In the latest episode of Teaching in Color, host Brandon Jenkins engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Askeia Brown, a passionate advocate for Black students and communities. Together, they explore the importance of purpose and accountability in education, shedding light on how these principles can transform the learning experience for marginalized students.

We’re officially back 🎙️

Teaching in Color kicks off the new year with an intentional conversation featuring Davon Clarke—a tenured NYC public school educator, NYU adjunct instructor, and education leader.

In this episode, Davon shares his journey in education, the importance of teacher leadership, and why those student “ah-ha” moments still matter most. We talk growth, purpose, and what it means to start a new year grounded in impact.

✨ New year. New episode. Same mission.

Ashley Brajaé Jackson is more than a teacher — she’s a storyteller.
A Bay Area native now teaching 5th grade in a Los Angeles music magnet program, Ashley brings her experience as a two-time award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, and producer into the classroom to inspire and empower predominantly Black and Brown students in the Crenshaw/Baldwin Hills community.

In this episode, Ashley unpacks the systemic racism she’s witnessed in Black and Brown schools, the power of arts education, and how her creative background fuels her mission to dismantle inequities in education. From behind the camera to the front of the classroom, Ashley shows us that storytelling is a radical act — and education is one of the most powerful stories we can tell.

In this powerful episode of Teaching in Color, we sit down with Wesley — a first-year Black, queer educator navigating his first year of teaching in Los Angeles after graduating from UC Berkeley and pursuing his M.A. at Loyola Marymount. Wesley opens up about the challenges and growth that come with living in a new city, teaching at a Title I bilingual school, and managing the balancing act of grad school, identity, and classroom life.

We explore the realities vs. expectations of teaching, the importance of teacher diversity, and what it means to show up authentically for students who reflect the very same systems he’s working to transform. Whether you're a new educator or a seasoned one, this conversation is a reminder of the power of education to uplift and disrupt — and what it means to teach in color for Generation Alpha.

📘 Episode Description:

In this episode of Teaching in Color, we travel to Honolulu, Hawai‘i to sit down with Michael Ida, the 2023 Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year. With 27 years of experience in math and computer science education, Michael shares how his journey as an Asian American educator has shaped his leadership style, his teaching philosophy, and his mission to challenge stereotypes around who gets to lead in education.

We talk about his commitment to servant leadership, building inclusive learning spaces, and empowering students as 21st-century thinkers and innovators. Michael also unpacks the cultural nuances of working in a diverse community and what it means to lead with both humility and purpose.

💬 A powerful conversation on identity, leadership, and representation in schools you don’t want to miss.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of Teaching in Color, we sit down with Anaia Lachelle Hawkins—also known as Ms. H—a 24-year-old second-year teacher from Kalamazoo, Michigan, whose path into education was anything but traditional. After earning her degree in Criminal Justice/Legal Studies, Anaia found herself stepping into the classroom just one week after graduation. Now teaching 5th grade in a self-contained classroom, she reflects on the challenges of new-age parenting, the overwhelming responsibilities of educators, and how schools often fall short in supporting their teachers.

Anaia opens up about:

• Her journey from parapro to teacher

• What “new school” teaching really feels like

• The link between parenting shifts and student growth

• The silence around teacher compensation and burnout

This is an honest, heartfelt, and deeply insightful conversation about what it really means to show up for kids every single day.

In this powerful episode of Teaching In Color, we sit down with Jonathan Vazquez, a Puerto Rican and Crucian educator whose life story defies the odds. From growing up in Brooklyn and navigating street life to dropping out of high school, Jonathan's path to education was anything but traditional. But at 26, on a dare, he went back to school—and earned three degrees in five years.

Jonathan opens up about the challenges of imposter syndrome, the tension between creative freedom and curriculum constraints, and his struggle with job hunting in a system that often values credentials over real experience. He also speaks candidly about the emotional weight of leaving the classroom and the lack of community many teachers of color face.

This is more than a story of survival—it's a reflection on purpose, identity, and the power of rewriting your narrative.

Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

In this episode of Teaching in Color, we sit down with Kavya Nadella, a dedicated school-based pediatric speech therapist working with elementary students, many of whom are bilingual Spanish speakers. Kavya shares insights into the intersection of language development, academic success, and the unique challenges bilingual students face in speech therapy. We discuss the importance of cultural responsiveness, advocacy for multilingual learners, and how speech therapy can be a game-changer in fostering confidence and communication skills.

On this episode of Teaching in Color, we welcome Johnnie D. Moultrie—educator, author, and assistant principal—who is passionate about inspiring young minds through culturally rich storytelling and transformative education. Johnnie shares insights into his Adventures of Alex & Gabbie book series, his innovative SEL curriculum, and the importance of representation in literature and leadership. Join us as we discuss how storytelling can empower students, celebrate Black culture, and create lasting legacies in education.

In this episode of Teaching in Color, we welcome the incredible Leslie Rob, an award-winning international standup comedian, teacher, speaker, and PD presenter. Known for bringing laughter and encouragement to audiences worldwide, Leslie shares how she combines her passions for comedy and education to inspire and uplift teachers. From viral videos to her appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America and The Tamron Hall Show, Leslie offers insight into her journey as an educator and entertainer. Join us as we discuss the power of humor, the importance of representation, and how Leslie continues to make a difference both in and out of the classroom.