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On this episode, I sit down with Michelle Williams, an educator and advocate who has no problem saying what everybody else is too scared to say about Houston ISD. Michelle lays it all out—how the district has slapped her with administrative leave more times than she can count just because she refuses to play nice with corruption. She talks about what it’s like to fight for kids in a system that protects adults, buries the truth, and punishes teachers who don’t fall in line.

We tear apart the NES model and why it’s nothing but smoke and mirrors. Michelle calls it what it is: a setup that forces teachers into breaking the rules while leaving bilingual students hanging. She exposes how HISD plays games with contracts, makes shady decisions behind closed doors, and tries to silence anybody who dares to pull back the curtain.

Michelle also explains why union backing is the only reason she’s still standing. The district wants teachers scared and isolated, but she’s proof that solidarity is the only way to survive. We also get into her campaign for House District 127 and why it’s about time somebody who has actually been in the trenches of a classroom takes a seat at the table.

By the end, the message is clear: parents, community, and teachers need to stop watching from the sidelines. HISD banks on people being quiet, and that silence is exactly how they keep getting away with it. This episode is about exposing the mess, calling out the retaliation, and reminding everybody that the fight for public education is not just about schools—it’s about our kids’ future.

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TEACHERS AFTER DARK PODCAST

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Forget the team-building games, icebreakers, and endless PD slides — this is the real back-to-school training every teacher needs but no one handed you.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jay from The Human Resource — an HR Practitioner who has seen exactly how districts build cases, protect bad leadership, and push teachers out without saying a word. Together, we’re breaking down how to survive the school year with your sanity, certification, and receipts intact.

We’re talking:

• What HR won’t tell you (but you need to know)
• How to document bullying, retaliation & gaslighting
• What to do if you're asked to resign
• Chapter 21 contracts explained in plain English
• The power of board policy & how to use it to fight back
• Why we built The School Truth Project — and how we’re helping teachers every day

Whether you’re a new teacher or a vet who’s seen some things, this is the episode you’ll wish you heard before Day 1.

Because the real danger isn’t what’s in the classroom — it’s what’s happening behind the scenes.

Follow Jay on Instagram: @the.humanresource

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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

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www.theschooltruthproject.org

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Black, fluent, and handling business — that’s Shanedria. She’s the founder of Spanish Etc. of Pearland, a tutoring center helping students succeed in dual language programs, especially when schools can’t deliver.

In this episode, we talk about the teacher shortage crisis, what happens when kids are left in classrooms without certified language instructors, and how one Black woman is building a bridge for families through Spanish, culture, and confidence.

We also dig into how being trilingual has opened doors for her, what parents can do if their child doesn’t have a language teacher this year, and why supporting businesses like hers is bigger than just academics.

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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

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www.theschooltruthproject.org

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I finally got to chop it up with the legend himself, Eddie B. You know, the teacher-turned-comedian who had every tired educator in the country crying laughing on their lunch break with his "What Teachers Really Wanna Say" videos on Facebook. 

Eddie walks us through how he accidentally ended up teaching after working at a car wash, how his first school had him feeling more like a probation officer than a teacher, and how them “I’m just here for a year” plans turned into 10+ in the trenches of Houston ISD.

We get into the moment everything changed—he posted one video, just talking like he always does, and boom… the internet ate it up. That turned into the “Teachers Only” tour, sold-out shows, and a whole new career. But of course, when the money shows up, so does the mess.

I really wanted to talk about BORED TEACHERS. Yeah, them. Eddie clears the air and lets folks know he was never "with" them. He’s done a few things for their platform, sure! But we get into the business side where these entities repost your content, remove watermarks, use your material word for word… all while offering what? Crumbs and gas money. Literally.

We get into:

• How material of creators is copied and profited from on larger platforms
• What it’s like being the blueprint but not getting the credit
• Why a lot of these platforms only highlight “safe” teacher voices and leave the real ones out
• What creators need to watch out for when chasing exposure over ownership
• And why the teacher content world is hard to break into—especially if you’re not a cookie-cutter personality

We joke about how long it took just to get in touch with him and how much gatekeeping goes on, even at the local level. 

This episode is honest, funny, frustrating, and necessary. Whether you're a teacher, a creator, or just someone trying to figure out how to protect your voice and your work, you need to hear this.

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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

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www.theschooltruthproject.org

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What happens when professional development starts looking more like a Pinterest board than a platform for real change?

In this episode, we sit down with the unapologetic and always insightful Sir King B to unpack the controversy surrounding the Get Your Teach On (GYTO) conference. From its curated aesthetic and corporate sponsors to the lack of diversity on its stages, King B calls out what many have been whispering: some of these PD spaces feel more like MLMs, church camp, and influencer retreats than actual learning.

We dig into the racial and cultural divides in education, how influencer culture is shaping who gets visibility in the classroom, and why "making teachers feel good" is not the same as preparing them for real-world challenges like systemic racism, immigration issues, and the school-to-prison pipeline. And yes, we talk about that "Sexual Healing" performance and what it says about tokenism and the commodification of Black male bodies in predominantly white spaces.

If you’ve ever side-eyed the glitter, the skater dresses, and the brand deal culture in education, this one’s for you.

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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

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www.theschooltruthproject.org

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ANOTHER TEACHERS AFTER DARK EXCLUSIVE/CROSSOVER EPISODE!!!!

Subscribe to the Teachers After Dark Podcast here for access to ALL of our exclusive content!! 

If you're a Texas teacher facing the threat of termination, this is your reminder: you have rights — and you don’t have to fold under pressure. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually happens when a district moves to terminate your contract, why you should never feel bullied into resigning without a full understanding of your options, and how standing your ground could protect your career and your future.

We’ll talk about your right to a hearing under Texas Education Code Chapter 21, how to officially request it, what the process looks like, and what’s really at stake if you give up your due process rights too quickly.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. This is not legal advice. This is an educational conversation based on Texas law intended to help you advocate for yourself. Always seek professional legal counsel for your specific situation. THIS CONVERSATION APPLIES TO ANY TEACHER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS!!!

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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

SUPPORT OUR GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE 

www.theschooltruthproject.org

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We are crossposting an episode of TEACHERS AFTER DARK here on the OG Pod because this is a topic that needs to be shared and discussed!!! 

Hey y'all! On this episode, it's me and the one and only Nikki. She's been MIA for a bit, but trust, she's got quite the story. Imagine juggling life and then your kid has a medical emergency that requires BRAIN SURGERY. You now have to balance a hospital stay with them, care for your other kiddos at home, and dealing with the insanity of our so-called 'benefits' department. It's been a hell of a ride for her and all the unexpected adventures in hospital bureaucracy.

A month in the hospital, dealing with ICU drama and rehab nonsense, only to find out insurance isn't the safety net you thought it was. Nikki’s gives us the realities of sketchy benefits that take your feet out from under you just when you need them most. We’re talking the madness of short-term disability that doesn’t apply to dependents and hospital indemnity plans that don’t cover rehab IN THE HOSPITAL—because, of course, that makes sense!!!

And get this—trying to collect donated sick days is like pulling teeth. Five days with no pay before you even get a shot at some kindness from your coworkers? Insanity. For those of you thinking all districts play nice, think again. Sick banks that aren’t really banks, more like IOUs among friends, leaving you hoping and praying enough people can scrape together a paycheck’s worth of days.

We share some laughs and maybe a few rants – because if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry- but we have done enough of that WITH her and FOR her so we don't let her do it here!! 

We also want to find ways to support Nikki during this time. If you'd like to drop her an offering of "love/support"- you can do it here via CashApp at $Nikkishere2

Thanks for being here on Patreon with us. Your support means the world and helps us keep this community alive and kicking.

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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

SUPPORT OUR GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE 

www.theschooltruthproject.org

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This week we are joined by the "Church Announcement" queen herself, Ms. Tiffiney Lee. Tiffiney and I sit down and have a long awaited for convo about the ups, downs, and pure chaos of being educators. From dealing with school politics to navigating life outside the classroom, we are giving y'all honesty and laughs in equal measure.

The episode starts with some real talk about self-care. Tiffiney shares her thoughts on cutting off forced family bonds, while I explain how fishing and mental health days keep me sane. We both agree that stepping back and prioritizing yourself isn’t just important—it’s necessary.

As social media creators, Tiffiney and I break down our experiences on TikTok, including the struggles of not landing brand deals and the pressure to stay authentic. We discuss how being financially stuck can make retirement seem like a distant dream and offer advice for building a platform without losing your voice.

We get into recurring problems with administrators, especially how some principals play favorites—like rigging Teacher of the Year elections. I share a familiar stories about switching districts, and Tiffiney opens up about working for bosses who made life miserable. We even discuss the eerie silence around a co-worker’s unexplained passing and removal and how it affected everyone.

Systemic issues in education also take center stage. From the lack of real mental health support for teachers to the hoops you have to jump through for funding, it’s clear the system is broken. And don’t even get us started on Virginia’s upcoming cell phone ban—we're kinda skeptical that a 26-page policy is going to fix anything.

We also discuss the real challenges of classroom behavior, like dealing with student theft and navigating tense conversations with parents. Tiffiney and I talk about the fine line between supporting families and maintaining professionalism, even when emotions run high.

Outside the classroom, we share our future goals. I have big plans for getting into politics  to make real changes, while Tiffiney talks about her four-day workweek job and how it’s drawing people to her district. We also discuss the struggles of balancing their personal lives with the constant scrutiny that comes with being public figures.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to teach being a "social media personality", this episode is for you. It’s honest, funny, and a little bit messy—just like life.

 Want even more? Check out this episode in video form on Patreon...coming soon!

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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

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www.theschooltruthproject.org

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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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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

SUPPORT OUR GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE 

www.theschooltruthproject.org

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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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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

SUPPORT OUR GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE 

www.theschooltruthproject.org

Support the show