Our Classroom

In today's episode, we're thrilled to dive into the inspiring world of language education with our special guest, Gretchen Melo. Gretchen is the visionary founder of El Puente Bilingüe, a Spanish language curriculum infused with Montessori principles. Roberto and Gretchen explore the development and impact of this innovative curriculum, which not only fills gaps in traditional Spanish teaching but also engages students through structured and creative activities.

Gretchen reveals her journey from noticing the potential in young learners' grasp of English grammar to creating a comprehensive curriculum that gradually builds linguistic skills through scaffolded learning, starting with basic greetings and progressing to complex sentence analysis.

They also discuss the challenges of developing these impactful materials, the importance of understanding community language exposure, and the valuable role Montessori environments play in fostering language acquisition. Plus, Gretchen shares insights into her online course, which makes her effective teaching methods accessible to a broader audience, including adults.

Stay tuned and learn how Gretchen's work is bridging language gaps in education and creating a community of lifelong language learners. 

This episode is sponsored by Corwin.

Corwin provides sustained, job-embedded professional learning that supports educators to strengthen the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and practices that have the greatest influence on student growth and achievement. 

Today we're celebrating the vibrancy of Dominican culture and the power of family through literature. Joining us is the inspiring author and poet, Lissette Norman, known for her evocative books like "Plátanos Go With Everything" and "My Feet Are Laughing."

In this episode, Lissette shares her unique writing styles and the journey behind her works, emphasizing the impact of Afro-Latino representation in children's literature. From her use of lyrical storytelling to her dedication to showcasing nurturing father figures, Lissette paints a heartwarming picture of Dominican life. She also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers, stressing the importance of rewriting and engaging with young readers for honest feedback.

We’ll explore how books can serve as a conduit for cultural stories, and the significant roles they play in affirming children's identities. Whether you're an educator, parent, or aspiring writer, this conversation promises to inspire and expand your understanding of the importance of diverse voices in literature.

Today we’re delving into a transformative approach to grading and assessment in education with our special guest, Sarah M. Zerwin. Sarah is a high school English teacher at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, with three decades of experience, and the author of the eye-opening book "Pointless, an English Teacher's Guide to More Meaningful Grading."

In this episode, we explore radical yet practical strategies for shifting grading power from teachers to students. Sarah shares her unique practice of allowing students to select their final grades based on collaboratively created grade descriptions, promoting transparency, student agency, and self-reflection. We’ll discuss the profound impact this approach has had on student satisfaction and engagement, as well as the inspiring future she envisions for grading and assessments—away from mandated testing and towards equity and student empowerment.

Together, we’ll delve into the intricate challenges of traditional grading systems, the cultural and racial biases they perpetuate, and alternatives like labor-based contract grading. Sarah's insights reveal the profound potential for structured choice, goal setting, and ongoing reflection in fostering life skills and deeper teacher-student connections.

Join us as we uncover the joy and hope in teaching, the importance of strategic implementation in grading reforms, and the invaluable resources available for educators on this journey. Plus, get a sneak peek into Sarah’s upcoming book "Step Aside," set for a December release. Whether you're an educator, parent, or student advocate, this episode is packed with powerful insights and inspiring ideas you'll want to hear.

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. JPB Gerald, an inspiring adult educator and theorist, join us to discuss his groundbreaking work and upcoming book, "Embracing the Exceptions: Supporting Neurodivergent Students of Color in Education." 🎓

Join us as we delve into Dr. Gerald's personal journey with ADHD, his commitment to justice for racially, linguistically, and neurologically minoritized communities, and his innovative approaches to education. Through impactful metaphors and actionable insights, Dr. Gerald shares practical ways teachers can better support neurodivergent students of color, emphasizing the intersection of ableism and racism.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Gerald’s rich experiences and powerful anecdotes offer a fresh perspective on equity in education. Stay tuned to learn how we can collectively foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Let's continue this journey together towards social justice and community engagement. 🌍📚

 #Education #Schools #Students #OurClassroom #MulticulturalClassroom #Equity #Antiracism #SocialChange #Activism #DiversityInEducation #Neurodivergent #EducationEquity #EducationalEquityForAll #MentalHealth #SpecialEducationInclusion #EmbracingExceptions #TeacherSupportForNeurodiversity #AdhdInEducation #educationequity 

JPB Gerald is an adult educator and theorist, and a 2022 graduate of the EdD program in Instructional Leadership from CUNY – Hunter College, USA. Through his writing, teaching, podcast and his public scholarship overall, he seeks justice for the racially, linguistically and neurologically minoritized.

Social Media:

jpbgerald.com

LinkedIn

The Artist formerly known as Twitter

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

00:52 - Introduction of Dr. JPB Gerald

02:08 - Inspiration Behind the Book

03:37 - Target Audience and Book’s Relevance

04:47 - The Emotional Impact of an ADHD Diagnosis

06:42 - Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Students of Color

09:00 - Effective Strategies for Teachers

12:23 - The Importance of Understanding Intersectionality

16:04 - Counter Narratives of Neurodivergent Individuals

19:03 - Book Cover Design and its Significance

23:09 - Qualities of Supportive Teachers

29:14 - Urgent Areas of Research

33:23 - Who Would You Have Lunch With?

34:56 - Message of Encouragement

36:37 - Closing Remarks

Welcome to Our Classroom! Stay tuned as we delve into the transformative power of illustration with the incredibly talented Bea Jackson, New York Times best-selling illustrator. In this episode, we explore the captivating world of Bea's vibrant illustrations, which bring to life the enchanting book "Summer is Here" by Renee Watson.  

Join us as we:

Bea Jackson's work is a testament to the power of imagination and genuine connection. Her illustrations not only complement the narrative but also stand as powerful visuals that communicate beyond words. Bea's dedication to combining boundless imagination with real-life experiences and emotions creates a magical synergy that inspires both children and adults alike.

For more education resources, subscribe to Multicultural Classroom. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest content and join our community dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.  

Follow: @bea.gifted   

#ImportanceOfRepresentation #IllustratingDiversityInBooks #VisualStorytelling #IllustrationChallenges #CreativeProcessIllustration   #CapturingChildhoodMagic #MulticulturalLiterature #IllustrationTips #IllustrationStyles #ArtisticJourneyOfIllustrators

Today, we are going to listen to a reflection by Lorena Germán as she dives deep into the intersection of education and the current political climate. With the upcoming school year coinciding with another intense election cycle, Lorena calls on educators and caregivers alike to prepare for the emotional and social challenges that lie ahead. Drawing from her rich experience, she outlines a three-step approach centered on self-care, community building, and equipping ourselves with the right tools to navigate difficult conversations with students. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or anyone working with young people, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt advice on fostering resilience and understanding during these turbulent times.

Resources

The Anti Racist Teacher: Reading Instruction Workbook Second Edition

The Anti Racist Teacher Course: Reading Instruction Workbook Second Edition (Amazon)

The Anti Racist Teacher Course

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, we are honored to host Dr. Sonia Cherry-Paul, a trailblazer in the field of anti-racist education. Dr. Cherry-Paul, founder of Red Clay Educators and co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity and Literacy, brings over 20 years of classroom experience and a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Join us as we delve into practical ways to transform your teaching with anti-racist strategies.  

Dr. Cherry-Paul shares insights from her new book, "Anti-Racist Reading Revolution," spotlighting impactful metaphors like the dandelion to illustrate the enduring power of racial literacy. We explore how these tools can help students analyze connections between past and present social issues, fostering critical thinking and advocacy. 

Key Takeaways: - The transformative power of racial literacy in education - Actionable insights on implementing anti-racist strategies in the classroom - The significance of widening and sharpening narratives to reveal truthful representations - Practical examples of how students can apply these skills in their daily lives

Stay tuned as we discuss the connection between dandelions and anti-racism, reflecting on how these skills become bone-deep and life-changing for students. For more education resources, subscribe to Multicultural Classroom and follow us on social media.

Dr. Sonia Cherry-Paul's credentials and contributions: 

- Founder of Red Clay Educators 

- Co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity and Literacy 

- Co-director of the Teach Black History All Year Institute -

Executive Director and host of the Black Creator Series

For more insights and to enhance your teaching with equity and antiracism principles, make sure to subscribe to our channel and visit Sonia Cherry-Paul's website at soniacherry-paul.com. Let's create a more inclusive and just educational environment together!  

#EducationEquity #TransformTeaching #DrSoniaCherryPaul #RedClayEducators #EducationalEquity

Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul is the founder of Red Clay Educators, co-director of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy, co-director of the Teach Black History All Year Institute, and executive producer and host of The Black Creators Series. She is an educator with more than 20-years of classroom experience who has written several books that support reading and writing instruction and has adapted the #1NYT Best Seller, Stamped (For Kids). Sonja leads professional development for schools and organizations in equity and antiracism. She invites you to visit her online at sonjacherrypaul.com.

Social Media: IG / X / Threads: @SonjaCherryPaul

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-cherrypaul/

Buy Antiracist Reading Revolution https://us.corwin.com/books/antiracist-reading-revolution-285663

In this episode, Dr. Roger A. Gerard sheds light on the concept of "commodification," where educators are treated as replaceable units constrained by standardization and systemization. We discuss how this approach strips teachers of their joy, creativity, and sense of purpose, leading to significant burnout and high turnover rates. You'll hear poignant anecdotes from both educators and healthcare professionals who share their struggles with feeling like mere cogs in a machine.

Dr. Gerard also emphasizes the critical role of leadership, advocating for leaders to be present in the classroom, support teachers, and engage with the school community. He introduces us to his forthcoming book, "Lead with Purpose," and outlines five essential promises every leader should make to their team.

Together, we explore the balance between autonomy and accountability, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the importance of maintaining a student-centered focus in education. Tune in as we aim to shift the educational landscape away from treating professionals like commodities and towards fostering a community of respect, engagement, and purpose. Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges educators face, the signs of mental health issues, and practical self-care strategies. We'll discuss mindfulness, setting boundaries, seeking professional help, and leveraging community resources, all aimed at maintaining a positive, effective teaching environment. Let's prioritize our mental well-being to better inspire and educate our students. Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode, Roberto Germán welcomes award-winning author Ismée Williams and Brazilian-born illustrator Tatiana Gardel to discuss their collaborative work "Abuelo, The Sea, and Me" published by Roaring Book Press. Through heartfelt storytelling and captivating illustrations, Ismée and Tatiana explore themes of immigration, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate with personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. We uncover the inspirations behind the book, the creative process of writing and illustrating, and the powerful impact of their collaboration. Stay tuned as we delve into the meaningful connections between art, storytelling, and personal histories. Welcome to Our Classroom!

Social Media:

Ismee: @ismeewilliams / Tatiana: @gardeltatiana