to core routines. I also highlight a worrying trend—girls’ science scores falling further than those of boys—and explore how lost STEM initiatives and mentorship may have contributed.

Data itself is under pressure. With staffing cuts at the Department of Education, NCES, and the Institute of Education Sciences face constraints that could shrink assessments over the next decade, even as policymakers need more, not less, clarity. Still, families have leverage right now. I share practical, low‑lift habits that build back skills: playful science at home in the early years, 20 focused minutes of reading a day backed by phonics and rich nonfiction, and short, joyful math practice that boosts confidence and even literacy.

If you want a grounded look at federal education funding, NAEP trends, and what actually helps learners rebound, you’re in the right place. Listen, share with a parent who needs a plan, and leave me your district’s experience—then subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday drop.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Ever wondered if there's more to self-care than bubble baths and spa days? Spoiler alert: there absolutely is.

Most of us have been sold a shallow version of self-care that focuses on external quick fixes rather than addressing our deeper needs. In this enlightening episode, I challenge conventional wisdom by redefining self-care as an internal process that produces lasting transformation in our lives.

Drawing from research, I introduce four powerful principles of authentic self-care: setting boundaries while managing guilt, practicing genuine self-compassion, aligning your actions with your core values, and embracing your personal power. The discussion elaborates on why mothers' well-being specifically connects to feeling unconditionally loved, developing confidence during distress, cultivating authentic relationships, and nurturing satisfying friendships.

This episode offers a refreshing perspective for parents of color navigating the challenges of the education system while trying to maintain their own well-being. I provide practical guidance on distinguishing between goals and values, emphasizing that true alignment happens when your external actions match your internal compass.

Whether you're struggling with boundary-setting, battling guilt, or simply feeling disconnected from your authentic self, this episode delivers transformative insights that will reshape how you approach self-care. 

Ready to move beyond superficial self-care practices and embrace a more meaningful approach? Subscribe to K-12 Public Education Insights, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message. Your journey toward authentic self-care starts now.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Reading instruction remains one of the most foundational yet controversial aspects of education, with new methods constantly emerging. The latest trend capturing attention is multisensory reading instruction—where students trace letters in sand, use shaving cream on desks, or form letter shapes with their bodies. But does the evidence support these tactile approaches?

This eye-opening exploration cuts through the hype surrounding multisensory reading methods, examining what research actually tells us about their effectiveness. Despite legislative mandates requiring these techniques in several states and their prominence in the "science of reading" movement, the evidence remains surprisingly inconclusive. While traditional, explicit phonics instruction has decades of research supporting its effectiveness for all students, multisensory approaches present a more complex picture.

For parents of struggling readers or children with dyslexia, this discussion offers particularly valuable insights, as these are the populations where multisensory techniques show the most promise. However, the persistence of achievement gaps raises serious questions about whether widespread adoption of these methods truly serves educational equity.

As a parent navigating the complex world of reading instruction, you need practical guidance beyond the buzzwords. The most powerful action you can take remains remarkably simple: read with your child daily, ensure they receive systematic phonics instruction, and provide just 20 minutes of consistent practice time each day. 

Share your thoughts on multisensory reading instruction at k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com, and join our community of informed, empowered parents making evidence-based decisions for their children's educational success.

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationinsights.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com/podcast
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]