Until the Bell Rings

For most of the Until the Bell Rings episodes, I write a poem and let that lead the discussion. This time, I waited to write until after my conversation with Alex and Ella, because I wanted to allow myself to be inspired by their light. 

What better way to learn about the students experience than to got straight to the source? In an Until the Bell Rings first - but definitely not last - I am having a conversation with two De La Salle graduates. We discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, and I ask them how we go about improving upon this school that we all love.

I wanted this episode to be all about Alex and Ella, so today's poem is included in a bonus episode. Don't forget to check it out! 

In today's episode Crystal Jae and Coach E talk about times when they have felt pressure to soften the delivery when discussing topics that others might deem uncomfortable, and how that courtesy is rarely reciprocated. They also get into the various micro-aggressions that that they have experienced at school - from administrators, teachers, and even students. 

Welcome to the official start to Season 3 of Until the Bell Rings! Here’s the deal. I’m for inclusive and equitable education because it better serves the young people that are relying on us to prepare them for whatever comes next.  It’s that simple. And while, this season, I’m still writing poetry and diving into my experience as black woman teaching at a private school, I think it’s that it’s time to expand to having actual conversations.

In today's episode, I talk about what I discovered while being in the classroom and introduce this season's cohost, Coach E. Listen in to learn about her background as a teacher, and to hear us talk a little bit about how you learn at such a young age to move through the world differently as a black girl. 

Join me on this journey that begins in hallowed hallways of De La Salle High School, and if it goes at planned, ends at not at perfection, but at progress. Also a work in progress - the sound quality. I'm aware, and I would apologize, but I'm not sorry - these things happen. I am working on it for next week, though.

This is the unofficial start to season 3! I'm mixing it up this time, so I'm super excited. In today's episode I make sure everyone is up to speed on the current situation, and I share my mission: an inclusive and equitable education for all young people.  It's that simple y'all. And at every school, it begins with the adults in the building.

In this bonus episode, I welcome everyone back to school...without me. I wasn't quite ready for Season 3, but I couldn't let the first day of school come and go, without wishing everybody luck and wisdom, and sharing a few special reminders. 

In the season two finale, I give you an update on where things stand with my school, and share a few of the letters - well, parts of them - that have been written to me, by students over the past eight years. This season is coming to an end, but I'm just getting started.

I hope that using my voice has encouraged others to do the same. At the very least, I hope you listen and know you are not alone.

...and that you are loved 💜

In today's episode, I explore the importance of discomfort  I delve into my own inclination to cling to comfort, and explain how that started because I was young and gifted, and led to a refusal to takes chances.

Embracing discomfort is especially vital in efforts to improve inclusivity and belonging. The reality is, growing up in an environment devoid of diversity can - and very likely will - affect your ability to feel comfortable in your interactions with people of color. If there is an unwillingness to feel uncomfortable, opportunities are not created for important conversations. 

Since, I'm writing poetry for hypothetical listeners, this bonus episode is meant to be an expression of gratitude for my students - past, present, and (possibly) future. You are LOVED. You are LIMITLESS. 

There's at least one student in every class who prioritizes entertaining classmates, above all else. Not a bad kid, just mischievous (and often quite funny). I always tell this kid, that I understand - everybody has a role to play. I also tell this kid, you can't go out of your way to be the class clown, and then cry when you get a detention for being disruptive. There are consequences for actions. If you're going to play the role, OWN IT. 

In today's episode, I ponder the consequences of creating this podcast, and discuss the journey to my realization that I, too, have a role to play. And I'm owning it.