Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool welcomes Aleena Domingo, a passionate new teacher and coach from Toronto, to discuss balancing life as an educator and parent. They explore the influence of role models, the importance of empathy and high expectations in the classroom, and the impact of both mentorship and collaboration among teachers. Miss Domingo shares her teaching philosophy shaped by diverse school experiences, highlights the value of making all students feel included, and offers practical advice to aspiring teachers about flexibility and creativity in the profession. 

More about Miss Domingo:

Aleena Domingo, known as @HeyMissDomingo, is a Toronto-based educator, women’s basketball coach, and content creator whose work centres in authenticity, equity and empowerment. As a former college athlete, she now coaches basketball while encouraging young women to embrace their individuality and confidence on and off the court. In the classroom, Aleena is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces, particularly for students from racially marginalized communities, helping them reach their full potential while celebrating who they are.

Through her social media presence, she shares honest glimpses of the realities of teaching, coaching and new motherhood, inspiring others to break barriers, live authentically, and pursue their passions with confidence.

(0:00) – Introduction & Guest Welcome  

(0:21) – Meeting in Person & Shared Backgrounds  

(0:46) – Discussing Family Connections & Podcast Topic: Balancing Life  

(1:27) – Challenges of Being a New Teacher & Parent  

(2:28) – Inspirations and Role Models in Teaching  

(3:41) – Coaching Styles: Supporting All Students  

(5:09) – Teaching Philosophy: High Standards & Diversity  

(8:13) – Impact of Teachers & The Digital Age  

(10:03) – Laying Educational Foundations & Empathy  

(12:38) – Mentorship and Finding Support as a New Teacher  

(15:13) – Reciprocal Mentorship & Collaboration  

(16:10) – Plans for the Year & Balancing Coaching and Family  

(16:51) – Advice for Aspiring Teachers  

(18:35) – Being a Teacher-Influencer: Social Media & Reception  

(19:56) – Wrapping Up: Gifts & Final Thoughts 

Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool welcomes her first guest, none other than Director X. The well known Canadian discusses his journey in the film and music industry, highlighting his work with artists like Aaliyah, Justin Bieber, and Drake. He shares many experiences about how he overcame challenges since he was young to arrive in this chapter of power. He highlights the importance of self-belief, collaboration, and mentorship. He also talks about his TED Talk on meditation's impact on the brain, which led to a documentary and initiatives to promote meditation in schools.More

About Director X:

Julien Christian Lutz P.K.A. Director X is one of the most iconic music video directors of our time, known for his work with Drake, Rihanna, Rosalia, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West, among many others, he has been nominated and received many accolades for his work. As a filmmaker, Julien debuted his first Sony studio feature film, Superfly produced by the legendary Joel Silver. As an artist, Julien has created art installations for Toronto’s Nuit Blanche: Death of The Sun, which was also featured in Drake’s “Boy Meets World,” European tour and “Life of The Earth,” in collaboration with the Ontario Science Center.

Using his platform for social change, Julien founded

https://directorxfilms.com/

http://op-pfc.com/#the-program

Connect with Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool:

⁠https://www.theclassactpodcast.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/redrhover/⁠

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/rhodoravanderpool⁠⁠

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Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool shares the inspiration behind starting The Class Act Podcast, focusing on stories of learning, leadership, and legacy. She discusses her journey into teaching, influenced by her family and TV shows like "Polka Dot Door." She reflects on her experience during the pandemic creating "Learning with Mrs. Vanderschool," and how it sparked a new chapter for her. She speaks about becoming a children's author and becoming a music manager. She highlights the joy of collaborating with Maestro Fresh Wes and Leon Eklipz Robinson. She emphasizes the importance of creativity in education, mentorship, and balancing career and family. She also shares more about her role as a music manager, and advocating for women in music. She encourages listeners to pursue their passions at any age.

Connect with Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool:

https://www.theclassactpodcast.com/

https://www.instagram.com/redrhover/

⁠https://linktr.ee/rhodoravanderpool⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Class Act podcast goes beyond lesson plans and report cards—it’s about the people who shape our lives through encouragement, creativity, and compassion. It may be your favourite teacher, but it could also be a supportive coach or mentor. Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool has been an educator for over twenty-five years and has mentored many students and colleagues along the way.

Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and watch for new episodes at the ⁠theclassactpodcast.com⁠.

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