Our Classroom

In this episode titled "Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations", we tackle the discomfort that might arise when engaging with people of different languages, and Nawal emphasizes the critical need to dispel biases that might hinder the open channels of communication between families and educators.

Together, we'll explore strategies to bridge the divisive gap between a child's home and the classroom environment. Are you a new teacher struggling to navigate unfamiliar cultural terrains? Or perhaps you're a parent trying to overcome a negative schooling experience? Today’s dialogue is dedicated to you.

Nawal will guide us through the challenges of forging genuine caregiver collaborations. She redefines engagement not as a one-off transaction but as a continuous collaborative journey. We'll delve into how caregivers can weave love and inquiry into their child’s everyday learning and the importance of co-troubleshooting alongside them.

And Nawal isn’t just helping us verbalize these connections; she's provided a blueprint in her book "Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care." It's a profound call to action for anyone invested in a child’s success, both in and out of the classroom.

So, grab your notebook and a coffee, and settle in for a heartening conversation that might just redefine the way you think about communication, collaboration, and the beautiful imperfection inherent in educating our young learners.

Nawal Qarooni is a Jersey-City based educator and writer who supports a holistic approach to literacy instruction education spaces across the country. Drawing on her work as an inquiry-based leader and as a mother, Nawal’s pedagogy is centered in the rich and authentic learning all families gift their children every day. She is the author of Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care, available now. She also serves on the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Advisory Board, which funds powerful literacy programming in the world. You can learn more about her work at NQCLiteracy.org and follow her on Instagram at @nqarooni or on X at @NQCliteracy.

In this thought-provoking conversation, we are joined by the remarkable Shawna Coppola, the author of "Literacy for All: A Framework for Anti-Oppressive Teaching". Shawna is a seasoned expert in the field of child and adolescent literacy, ready to challenge our conventional understanding of literacy practices. Shawna will take us on a journey beyond the confining norms of the current literacy discourse, which is too often limited to white mainstream perspectives, to uncover the vast dimensions of literacy that include non-written texts and are deeply influenced by social and cultural contexts.

As our discussion unfolds, Shawna will shed light on the perils of overlooking the diversity of language and literacy practices—emphasizing how standardized tests like Dibbles can inequitably impact students who speak in dialects such as Black English. We'll delve into the necessity of implementing anti-oppressive literacy frameworks that truly reflect the varying student populations within our schools.

Join us as we explore with Shawna the powerful intersection of literacy and identity, sharing personal anecdotes and illuminating the real-life repercussions of data that doesn't capture the intricacies of our students' skills and experiences. Plus, we'll hear Shawna's own educational journey and the ongoing learning that shapes her work, along with an invitation to connect and learn more about her new book, "Literacy for All."

You’re in for a session full of insight, so prepare to be inspired and challenged as we discuss how to move towards a more inclusive, supportive, and comprehensive literacy education. Grab your notebooks, listeners, it's time to turn the page to a new chapter in egalitarian education. Welcome to Our Classroom!

Shawna Coppola, M. Ed. Reading, is an expert in child and adolescent literacy, including practices that support a diverse range of writing and writers.

An educator for over twenty years, Shawna has worked as a middle school language arts teacher, a children’s librarian, and a K-6 literacy specialist/coach. In addition to working with students, Shawna has led courses and workshops for K-12 educators through the University of New Hampshire’s NH Literacy Institutes as well as their Professional Development and Training program and has spoken at a variety of local, regional, and national conferences.

In this enlightening episode titled "Teaching Black History in K-3," we're joined by the inspiring Dawnavyn James, an educator who brings Black history to the youngest of learners through song, storytelling, and critical thinking. Dawnavyn is not just a teacher; she's an innovator in the realm of education, admired for her holistic approach and her belief in the transformative power of knowledge.

Together, we'll explore Dawnavyn's creative strategies, such as using the song "Wade in the Water" to teach sight words along with the history of Harriet Tubman. We'll discuss why figures like Malcolm X resonate with the youth for their 'swag' and powerful ideas, and why Dawnavyn's mantra—"read for yourself and seek knowledge from various sources"—is so important for fostering critical thinking.

Also, we'll talk about Dawnavyn James's book, "Beyond February," a practical guide for educators looking to weave Black history into their daily curriculum and ensure it resonates with children all year long. Dawnavyn will share expert advice on using literature to introduce diverse historical figures, making space for counter stories, and aligning the Black history curriculum with educational standards.

I'll share my excitement about applying Dawnavyn's methods with my own children and how important it is to engage with different cultures. We both agree that Black history is not just for Black students and should be shared by all. We'll link Black history to present-day events, challenging our young ones to engage in critical conversations that matter.

Remember to follow Dawnavyn on Instagram at @queendomteaching and pick up her valuable resource "Beyond February" on routledge.com and Amazon. As always, we invite you to interact with the episode—leave a review, snap a photo, and share with us the impact it has on your thinking or your household.

Stay tuned for a conversation that not only educates but liberates, as we reaffirm our commitment to making Black history a vibrant, essential part of every classroom. 

In today's show, we're diving deep into a painful piece of California history and the remarkable story of triumph that's emerged a century later. Our special guest is none other than George  C. Fatheree III, a Harvard-educated attorney, Fintech Founder, and social impact entrepreneur who played a crucial role in correcting an age-old wrong against the Bruce family of Manhattan Beach.

In the 1920s, Willa and Charles Bruce, a visionary black couple, had their beachfront property unceremoniously stripped from them through the dubious use of eminent domain. Their successful business was uprooted not because of development but because of their race, leading to a near wipeout of the Black community in this area. This isn't just a story of loss though—it's one of resilience, courage, and the power of community advocacy.

Join Roberto and guest co-host Sergio C. Muñoz, a Mexican Banker and Founder of Intelatin, as George takes us through the emotional journey, the legal battles, and the moral victories associated with the return of Bruce's Beach. We also explore the broader implications of this case for Black America, reflecting on the significance of narrative busting and the work still to be done to address racial wealth gaps and systemic racism.

Stay with us as we unpack the threads of this deeply human story, and perhaps, find your role in making a change. Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto is joined by Tiffany Rose, the author of the powerful book ‘Pack Light.’ This episode journeys through Tiffany's biracial experiences, her battles with marginalization and identity, and the resilience she's found through storytelling.

Tiffany's literary work is a raw and authentic exploration of heavy topics that are masterfully unpacked, allowing us, the readers, to find ourselves in a lighter place. Her book, inspired by song lyrics and packed with poems, prose, and untold stories, is a testament to her strength, character and the invaluable role her mother and grandmother played in shaping her identity. Tiffany Rose's motivation and courage to share her abuse experience through her writing is bold and inspiring.

Throughout this interview, Tiffany and Roberto delve deep into discussing the challenges of writing about personal experiences, and how confronting their painful pasts fosters creativity and authentic self-expression.

Listen as Tiffany reads an emotionally charged poem from her book, and reflects upon her close connection to the legendary Josephine Baker. Don't miss her insights on dismantling shame, finding beauty in connection with our younger selves, and utilizing the power of narratives as tools for healing and transformation.

Tiffany rose is a storyteller, mother, and radical imaginer. She loves elephants and ‘90s reruns and believes the key to life is to trust yourself, find your people, and believe in magic. And that justice, snacks, and falling in love with as many things as possible are of equal importance. 

She’s online at rosewithwords.com or on the apps @rosewithwords (but she’s really only ever on Instagram). You can also find her in a library sniffing books or taking long walks under trees near water.

Join us on this enlightening journey, celebrating the power of storytelling and embracing all aspects of our identities. Let's learn, grow, and heal together in Our Classroom.

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto is joined by distinguished guest Tricia Ebarvia. An experienced high school English teacher, Tricia is also the co-founder of #DisruptTexts and author of the masterpiece, "Get Free: Anti-Bias Literacy Instruction for Stronger Readers, Writers, and Thinkers." The interview explores this groundbreaking book that aims to liberate from socialization forms that perpetuate oppression. They discuss her intentional choice of artwork reflecting her cultural and ethnic experiences and our personal battles with language and cultural identity.

A co-founder of #DisruptTexts, Tricia Ebarvia advocates for literacy instruction rooted in equity and liberation through critical literacy. Tricia taught high school English for 20 years and is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at an independent school in Philadelphia. She is the co-founder of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy (IREL), a National Writing Project educator, and the author of Get Free: Anti-Bias Literacy Instruction for Stronger Readers, Writers, and Thinkers (Corwin).

Welcome to Our Classroom!

Order your copy of Get Free!

In this week's episode, we are thrilled to have St. Clair Detrick-Jules, award-winning Afro-Caribbean filmmaker and photographer, back with us. Join us as we dive into her impactful book, "My Beautiful Black Hair 101 Natural Hair stories from the Sisterhood."

St. Clair shares the inspiration behind her book, which emerged from her desire to uplift her sister Chloe, who faced bullying due to her Afro hair. However, as her project progressed, St. Clair recognized that the importance of representation and self-acceptance in natural hair extended far beyond her sister's experience. She passionately highlights the stories of Black and Afro-Dominican women who have overcome adversity, societal pressures, and discrimination, showcasing the beauty and strength of embracing their natural hair.

We explore the significance of including diverse perspectives in this conversation. St. Clair emphasizes that the power of empathy and understanding lies in engaging with stories that might not directly affect us. Hair, she believes, is a universal theme that connects us all, transcending race, gender, and nationality. By encouraging dialogue and fostering a sense of self-love and confidence, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.

Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode of Our Classroom we are joined by St. Clair Detrick-Jules, author of My Hair is Like the Sun. We unpack the inspiration behind the title of the book and how St. Clair's Afro-Caribbean background shaped her perspective on Black hair and its connection to the beauty of nature. We also delve into St. Clair's journey in advocacy work, particularly in immigrant justice and Black liberation, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in humanizing marginalized communities.

Co-host Analiz Germán, making her debut as a co-host, asks insightful questions about the book, the selection process for the featured children, and what St. Clair loves most about her own book.

So, join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore the power of representation, self-love, and the joy that emanates from embracing our unique hair and heritage.

Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode, we are honored to have Martha Bireda, Ph.D., sharing her experiences of growing up during the Jim Crow era. In this episode, Martha highlights the importance of not seeing oneself as a victim, even in the face of adversity, and explores the complex concept of reparations beyond just financial compensation. She takes us on a journey back to her childhood, where segregation was not openly discussed, but the division between white and African American communities was palpable. Martha shares stories from her hometown of Punta Gorda and the vibrant African American cities of that time. Education is a recurring theme in our conversation, as Martha discusses the power it holds in both empowering and disempowering individuals. She also reflects on her own experiences of racial identity and the importance of maintaining one's authentic self in a society that often imposes expectations. Join us as we delve deeper into these powerful stories and insights, and together, explore the impact of the Jim Crow era on our understanding of identity, education, and community.

Welcome to Our Classroom!

In this episode, we'll be joined by esteemed guests, including Dr. William Sandy Darity, a leading expert on wealth inequality, Alejandra Montoya Boyer, the Director of Policy at Prosperity Now, Sergio C. Muñoz, a Mexican banker with a passion for broadcasting, and Abigail Golden VaZquez, a senior fellow at Prosperity Now who has been driving awareness of Latino contributions to the American economy.

Together, we'll explore the concept of baby bonds as a means to address wealth disparities, particularly within marginalized communities. We'll discuss the potential impact of these bonds and how they can be used to create a more equitable society.

We'll also delve into the current initiatives being proposed, such as the American Opportunity Accounts Act, which has gained traction with Senator Cory Booker and aims to provide newborns with trust accounts calibrated to their family's net worth.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of wealth inequality and learn how targeted policies like baby bonds can be a stepping stone towards a fairer and more inclusive future.

So, grab your earphones and get ready for another thought-provoking episode of the Multicultural Classroom!