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In this special "off-studio" episode, the Teachers After Dark crew wraps up 2024 in style—over a breakfast I was bullied into cooking! Teachers LOVE bullet points, so let's get into:

• The best (and worst) holiday gifts we got from students this year.
• That insane pre-break checkout list, complete with accommodations logs and the wildest parent/student requests we’ve ever seen.
• The resurfaced debate about school shootings: Should teachers really be expected to sacrifice themselves for their students? Plus, we share our thoughts on safety plans and why kids just don’t take them seriously.
• The latest drama from a certain special education “advocate” who’s actually a grifter stirring up chaos online.
• Texas-style makeup attendance hours: Chess club to replace missed Geometry? Only in Texas!
• A deep dive into parent entitlement (because they always keep us talking).

Finally, we reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, share our gratitude for you, our listeners, and welcome in 2025. 

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Continuing our discussion on Teen Dating Violence...In this heart-wrenching yet vital episode, I sit down with Quin Levy, a courageous mother who shares the story of her teenage daughter’s life, love, and tragic death at the hands of her boyfriend. While honoring the boundaries of an ongoing legal case, we discuss the devastating impact of teen dating violence and the subtle warning signs that many parents may overlook.

This mother’s story sheds light on the emotional and psychological challenges teens face in abusive relationships, the societal pressures that normalize toxic behaviors, and how technology has added new layers to dating violence. Together, we explore what parents, educators, and communities can do to educate and protect teens from falling victim to unhealthy relationships.

She also introduces us to the foundation she started in her daughter’s memory,The M. Ariel Love Foundation, which is dedicated to combating all forms of domestic violence and abuse. Through education initiatives targeting adolescents and young adults, we empower individuals to recognize and steer clear of toxic behaviors and their harmful effects. Our commitment extends to enhancing awareness, education, and support services for victims and survivors. We strive to cultivate a society where every member thrives within healthy boundaries, fostering resilience and contributing to the well-being of our communities. 

This episode is more than a story—it’s a wake-up call. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or teen, this conversation provides invaluable insight into recognizing the signs of abuse, breaking cycles of violence, and fostering healthy relationships.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation as we honor a young life lost and learn how to prevent teen dating violence.

Please consider supporting the M. Ariel Love Foundation https://mariellovefoundation.com with a donation to support this cause. Also buy purchasing a book written by her mother, Quin Levy.

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In this episode, we sit down with Shannon, Licensed Professional Counselor of Hurt Speaks Wellness Center, to discuss the urgent issue of teen dating violence (TDV). We discuss what defines TDV and how it differs from adult domestic violence. We’ll explore the most common forms of abuse in teen relationships—emotional, physical, verbal, and digital—and unpack why so many teens stay in unhealthy or abusive situations.

We’ll also tackle the romanticization of toxic relationships among teens: why controlling and abusive behaviors are often mistaken for love, and how societal norms, music, movies, and social media might be perpetuating these unhealthy ideals. Are parents and schools doing enough to educate teens? Should relationship education be mandatory? We’ll discuss the role schools and educators play and why some turn a blind eye to dating violence on campus.

Technology and social media are key players in modern teen relationships—sometimes for the worse. Shannon sheds light on how smartphones and social media can become tools for control and manipulation, and whether parents should intervene or respect their teens' privacy.

Lastly, we examine why teens don’t speak up about abuse, the barriers they face in seeking help, and whether those who perpetrate abuse are being held accountable. Is punishment enough, or is rehabilitation through therapy and accountability measures the better path?

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and teens who want to learn how to recognize the signs, prevent dating violence, get the help they need, and build healthier relationships.

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Thanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and Facebook @ Ridgemont4sFinest. Don't forget to support the podcast by clicking the links in the bio's!

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TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
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This week, we are discussing one of the most embattled school districts in the country—HISD. Joining us is the bold and unapologetic Ms. Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association (HEA), who’s been at the center of HISD’s whirlwind headlines. If you’ve been following the drama, you know this isn’t just a story about schools—it’s about power, politics, and the fight for teachers' rights.

We’re starting with Ms. Williams’s personal story. If you have tuned in to some previous episodes, you will recall Ms. Williams being recommended for termination over a so-called social media policy violation that didn’t even actually happen. Yeah, she fought back, and spoiler: she "won". But the fallout wasn’t just hers to bear. A few administrators lost their jobs after those false claims surfaced.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the ongoing showdown with HISD’s controversial superintendent, Mike Miles. From his autocratic leadership style to his tactics that critics call downright tyrannical, we’re discussing it all. Ms. Williams doesn’t hold back, especially when talking about the chaos happening in schools like Pershing Middle and Sharpstown High, where toxic work environments and principals are driving teachers out and creating instability for students.

We’re also tackling the teacher certification scandal that recently exploded in the headlines, with a few HISD teachers being thrust into the spotlight as the “face” of the controversy. This issue, which involved educators across the state, stemmed from questions surrounding proper certifications. While some debate if the claims are valid, the situation spiraled into a highly publicized ordeal that many believe was more about political/racial optics than genuine concern for education quality. Ms. Williams breaks down how this scandal unfolded and why Houston’s DA, Kim Ogg, may have capitalized on it during an election year.

We’re also discussing the $4.4 billion bond proposal that voters shut down, a moment that showed the community is done playing games with their tax dollars. Ms. Williams explains why that decision matters and how collective action can spark meaningful change.

Of course, we’re also talking solutions. Ms. Williams breaks down the importance of union membership in this fight and why staying silent in the face of bullying and mistreatment isn’t an option anymore. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but as she points out, it is happening. Teachers are finding their voices, speaking out, and standing up for themselves and their students.

But don’t worry, it’s not all heavy! We keep things real, raw, and even funny as we explore the highs and lows of fighting the good fight. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might even find yourself wanting to join the movement by the end of the episode.

How to support Ms. Williams:

Ms. Michell

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TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
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In this unapologetic episode, we tackle three major issues facing education today: the Texas voucher push, the unique challenges for Black women educators, and the presidential election that could reshape American education entirely. First, we examine Donald Trump’s presidential re-election bid and his promise to dismantle the Department of Education—a move that could have monumental consequences for teachers, students, and public education nationwide. What would this mean for equity, federal protections, and the very future of education?

Next, we break down Texas’ proposed voucher system, driven by Governor Abbott, which risks redirecting public funds to private institutions under the guise of “school choice.” We ask: who really benefits, and what does this mean for vulnerable students as public schools face deep cuts?

Finally, we dive into the mounting pressures on Black women educators, who are expected to carry both their classrooms and colleagues without acknowledgment. From dealing with the “mediocre Mary” phenomenon to resisting the “mammy” stereotype, Black women in education are reclaiming their rest and autonomy. We discuss why choosing self-care is radical when society expects Black women to overextend themselves for everyone else’s gain. 

This is a G-rated version of the conversation that was held on our sister podcast, Teachers After Dark--exclusively on Patreon. 

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TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
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As promised, WE ARE BACK! Welcome to Season 3 of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast! Catch up with the OG teacher crew as we get into all things the 24-25 school year! It has indeed, been whipping us all! We talk about what has been the most challenging things for us so far this year, how we are coping with parents/students/admin, who's already been written up/called to the office and much more! 

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Thanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and Facebook @ Ridgemont4sFinest. Don't forget to support the podcast by clicking the links in the bio's!

FOLLOW US ON PATREON FOR THE EXCLUSIVE
TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
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IG:@podwiththe4

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Where Have I Been? Ridgemont4'sFinest Is Back!

After a whirlwind few months of working on Teachers After Dark and Divorce Diaries, and surviving the chaos of back-to-school season with helicopter parents and extra-needy students, I'm finally back! In this quick teaser, I catch you up on all the behind-the-scenes action and let you know what's coming next. New teacher content is on the way—get ready for an exciting Season 3!

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Thanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and Facebook @ Ridgemont4sFinest. Don't forget to support the podcast by clicking the links in the bio's!

FOLLOW US ON PATREON FOR THE EXCLUSIVE
TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
IG:@dfrancismba

All Podcasts now recorded at "The 4: Podcast and Content Studio"
IG:@podwiththe4

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In case you missed the YouTube LIVE with HISD Union leader Michelle Williams, here's the audio for you. In this  episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, we are discussing the controversial case of Michelle Williams, a dedicated teacher and union leader within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Just days after being removed from her teaching position, Williams finds herself at the center of a storm, facing termination and alleging retaliation from district authorities.

We unravel all of the craziness with Ms. Williams and her story. From her impassioned critique of HISD's decision to extend the school year to the accusations of misconduct surrounding her social media activity, every aspect of this case raises critical questions about free speech, workplace policies, and the power dynamics within the education system.

As we navigate through Williams' account of events and the responses from HISD, listeners will be drawn into a gripping narrative that exposes the tensions between educators and administrators. What role does dissent play in shaping educational policies, and where should the line be drawn between advocacy and insubordination?

Tune in  as we engage Michelle Williams in a  conversation about her fight for justice and the future of teaching in HISD schools.

Catch the visual LIVE of this interview here!

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Thanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and Facebook @ Ridgemont4sFinest. Don't forget to support the podcast by clicking the links in the bio's!

FOLLOW US ON PATREON FOR THE EXCLUSIVE
TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
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All Podcasts now recorded at "The 4: Podcast and Content Studio"
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Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We are continuing our conversation with some dynamic educators of HISD. In this  episode, , Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony,  bravely share their experiences within Houston's education system post-state takeover.

Mrs. Ebony pull back the curtain on the challenges teachers are facing at her NES-A campus. We discuss the struggles of navigating a compliance-driven environment, where scripted curricula fail to resonate with students and school libraries are repurposed as disciplinary spaces. Her accounts paint a vivid picture of a school culture that mirrors a prison, with teachers feeling constantly surveilled and students stripped of their freedoms.

Through her personal stories, we confront the harsh realities of student trauma and the lack of adequate support systems in place. Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony shed light on the profound impact of neighborhood deaths and other crises on students, underscoring the urgent need for compassionate intervention.

Join us as we stand in solidarity with these courageous educators and amplify their voices in the fight for a more humane and equitable education system. This episode is a reminder that real change begins with listening to those on the frontlines of education and taking action to create a better future for all.

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Thanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and Facebook @ Ridgemont4sFinest. Don't forget to support the podcast by clicking the links in the bio's!

FOLLOW US ON PATREON FOR THE EXCLUSIVE
TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
IG:@dfrancismba

All Podcasts now recorded at "The 4: Podcast and Content Studio"
IG:@podwiththe4

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Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We are continuing our conversation with some dynamic educators of HISD. In this  episode, , Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony,  bravely share their experiences within Houston's education system post-state takeover.

Mrs. Ebony pull back the curtain on the challenges teachers are facing at her NES-A campus. We discuss the struggles of navigating a compliance-driven environment, where scripted curricula fail to resonate with students and school libraries are repurposed as disciplinary spaces. Her accounts paint a vivid picture of a school culture that mirrors a prison, with teachers feeling constantly surveilled and students stripped of their freedoms.

Through her personal stories, we confront the harsh realities of student trauma and the lack of adequate support systems in place. Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony shed light on the profound impact of neighborhood deaths and other crises on students, underscoring the urgent need for compassionate intervention.

Join us as we stand in solidarity with these courageous educators and amplify their voices in the fight for a more humane and equitable education system. This episode is a reminder that real change begins with listening to those on the frontlines of education and taking action to create a better future for all.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and Facebook @ Ridgemont4sFinest. Don't forget to support the podcast by clicking the links in the bio's!

FOLLOW US ON PATREON FOR THE EXCLUSIVE
TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

Production/Engineering Credit: Producer Extraordinaire D. Francis
IG:@dfrancismba

All Podcasts now recorded at "The 4: Podcast and Content Studio"
IG:@podwiththe4

Support the show