The podcast episode honors Dr. Cheryl Green, who passed away on April 23, 2025, after serving as President of Governor State University for four years. Dr. Green, a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience, received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Commitment in Education Award in 2023 and the Women in Excellence in Education Award in 2024. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of education in building character and changing history, urging educators to stay committed despite challenges. She highlighted the profound impact educators have on students' lives and called for a system where educators are valued and supported.

In this episode, we talk to Laurie Hendrickson, a former middle school teacher and current educator. Hendrickson discusses the importance of student participation and technology integration in education. She emphasizes the need for technology to be used within the curriculum with a specific purpose, such as creating digital stories that enhance learning. Hendrickson shares her experience with digital storytelling, media literacy, and the challenges and benefits of remote learning. She also highlights the significance of building online learning communities and the use of tools like Google Forms and Padlet for student engagement. Hendrickson recommends resources like Create to Learn by Renee Hobbs and The Google Infused Classroom by Holly Clark and Tanya Avra for educators.

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Marshaunda Dixon, director of learning initiatives for Renaissance Christian Academy. We discuss the teacher shortage and lack of diversity in education, particularly among African American teachers. We highlight that while students of color are expected to make up 56% of the student population by 2024, only 82% of public school teachers are white. Dixon shares her journey from corporate America to teaching, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and exposing students to diverse career paths. She discusses the challenges faced by teachers, including the need for support and mental health resources, and the significance of teaching as a calling rather than just a profession.

In this episode, we talk to Gynger Garcia, a former Chicago Public School teacher, who works as a community education liaison at Breakthrough Urban Ministries. She discusses the importance of community-minded education and the benefits of partnerships between universities and community organizations. Breakthrough's programs, including after-school support and a community fresh market, are designed to meet local needs. Garcia emphasizes the value of early engagement in teacher preparation programs, mentorship, and cultural consciousness. She highlights the high burnout rate in teaching, noting that 44% of teachers last less than five years. Breakthrough's partnership with an Illinois university aims to better prepare teachers for urban education.

Nichelle Cook, educator, licensed attorney, social entrepreneur and neurodiversity disability advocate, discusses the importance of embracing neurodiversity and the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities. She highlights that 12% of employees and 11% of students have developmental disabilities, emphasizing the need for better communication and support. Nichelle shares her personal journey, detailing her struggles with undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder. She explains the concept of neurodiversity, coined by sociologist Judy Singer, and the spectrum of autism. Nichelle also discusses the importance of proper accommodations in education and the workplace, advocating for self-advocacy and understanding the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode, Dr. Amy Vujaklija and Dr. Joi Patterson discuss leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We interview Dr. Angela Diggs, a seasoned educational leader, about her journey from a peer professional to a Director of Special Services. Dr. Diggs highlights the challenges of balancing multiple stakeholders' needs while maintaining a student-centered approach. She stresses the importance of social emotional intelligence, clear communication, and strategic delegation. The conversation also touches on the impact of bad leadership, the pressures on administrators, and the necessity of adapting to new roles with humility and openness.

Dr. Debbie James interviews Dr. Amy Vujaklija and Dr. Joi Patterson, co-hosts of the "Teaching and Leading" podcast at Governors State University. We discuss our journey from hallway conversations to a podcast during the pandemic. We highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and the value of our podcast in elevating educator voices. Dr. Dr. James asks us to share our personal experiences, including career changes and the impact of their podcast on their professional growth. We also discuss their initiative to address teacher shortages by creating a pipeline of diverse educators through a mentoring program. The podcast aims to bring attention to GovState, elevate the profession, and provide solutions to educational challenges.

Dr. Sandy Womack, an Ohio educator and administrator, discusses his passion for transforming urban schools and the importance of assessing performance beyond persistence rates. He emphasizes the need for data-driven approaches, community engagement, and creating a supportive environment for teachers. Womack highlights successful programs like the Real League and the New York Civic Leadership Institute, which fostered student advocacy and academic improvement. He stresses the importance of policy changes to attract and retain teachers, including better pay, housing support, and student loan debt relief. Womack also underscores the role of educator preparation programs in equipping future teachers with practical skills and a sense of mission.

Dr. Cheryl Green, President of Governor State University, discusses her leadership journey. Despite challenges like the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, she emphasizes the importance of higher education and the need for African American females to remain connected to academia. Green shares four pieces of career advice, including the value of self-analysis, generating revenue, and broadening expertise. She underscores the significance of these lessons in her professional growth and success.

Mayor Joe Woods discusses his dual passions for poetry and public service, highlighting his role as the 12th mayor and second African American mayor of Park Forest. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of lifelong learning. Woods also addresses the challenges of diversity and equity, offering a poem that critiques the superficiality of diversity without inclusion and equity.