Leading Out Loud: Race, Identity, and Truth in K-12

Guest: David Harris
Host: Dr. Tracey A. Benson
Available on: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Amazon Music · YouTube

Episode Overview

What does it cost to lead as your whole self, and what does it make possible?

In this episode, Dr. Tracey A. Benson sits down with David Harris, a Chicago native, historian, educator of 33 years, and host of the Teachers Forum Podcast. David has spent his career leading for racial equity in K-12 schools as a Black man who refuses to check any part of his identity at the schoolhouse door. The two first met when Tracey appeared as a guest on David's show, and this conversation picks up where that one left off.

He shares hard-won lessons from decades in the work: navigating resistance, building coalitions, and turning racial consciousness into everyday leadership practice. He traces his path from a South Side household full of teachers and books to a second career in the classroom. He talks about learning to pick his battles without going quiet, about the hidden curriculum of everything a school chooses not to say, and about what happens when a student raises her hand and asks whether there is a genocide in Gaza.

This is a conversation about truth telling in systems built for silence, and about why the future of our schools depends on leaders willing to speak anyway.

About the Guest

David Harris is an educator of 33 years, a historian, a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, and the host of the Teachers Forum Podcast. He grew up on Chicago's South Side in a family of Chicago Public Schools teachers, where he found "Before the Mayflower" on his parents' shelves in fifth or sixth grade and began a lifelong study of African American history.

Teaching was a second career. He studied business at the University of Illinois and international relations and political science at Syracuse University, worked for Sears, and then earned an alternative teaching certificate through DePaul University. He has spent most of his career teaching middle school, much of it in independent schools in the Chicago area and in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What We Cover

• Growing up in a family of Chicago Public Schools teachers, and finding "Before the Mayflower" as a fifth grader
• Why teaching was a second career, and what a circuitous route into the profession taught him
• Making curriculum relatable: teaching Macbeth to ninth graders through the question of what people will do for power
• Showing up whole: leading as a Black man in institutions that were not built with him in mind
• Leading without a title, and reading the room to know what an institution is actually open to
• Picking your battles, and the grocery store apology basket he carried into a faculty meeting at his predominantly white school
• Where his tolerance runs out: advocating for students
• Racial battle fatigue, and why young teachers of color need experienced mentors
• Teaching through Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, and George Floyd with current event Fridays and Socratic seminars
• Flipping Dr. King's most quoted line: "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward chaos"
• The hidden curriculum, and why silence in a classroom communicates fear
• When students ask the hard questions, from Charlie Kirk to Gaza, and what it says about the classroom you have built
• Nolan Wells, historical memory, and whether Black children are safe in predominantly white institutions
• The double edged sword Black families face when choosing a school
• Advice for young teachers of color who want to last in the profession
• What still gives him hope after 33 years, and what does not

Notable Quotes

"What you don't say, what you don't teach about, is as powerful as what you do teach. So the fact you don't talk about it doesn't mean that they don't know that it went on. It just says you're afraid." — David Harris

"Some people say the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward chaos. What do you think about that?" — David Harris, on the Socratic seminar he built for the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. King's assassination

"How can I teach and not be who I am and not be relatable to kids in the world that we're living in?" — David Harris

"To walk into geometry class in high school and be called the N-word every day. I sometimes look back at that moment. How was I able to learn geometry in that hostile environment? That's hostile. That's not safe. And we need to be working towards making them safer any way, shape or form that we can." — David Harris

"Hopefully something is said in that classroom on a Tuesday morning at eight thirty that will touch them and cause them to make a difference." — David Harris

Episode Timestamps

0:00 Introduction: Dr. Benson welcomes David Harris and sets up the conversation 
0:41 A Chicago household full of teachers, books, and African American history 
2:35 A second career: Illinois, Syracuse, Sears, and the road to the classroom through DePaul 
4:23 Making it relatable: teaching Macbeth to ninth graders 
5:31 Showing up whole in spaces that have not always welcomed his identity 
8:15 Leading without a title, and reading what an institution is open to 
9:44 Dr. Benson on being handed "the troublesome black boys," and the Baldwin quote about rage 
11:29 Learning to pick your battles 
12:06 The grocery store, the apology basket, and the faculty meeting 
14:13 Advocating for students: where his tolerance runs low 1
4:33 Racial battle fatigue and the case for mentorship 
15:19 Teaching through Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, and George Floyd 
16:23 The MLK assembly and the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination 
17:47 Flipping the arc of the moral universe toward chaos 
19:46 The hidden curriculum: silence as its own lesson 
20:44 When students ask: Charlie Kirk, Gaza, and the classroom that makes it possible 
22:48 "Be fair": advice from Dr. James Ford 
23:26 The political danger of speaking in a TikTok and cable news era 
24:13 Nolan Wells and the question underneath it 
26:11 "Do they call you the N-word every day?" What that question was really asking 
28:11 Historical memory, geometry class, and what safety means 
28:55 The double edged sword of school choice for Black families 
30:58 Advice for young teachers of color: find the space that lets you grow 
31:40 What still gives him hope after 33 years 
32:20 "It's because of you I'm studying critical race theory": the students who come back

Resources and Links

Teachers Forum Podcast David Harris's podcast, where educators talk about the profession and the moment. 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-teachers-forum/id1701349956

Referenced in this episode

• "Before the Mayflower" by Lerone Bennett Jr.
• "Stride Toward Freedom" by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• The writing of James Baldwin and Frantz Fanon
• "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare
• "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
• "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
• Dr. James Ford, on what educators can promise students and families

For Educators and School Leaders

David offered several practices that any school can borrow, and several conditions...

The Good Fight - Navigating Education, Advocacy, and Autism

Guest: Will Adams, Sr.

Host: Dr. Tracey A. Benson

Available on: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Amazon Music · YouTube

Episode Overview

In this powerful episode, Dr. Tracey A. Benson sits down with Will Adams, Sr., founder and host of The Village — a podcast community built to support families raising children on the autism spectrum. Will opens up about his journey as a Black father raising his nonverbal, Level 2 autistic son, Sir William (age 7), and the community he is building so no family has to navigate autism alone.

From navigating school placement decisions and fighting for proper services, to launching a nonprofit and creating a legacy for his son, Will’s story is one of love, advocacy, vulnerability, and purpose.

About the Guest

Will Adams, Sr. is the founder and host of The Village, a podcast and growing community dedicated to building awareness around autism — especially for Black fathers and caregivers who are too often left out of the conversation. After being laid off and searching for his purpose, Will channeled his personal experience raising his Level 2 autistic son, Sir William, into a platform for connection, education, and advocacy. He is also the founder of The Village Network, a nonprofit committed to providing resources and support to autism families.

What We Cover

•       Sir William’s journey: Level 2 autism, early intervention, and a milestone “Happy New Year” moment

•       Navigating the public school, private school, and homeschool decision for a nonverbal child

•       Why Will believes most public schools are not yet equipped to serve children on the autism spectrum

•       What school leaders would need to do to earn the trust of autism families

•       The 80%+ divorce rate among autism parents — and the loneliness that comes with the diagnosis

•       Why Will started The Village: creating space for Black fathers to be vulnerable

•       Elopement: the leading cause of death among autistic children, and what families can do

•       Hippotherapy: how horseback riding is unlocking development in nonverbal children

•       The Village Network nonprofit and the vision for community-led support

•       How educators, advocates, and community members can get involved

 Notable Quotes

"Don’t let a diagnosis be a handicap when it’s not — these kids are very smart. They just see the world differently than we do."

— Will Adams, Sr.

 "Autism is a lifestyle. We’re building a community where our kids don’t have to wonder if they belong."

— Will Adams, Sr.

"We want to be a partner with the school, not an enemy. Our goal — and should be every teacher’s goal — is to make sure every student gets the proper education and treatment."

— Will Adams, Sr.

Episode Timestamps

0:00  Introduction — Dr. Benson introduces Will Adams, Sr. and The Village

1:07  Meet Sir William — Level 2 autism, early intervention, and the school placement decision

3:24  Public school, private school, or homeschool? Weighing the options in Texas

5:39  The power of early intervention and the “Happy New Year” breakthrough

9:40  What public schools would need to do to earn Will’s trust

17:00  Parents as partners, not problems — a message for school leaders

19:19  The origin of The Village — a layoff, a prayer, and a purpose

21:32  The loneliness of autism parenting and the 80%+ divorce rate

24:00  Elopement: the number one cause of death in the autism community

27:09  Hippotherapy and the power of horses for nonverbal children

29:19  The Village Network nonprofit and building a legacy for Sir William

31:11  The Village is for everyone — not just autism parents

32:43  How to connect with Will and get involved

Resources & Links

The Village Podcast

Find everything at The Village Linktree

Listen on:

•       Apple Podcasts

•       Spotify

•       Amazon Music

•       YouTube

Contact Will Adams, Sr.

For collaborations, partnerships, or community inquiries:

Email: [email protected]

The Village Network

The Village Network is Will’s nonprofit dedicated to bringing back-to-school events, fundraisers, and community resources to autism families. To get involved or learn more, reach out via email above.

For School Leaders & Educators

Will shared a direct challenge to public school systems across the country. Here is what he says families like his need to feel confident enrolling their child:

•       Hiring trained behavioral specialists (RBTs, BCBAs) — not repurposing existing special needs staff

•       Genuine careness and commitment from teachers who see students as more than a check

•       Proof points of measurable success in autism programs — not checkbox compliance

•       An open-door partnership with parents, treating them as experts on their own child

•       Adequate funding and resources so that autism programs are not under-resourced from the start

If you are a school leader listening to this episode and want to connect with Will about partnership opportunities through The Village Network, reach out at [email protected].

About Research to Practice

The Research to Practice Podcast is produced by the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute, hosted by Dr. Tracey A. Benson. Each episode bridges the gap between research and lived experience, centering the voices of those working on the front lines of equity, advocacy, and education.

In this episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Research to Practice Podcast, Dr. Tracey A. Benson speaks with Dr. Sarah Fiarman, Harvard Graduate School of Education lecturer and author of Instructional Rounds in Education, Becoming a School Principal, and Unconscious Bias in Schools. Together, they explore the challenges and growth of school leadership through an equity lens—discussing humility, trust, and the shift from intention to impact in anti-racist educational practice. Dr. Fiarman reflects on supporting principals at all stages of their careers and offers candid insights on sustaining anti-racist leadership amid today’s political and cultural tensions.

In this critical episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Research to Practice Podcast, host Dr. Tracey A. Benson welcomes Dr. Catherine Pozniak, independent education finance consultant, for a candid conversation about the uncertain future of public education under the current federal administration.

Dr. Pozniak demystifies the role of the U.S. Department of Education, explains the implications of proposed cuts to programs like Title I and Title II, and outlines the potential consequences of dismantling the Department altogether. From funding uncertainty to DEI rollbacks, from recession threats to the strain on state infrastructure—this episode unpacks the policy shifts that could reshape the American education landscape.

Whether you’re a parent, a policymaker, or a principal, this episode provides essential context for understanding how national-level decisions reverberate through classrooms and communities—and what we can do to stay informed and proactive.

Follow Dr. Catherine Pozniak on LinkedIn for accessible, nonpartisan analysis of education policy and funding.

In this episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Research to Practice podcast, hosted by Dr. Tracey Benson, Dr. Sean Darling-Hammond, an assistant professor at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health, is invited on to have a discussion on the education system. Together, they examine restorative practices, exclusionary discipline, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Dr. Darling-Hammond emphasizes the psychological harm of exclusionary discipline and advocates for restorative approaches that foster psychological safety and community in schools. The conversation also touches on the complex role of school resource officers in creating an inclusive educational environment.

🔗 Links:

Spotify: Research to Practice - The Anti-Racism Leadership Institute | Podcast on Spotify

Apple: Research to Practice - Apple Podcasts

LinkedIn: Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Overview | LinkedIn
"Unconscious Bias in Schools" Book, Co-Written by Dr. Tracey A. Benson:
Unconscious Bias in Schools (harvard.edu)

Dr.Darling-Hammond on Google Scholar: https://lked.in/9rY8pG

Dr. Darling-Hammond on LinkedIn: https://lked.in/pPuW

 Subscribe to our channel for more videos!

In this episode of the Anti-Racism Leadership Institute Research to Practice podcast, Dr. Tracey A. Benson engages with Dr. Hilary Green, an esteemed scholar of African American history and author of Unforgettable Sacrifice: How Black Communities Remembered the Civil War. They delve into the transformative role of family history in understanding the Civil War, the cultural importance of African-American porches as living archives, and the integration of African-American history into educational frameworks. Dr. Green highlights the value of community engagement, the vital contributions of everyday individuals to historical narratives, and the obligation of higher education institutions to address historical injustices while fostering equity. This conversation is a profound exploration of history, memory, and anti-racist education.

Join us for another thought-provoking chat this time with our guest Dr. Aja Denise Reynolds, an Assistant Professor at Wayne State University. With over 12 years of experience as an educator and youth worker, Dr. Reynolds discusses creating 'fugitive' spaces for Black girls through art, activism, and healing. She highlights the dual nature of schools, community support, and the impact of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives while advocating for radical, accountable approaches to education that prioritize the needs of Black children and their families. Dr. Reynolds encourages future educators to pursue equity and justice unapologetically.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Richard Ingersoll, Professor of Education and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania and former high school teacher, delves into his extensive research on the teaching profession. Dr. Ingersoll highlights the key differences in teaching conditions between Canada and the US, while addressing conflicts in educational environments and societal perceptions of teachers. He emphasizes the importance of teacher autonomy and having a voice in decision-making processes while a significant portion of their conversation is focused on the critical importance of teacher diversity, particularly for marginalized communities. Finally, they explore the importance of empowering teachers through voice and decision-making and outline future research directions emphasizing accountability in education. The episode explores the necessity of educational reforms that align with modern society's needs and tackles the ongoing challenges related to racial diversity in education.

#EducationReform #TeacherDiversity #EducationalResearch #TeacherAutonomy #StudentSuccess #RemoteLearning #TeachersOfColor #EducationMatters #EmpowerTeachers

🔗 Links:

Spotify: Research to Practice - The Anti-Racism Leadership Institute | Podcast on Spotify

Apple: Research to Practice - Apple Podcasts

LinkedIn: Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Overview | LinkedIn
"Unconscious Bias in Schools" Book, Co-Written by Dr. Tracey A. Benson:
Unconscious Bias in Schools (harvard.edu)

Dr. Richard Ingersoll’s website: www.richardingersoll.com 

 Subscribe to our channel for more videos!

In this engaging episode, Dr. Tracey A. Benson introduces Dr. Crystal Harden-Lindsey, a Chief Program Officer, executive leadership coach, and former principal recognized for her work in inclusive education and anti-racist leadership. Dr. Harden-Lindsey holds advanced degrees from John’s Hopkins University and has been honored as a Transformational Principal and Maryland Charter School Leader of the Year nominee.

They explore the nuanced landscape of leadership within education. Through personal anecdotes, they underscore the necessity for leaders to remain adaptable and growth oriented while stressing the need for adaptability and accountability to create a positive school environment. Their discussion also highlights the importance of emotional connection for student success and the role of leaders in supporting teachers through challenges.

🔗 Links:

Spotify: Research to Practice - The Anti-Racism Leadership Institute | Podcast on Spotify

Apple: Research to Practice - Apple Podcasts

LinkedIn: Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Overview | LinkedIn
"Unconscious Bias in Schools" Book, Co-Written by Dr. Tracey A. Benson:
Unconscious Bias in Schools (harvard.edu)
Dr. Crystal Harden-Lindsey’s LinkedIn Profile Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-harden-lindsey-ed-d-000573173/

In this episode, Dr.Tracey Benson welcomes Dr. Farima Pour-Khorshid, an Associate Professor at the University of San Francisco who has over a decade of experience teaching within her community. Listen in as they delve into the critical role of self-reflection in leadership and the significance of addressing trauma and their root causes in an educational setting. Emphasizing the necessity for leaders to commit to personal growth and accountability, Dr. Pour-Khorshid challenges traditional colonial norms in educational leadership and advocates for a shift towards co-leadership and redistributing power among educators. 

#leadership #self-reflection #ColonialNorms #co-leadership #humanizing practices #authenticity, #DecolonizationinEducation #SocialJustice #AntiRacismLeadershipInstitute

🔗 Links:

Spotify: Research to Practice - The Anti-Racism Leadership Institute | Podcast on Spotify

Apple: Research to Practice - Apple Podcasts

LinkedIn: Anti-Racism Leadership Institute: Overview | LinkedIn
"Unconscious Bias in Schools" Book, Co-Written by Dr. Tracey A. Benson:
Unconscious Bias in Schools (harvard.edu)
Dr. Farima Pour-Khorshid’s LinkedIn Profile Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-farima-pour-khorshid-b693a43b/

 Subscribe to our channel for more videos!