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

Today we're honored to have Traci Huahn join us. Traci, a former attorney and daughter of Chinese immigrants, has recently transitioned into the world of children's literature with her debut picture book, Mamie Tape Fights to go to School. This captivating story, based on true events, delves into the fight against racial discrimination and school segregation, rooted deeply in Asian American culture and history.

In this episode, we explore Traci's journey from law to literature, the meticulous research behind her book, and the significant message of incremental progress in the fight for equality. We discuss the challenges of tackling serious topics in children's literature, especially amidst today's climate of book bans. We also examine how her book can be a valuable resource in educational settings to prompt critical discussions about race, immigration, and the power of young changemakers.

Stay tuned to hear about Traci's fascinating research process, her personal connection to Mamie Tape's story, and her hopes for inspiring future generations with her work.

Follow:

IG/Twitter @tracihuahn

tracihuahn.com

This is the third and final installment of our series on Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the significance of humanizing approaches to bilingual education and how these methods help cultivate a respectful and dignified learning environment for students and their families. We also explore the crucial role of community and family engagement in supporting students of color on their language learning journeys. We share personal experiences, practical strategies, and insights to help educators foster meaningful partnerships both inside and outside the classroom. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges, encourages, and inspires educators to create inclusive and effective learning spaces. Welcome to Our Classroom!

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. 

Resources - Textured Teaching  En Comunidad Community Literacies en Confianza

Today, we delve deeper into the experiences and challenges faced by multilingual speakers in the U.S., specifically focusing on students of color. Returning guest, Lorena Germán, joins host Roberto to explore the systemic undervaluing of these students within our current education system. They examine a range of dynamic strategies that schools and districts can apply to better support, celebrate, and sustain bilingualism and the mother tongues of students. From having multilingual signs and resources to engaging proactive community inclusivity, this discussion will shed light on practical measures to transform educational environments. Join as they build on these insights and consider how educators and administrators can effectively embrace linguistic diversity, drawing from both theory and lived experiences.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. 

Resources - Textured Teaching  En Comunidad

In this episode of Our Classroom we're diving into a critical conversation about multilingual speakers in the U.S. education system. Lorena is back as a guest. We explore the complex landscape of bilingual education, the civil rights associated with language learning, and the contentious issue of standardized testing. Together, we will unpack our personal struggles with standardized tests, despite successful educational paths, and question the fairness and effectiveness of such tests, especially for newcomers and multilingual learners. We'll also look at alternative assessment models—from other countries like Finland—that might provide more equitable educational outcomes. So, stay with us as we discuss the necessity for a diversified approach to education in a society where language proficiency deeply influences learning experiences and personal growth.

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email [email protected] today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. 

In this episode, titled "Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy," Lorena Germán is back to unpack the rich and necessary concept of CSP, as formulated by Dr. Django Paris and Dr. Samy Alim. We'll explore what it means to move beyond culturally relevant teaching to a model that not only acknowledges but also actively supports the cultural and linguistic diversity of students.

Together, we will discuss practical ways to apply CSP in the classroom, strategies to support educators in this journey, and how schools can institutionalize these practices to ensure lasting and meaningful change. We're standing on business—taking an unwavering stance in advocating for an education that supports positive social transformation and continuous student empowerment.

Welcome to Our Classroom!

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email [email protected] today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Resources - Textured Teaching  Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy 

In today's episode, we grapple with the intricate subject of Teaching Socio-Political Context in education. Lorena helps unravel the significance of incorporating the socio-political backdrop into learning and how it enriches the understanding of texts and concepts within the classroom.

We'll explore why it's essential to go beyond the author's bio and publication dates to truly comprehend a book's impact in different times and settings. Lorena will shed light on how teaching socio-political context is not just an academic exercise, but a crucial tool for deep learning that fosters critical thinking, social awareness, and emotional intelligence within students.

Additionally, we touch upon why the work of teaching socio-political context doesn't have to mean promoting partisanship or political ideologies, but instead, it's about equipping young minds with the understanding of human conditions and societal structures. And, as always, we'll be supplying you with valuable resources to deepen your understanding and practice of these concepts in the classroom.

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email [email protected] today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Original Blog Post - Teaching Socio-Political Context

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Resources - Textured Teaching  Being the Change  Literacy is Liberation                                            En Comunidad

Today’s episode ventures into a highly sensitive and challenging discussion. Roberto and Lorena Germán tackle the complex and controversial topic surrounding the N-word, particularly within an educational framework.

The conversation orbits around the indispensable role teachers play in addressing this term when it surfaces in literature, such as in the classic "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" or other significant works. Amidst the intricate balance of promoting respect and understanding in a classroom setting, they delve into the implications of love, respect, and academic seriousness while approaching such heavy conversations.

Throughout the episode, Lorena imparts the significance of groundwork and context when broaching the N-word, unpacking the etymology and societal connotations that come with it. Roberto emphasizes the necessity of incorporating a multitude of perspectives and voices to enrich the narrative, highlighting the responsibility educators carry regardless of the demographics they teach.

They also address the critical aspect of student engagement and the power of individual reflection. As they navigate the dissonance between intention and impact, and the casual vs. harmful use of the N-word in today's society, the Germáns invite educators and listeners alike to ponder, learn, and grow alongside their students through these hard, yet crucial, conversations.

Tune in for an honest, deep, and necessary lesson on one of the most complex lexicons in American history, right here in Our Classroom.

Original blog post - A Lesson on the N-Word

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email [email protected] today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena delve into the concept of the White gaze and its impact.  Lorena provides a comprehensive discussion on Toni Morrison's concept of the White gaze, which essentially sets a standard that assumes the audience is White, marginalizing lives that don't align with this perspective. The conversation touches upon how this impacts literature, politics, workplace policies, and societal beliefs. Included in this discussion are practical steps to identify and challenge the White gaze, emphasizing the importance of ongoing work to dismantle biases and view people through a fair and educated lens. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the White gaze and how to navigate its complexities.

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email [email protected] today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena Germán discuss the workshop "Telling the Whole Story: Best Practices Using Data," which aims to challenge the way data is used in schools. Lorena explains the problematic nature of standardized testing and its impact on teachers' evaluations and students' graduation. The conversation delves into the need to humanize data and provides practical steps to shift perspectives. Lorena offers 3 data-driven approaches in education that aim to create a more inclusive and celebratory learning environment.

Telling the Whole Story: A Workshop for Best Practices Using Data (registration link)  

March 30th, 2024

11pm ET / 10am CT / 9am MT / 8am PT

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books. 

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email [email protected] today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.