On today’s episode of Our Classroom, we invite you into an intimate and profound conversation about the realities of the immigrant experience in the United States. Lorena Germán shares her personal immigration journey—from her childhood in the Dominican Republic to growing up bicultural in the U.S.—and exposes the invisible and often painful challenges so many immigrants face.

Lorena offers a powerful reflection on navigating legal documentation, the emotional burden of being treated as the Other, and the ever-present anxiety tied to immigration status. She draws striking parallels between the legacy of dictatorship in the Dominican Republic and the current political climate in the U.S., exploring themes of fear, belonging, and resilience.

This episode is more than one woman’s story; it’s a call to action for educators, families, and communities. If you’ve ever wondered how immigration policy shapes the daily lives of those around you, or what role you can play in supporting our most vulnerable neighbors, this conversation is essential listening. Join us as we unpack urgent questions about humanity, justice, and the meaning of true citizenship.

In latest episode of Our Classroom, we delve into the complexities of forced exile and authoritarianism with our special guest, Amanda Quintero Aguerrevere. Amanda, a Venezuelan national living in exile, shares her profound insights and personal experiences, highlighting the human impact of political upheaval. As an economist, writer, and international business strategist, Amanda channels her expertise into storytelling with her book, We Said Farewell. Through fictionalized stories based on real events, she uncovers the deep personal and societal wounds inflicted by authoritarian rule. Join us as we discuss the intricacies of forced migration and political persecution, drawing lessons from Venezuela's ongoing crisis and exploring how educators can foster critical thinking and civic engagement in today's politically polarized world. Whether you are an educator or simply curious about the global forces shaping our society, this episode is sure to deepen your understanding and ignite meaningful discussions.

In this episode of Our Classroom, the talented authors and educators Rebecca Bellingham and Veronica Scott join to dive into the transformative power of art in the classroom as they explore how creativity serves as a pathway to identity and belonging. Their new book, "The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging," acts as a guiding light for educators eager to integrate art into the curriculum to help students meaningfully explore their identities.

Rebecca and Veronica share practical strategies for weaving picture books, poetry, and pop culture into educational practices. They also tackle the challenging yet vital task of teaching honest history and navigating cultural pushback in schools. With an emphasis on self-reflection and the transformative potential of artful moments, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for educators dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable classroom environments. Join us as we uncover the artful approach to nurturing belonging and understanding in the ever-evolving landscape of education.

In this episode, we're joined by distinguished guests Dr. Jacquelynne Boivin and Dr. Kevin McGowan, both esteemed educators from Bridgewater State University. Together, we'll explore the nuanced subject of privilege and how it intersects with race and equity in predominantly white classrooms.

We'll address the discomfort and resistance often encountered when discussing race, and how to navigate these challenging yet necessary conversations. Dr. Boivin and Dr. McGowan provide insights from their book, offering tangible strategies for educators to integrate anti-racist perspectives across all subjects, not just those traditionally associated with social studies. We'll also discuss how educators can find their allies and build supportive communities to sustain these efforts, even amidst pushback.

So, settle in and open your mind as we engage in a candid and thoughtful conversation about making education a truly inclusive and equitable experience for all students. Let's unpack privilege together, right here, in Our Classroom.

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcgowan-ph-d-b0ba1732/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynne-boivin-ph-d-9874a7126/

https://www.instagram.com/jacquelynneboivin/ 

Also on Facebook. Join the group “White teacher, white students” for the book’s readership community.

Today's episode of Our Classroom dives into the ever-evolving intersection of technology and mindfulness with a special focus on the digital age. We welcome Michael Davis, founder of Mindfulbytes IO, to shed light on how mindfulness strategies can transform digital education.  

Michael, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and TEDx speaker, emphasizes the importance of developing healthy, mindful relationships with technology, especially for young learners. His groundbreaking K-5 curriculum focuses on digital well-being, mindfulness, and cyber ethics. During this episode, we explore practical ways educators can use mindfulness to combat cyberbullying and enhance student engagement.  

The conversation also covers innovative practices like the role reversal exercise at Montessori One Academy. This approach fosters digital empathy by encouraging students to view digital interactions from different perspectives. Michael shares valuable insights on how parents and educators can shift from a fear-based approach to technology towards fostering digital happiness and responsibility among young learners.  

Tune in to discover small steps teachers can take to integrate cyber ethics into their classrooms and help students navigate screen time thoughtfully. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply curious about creating a more balanced digital life, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration to help you and your community thrive in our digital world.

Social Media: Linkedin - Michael Davis

In today's episode of Our Classroom, we're delving into the poignant and necessary conversation about sustaining cultural and disability identities in literacy with esteemed guests Dr. Amy Tondreau, an assistant professor of literacy at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Laurie Rabinowitz, an assistant professor of education studies at Skidmore College. Dr. Tondreau and Dr. Rabinowitz bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, exploring the integration of culturally sustaining pedagogy and disability sustaining pedagogy with balanced literacy frameworks to foster inclusive classrooms. They emphasize the importance of mindset shifts for educators, offering practical strategies and inspiring examples of inclusive practices in action. Tune in to learn how we can engage with critical, intersectional pedagogies that honor the multifaceted identities of students, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the literacy landscape.

Social Media

IG - @sustainingdisabilityidentities

BlueSky - @amytondreau.bsky.social

In this episode of Our Classroom, we are joined by Jerry Kolber, an Emmy-nominated co-creator of National Geographic's hit series Brain Games. Known for his exceptional contributions to the edutainment realm, Jerry's journey showcases a unique blend of entertainment and education. With ventures like Brainchild on Netflix and the globally popular podcast Who Smarted, accumulating over 15 million downloads, Jerry Kolber has consistently pushed the boundaries of educational content for kids. This episode explores the significance of engaging learning experiences, the challenges of balancing screen time for young ones, and the role of curiosity in a tech-driven world. Tune in to delve into the future of education, the transformative power of fun and interactive learning, and how creativity and curiosity can inspire the next generation to tackle global challenges. Join the conversation and discover how Jerry's work is reshaping the landscape of learning for educators, parents, and children alike.

Social Media:

Atomic Entertainment

Linkedin - Jerry Kolber

In this episode of Our Classroom, we are joined by Brian Jordan. Known for his remarkable career as a two-sport professional athlete with the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons, Brian has since transitioned into a passionate advocate for youth literacy. His journey from the sports field to the world of children's literature is deeply rooted in his own experiences with reading challenges and the influence of a supportive upbringing. The discussion includes Brian's dedication to motivating young people to embrace literacy through his foundation and the innovative Reading Challenge program. Tune in to discover how Brian not only uses his platform to inspire and educate young minds but also works tirelessly to break down barriers and provide resources to foster a love of reading and learning among youth. Join us as we explore the transformational power of literacy and mentorship in shaping the futures of young individuals.

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjordan33/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbrianjordan33/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.jordan.526438/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brianjordan813

In today's episode, we are joined by a special guest, Niurka Ozuna, a proud Dominican author from the Bronx, New York. Niurka is passionate about using literature to share her culture and initiate discussions that build awareness and literacy. She joins us to talk about her impactful children's book, "What's Wrong with Grandma? Que Le Pasa Abuela?" This book serves as a conversation starter about mental health, focusing specifically on schizophrenia and its effects on family dynamics. Niurka draws from personal experiences with her mother's schizophrenia to create a relatable narrative for children and families, aiming to demystify mental health issues and reduce stigma. As we explore this sensitive topic, Niurka provides insight into her inspiration, the challenges of addressing mental health in literature for young audiences, and the powerful responses her book has elicited. Join us in this enlightening discussion as we continue to embrace curiosity and empathy in understanding mental health.

In this episode of Our Classroom, we're diving into a topic of utmost importance: safeguarding our children in today's digital age. In this episode, we're joined by Erin Williamson, the Chief Program and Strategy Officer at Love146, an organization dedicated to preventing child trafficking and exploitation. With over two decades of experience in child protection and social services, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge about online safety, trafficking prevention, and trauma-informed care.

Together, we'll explore the realities of child trafficking, debunk common myths influenced by Hollywood's portrayal, and provide practical steps educators, parents, and communities can take to cultivate safe environments both online and offline. Whether it's navigating the complexities of healthy online relationships or fostering trauma-informed classrooms, this episode is packed with essential insights to help us protect and empower our youth. So, join us as we embark on this crucial dialogue aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of our children.

Social Media:

IG - @love146 / www.love146.org