In this episode, I talked to Dana W. Harris who began his journey as an educator in 2005. His superb communication skills and ability to connect with learners of all ages has allowed him to achieve success in the content area of mathematics. He is a highly motivated, passionate, educator that thrives on not only helping his students achieve success in mathematics, but also inspiring them to achieve personal success in their lives. Driven by a desire to reach students beyond the walls of his classroom, Dana started Young Gurus Math Tutoring in 2010. After initially working with students face-to-face, in 2014 he made the shift to tutoring online with the goal of expanding his clientele base along with shifting to a more modern way of serving students. Today YGMT is a successful online tutoring company where he serves clients around the world. His philosophy on learning is, “Anyone can learn mathematics when they have positive relationships, a growth mindset, and self confidence!”

Dana talks about the challenges post-covid and shares what he feels are the next steps for stakeholders.

Subscribe to Young Gurus Math Tutoring on YouTube and help us Make Math Cool Again!

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

In chapter 3 of “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter,” 50 talks about the importance of having the right people around you. He opens the chapter with “a successful entrepreneur's greatest skill is being an astute judge of character.” He talks about the streets and how the lowest level in that game is the steerer - they were responsible for directing customers. By far one of the riskiest positions to manage in that type of work because they didn’t make much money, had no real investments, and they were on the front line, so-to-speak. This position had a lot of turnover and had a high risk of being approached by law enforcement, which also meant there was a high probability of them implicating key figures in an organization.

Okay, I’m not trying to teach you how to open your own street business, but I do want to emphasize that looking at folks' character can keep you out of a world of trouble in education too.

If a network can defined as an arrangement of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines, who do you want connected to you?

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

In chapter 2 of Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter, 50 Cent talks about the heart of a hustler. He states that a strong work ethic is the one trait that all successful people share. Despite not being the most talented, best-looking or most experienced, Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent continues to find success because he works as hard as he can. Before I get into how this relates to education, allow me to address the elephant in the room. I am well aware that 50 makes several times what most educators make. I also understand that his income potential is far greater than most educators. Yet, I still believe there are parallels to his mindset for those of us choosing to be educators.

I talked to a few teachers in preparation for this episode and asked them what contributed to their success, below are a few highlights of what was shared:

Having the heart of a teacher means being a lifelong learner oneself, continuously seeking ways to improve and grow professionally and personally. It's about making a positive impact on the lives of others, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. - E. Cliette

The heart of a teacher encompasses so much. That heart is what causes you to show up at that building when everyone else is taking a Friday or a Monday off.  It is what causes you to look at a student and see their needs rather than their level of maturity or appearance. It is what “teachers by trade” are missing.  We care about the child, today and for the rest of their lives—we dare not send them out lacking what we were supposed to give them plus some. - K. Mathis

Passion and compassion. Empathy and honesty. A willingness to learn more, do more and be more so that you can pass that on to others. A commitment to growth. - J. Jones

Having the Heart of a Teacher means to lead with your heart and trusting your actions to follow. The passion, skills, empathy, determination and other attributes of a teacher all flow from the heart of a person who genuinely wants to reach students.  - S. Richardson

One of the highlights of this episode is "knowing what you're teaching for." 50 Cent believes that being an effective hustler requires you to know what you’re hustling for. I believe the same is true for an educator. This is a little different than why you entered the field and may require a visual.

View my vision board example here, then create your own using Canva.

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

In this episode, I talked to Professor Akil Parker who is the founder and CEO of All This Math, LLC, an educational services company aimed at drastically improving the relationship between Mathematics and the Black Community.

The company offers math tutoring as well as educational consulting and
professional development for schools. All This Math also maintains a free YouTube channel where viewers can get simplified math instruction infused with Black History and culture.

He is currently a math professor at Cheyney University and has taught high school
math for a total of 18 years throughout Philadelphia. He is the author of 'How To Use All This Math', Volume 1, published in June 2023, a guidebook instructing parents/guardians in how to use everyday activities to develop arithmetic and algebra skills.

His greatest achievement is being a father of three children. Lastly,  Akil Parker is a firm believer that math should be used as a tool of liberation for people of African descent globally.

Akil shares what he feels are the most pressing issues within math classrooms today and the role he plays in creating solutions for all stakeholders. 

Subscribe to the All This Math YouTube Channel

Purchase your copy of How to use All This Math on Amazon

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

All Episodes

In today's episode, Laneshia talks about finding comfort in being uncomfortable.

Essential Question: 
How can I find comfort in being uncomfortable?

• Accept that Failure is Imminent
• Face your Fears head on
• Operate in Confidence

Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Season 2 Episode 1) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul

This episode is brought to you by:

Bear Fruit Ed

Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for classroom stakeholders. It is our goal to make students, teachers and parents feel as capable as possible in ensuring your needs are met.

We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.

Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support!

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

I can't believe we are here...

It took us 2 years to finish the first season.

Let's start season 2 smart so we can finish it strong.

The framework for PD for the Soul centers on practicality. I am marrying my love for reading and writing with education in a way that provides my listeners with action items versus ideas. Season 1 was Beat the Burnout and Season 2 is influenced by 50 Cent’s Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter, a page turner for me and hopefully this series will be a game changer for your classroom. Over the next several episodes, we will continue to build our educator toolkit. The work we do can’t be done empty handed and it is my goal to ensure you have everything you need.

Visit the link  to access resources for your classroom and/or school. Email me at [email protected] to submit inquiries and to express interest in being a guest. And most importantly, subscribe so you never miss the fruit.

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

All Episodes

In today's episode, Laneshia talks about prioritizing your mental health to prevent teacher burnout.

Essential Question:
How will I utilize my coping toolbox to achieve and sustain mental and physical wellness?

• Answer the question, "Am I Okay?"
• Get Support
• Restructure my Thinking

Download our example and template here. 

Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 7) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul

This episode is brought to you by:

Bear Fruit Ed

Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn. 
​
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
​
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

All Episodes

In today's episode, Laneshia talks about creating systems to prevent teacher burnout.

Essential Question: 
How can I create systems that will allow me to work smarter?

• Develop a Plan 
• Work the Plan
• Stick to the Plan

Download our example and template here. 

Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 6) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul

This episode is brought to you by:

Bear Fruit Ed

Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn. 
​
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
​
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

In today's episode, Laneshia talks about the importance of accepting that you don't know everything.

Essential Question:
How can reflecting on my strengths and challenges and seeking out mentoring and learning opportunities help me prevent burnout?

Share your learn lists and requests for support on our Facebook Page. 

Feel free to email requests to [email protected].

Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 5) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul

This episode is brought to you by:

Bear Fruit Ed

Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn. 
​
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
​
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along

In today's episode, Laneshia talks about how to use your why to effect positive change.

Essential Question: 
How can I build upon my "why" to consistently be impactful?

• Understand your Why
• Categorize your Why
• Develop/Recite a Mantra 

Share your why and your mantra on our Facebook Page

Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 4) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul

This episode is brought to you by:

Bear Fruit Ed

Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn. 
​
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
​
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.

PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.

You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:

• Beat the Burnout
• Teach Harder, Teach Smarter

Let's get social:

• Tweet Me
• Follow Along