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PODCAST

Our Classroom

Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space we talk about education, which is inclusive of, but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn. In Our Classroom, we explore educational journeys, discuss instructional strategies, unpack books, speak with authors, and we think about how all of this is connected to education. Subscribe, rate the show and write a review! For resources to help you understand the intersection of race,

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All Episodes

36:36

Episode 113 | Exploring Graphic Novels' Impact on...

Our Classroom ·

2025/01/08

Today, our host Roberto Germán sits down with graphic novelist Julio Anta and Lowell High School senior Junior Han for a compelling discussion that takes us deep into the world of storytelling, activism, and identity. Julio Anta, known for his impactful works like "Frontera," "Home," and "This Land is Our Land," shares his journey from childhood influences like Archie comics to creating graphic novels that vividly depict culturally rich narratives and social issues. In this episode, we'll

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55:34

Episode 112 | Rethinking Weapon Play in Classrooms:...

Our Classroom ·

2024/12/25

Today’s episode, titled "Rethinking Weapon Play in Classrooms: Balancing Safety, Learning, and Playful Exploration," takes us on a journey through personal experiences, societal implications, and educational strategies around the often controversial topic of weapon play in early childhood settings.Host Roberto Germán is joined by two distinguished guests: Kisa Marx, an author and anti-racist curriculum developer, and Samuel Broaden, an early education expert and speaker. Together, they

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48:00

Episode 111 | Black Athletes and History's Messy...

Our Classroom ·

2024/12/11

Today, we are honored to have Dr. Amira Rose Davis as our special guest. Dr. Davis, an assistant professor specializing in 20th-century American history with a focus on race, gender, sports, and politics, will be joining us to delve into the intricate histories of Black athletes, especially Black women in sports. In this episode, Dr. Davis sheds light on the dualities Black athletes face, the role of historical narratives, and the symbolic yet complex victories on the international

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31:54

Episode 110 | Nonviolence Pedagogy w/ Mike Tinoco

Our Classroom ·

2024/11/27

In this episode, we'll explore the foundational principles of NVC, including the profound understanding that all behaviors are attempts to meet needs. Mike Tinoco shares powerful real-life examples from his teaching career and personal journey, shedding light on how recognizing and addressing unmet needs can reshape interactions and build stronger, more empathetic communities.We'll also discuss the significant role of self-reflection and emotional awareness in understanding one's needs and

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36:09

Episode 109 | Effective Leadership in Education w/...

Our Classroom ·

2024/11/13

In this episode of Our Classroom, Chris Lehman, the visionary Founding Director of the Educator Collaborative, joins to explore the critical importance of partnership in educational leadership, balancing autonomy and rigidity, and the power of co-creation tailored to the needs of schools and districts. Chris sheds light on the significant work the Educator Collaborative is doing to offer accessible professional development and shares inspiring examples from the field. Together, they reflect

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44:15

Episode 108 | Exploring Success in Education w/ Kwame...

Our Classroom ·

2024/10/30

In thisepisode of Our Classroom, we're thrilled to present an eye-opening conversation with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, a former 7th and 8th grade math teacher from Boston Public Schools and now a passionate education advocate. This episode dives deep into Kwame's journey from classroom challenges to global experiences in Sierra Leone. Kwame shares his frustrations and realizations about the varying commitments among educators, and he distinguishes between allyship and co-conspiratorship in driving

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38:13

Episode 107 | Exploring Asian American Invisibility...

Our Classroom ·

2024/10/16

In today's episode, Roberto reconnects with Tony DelaRosa, a multifaceted educator, poet, and PhD student at UW Madison. It's been nearly three years since their collaborative poetry session, and now they dive deep into the complex impacts of affirmative action bans on education and racial dynamics.Tony, the author of "Teaching the Invisible Race," shares insights from his extensive research on ethnic studies and race-based policies. Together, Roberto and Tony explore the implications of

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37:10

Episode 106 | Bridging Language Gaps w/ Gretchen Melo

Our Classroom ·

2024/10/02

In today's episode, we're thrilled to dive into the inspiring world of language education with our special guest, Gretchen Melo. Gretchen is the visionary founder of El Puente Bilingüe, a Spanish language curriculum infused with Montessori principles. Roberto and Gretchen explore the development and impact of this innovative curriculum, which not only fills gaps in traditional Spanish teaching but also engages students through structured and creative activities.Gretchen reveals her journey

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30:21

Episode 105 | Celebrating Dominican Culture and...

Our Classroom ·

2024/09/18

Today we're celebrating the vibrancy of Dominican culture and the power of family through literature. Joining us is the inspiring author and poet, Lissette Norman, known for her evocative books like "Plátanos Go With Everything" and "My Feet Are Laughing." In this episode, Lissette shares her unique writing styles and the journey behind her works, emphasizing the impact of Afro-Latino representation in children's literature. From her use of lyrical storytelling to her dedication to

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42:36

Episode 104 | Shifting From Traditional Grading to...

Our Classroom ·

2024/09/04

Today we’re delving into a transformative approach to grading and assessment in education with our special guest, Sarah M. Zerwin. Sarah is a high school English teacher at Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, with three decades of experience, and the author of the eye-opening book "Pointless, an English Teacher's Guide to More Meaningful Grading." In this episode, we explore radical yet practical strategies for shifting grading power from teachers to students. Sarah shares her

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38:14

Episode 103 | Embracing the Exceptions w/ Dr. JPB Gerald

Our Classroom ·

2024/08/21

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Dr. JPB Gerald, an inspiring adult educator and theorist, join us to discuss his groundbreaking work and upcoming book, "Embracing the Exceptions: Supporting Neurodivergent Students of Color in Education." 🎓Join us as we delve into Dr. Gerald's personal journey with ADHD, his commitment to justice for racially, linguistically, and neurologically minoritized communities, and his innovative approaches to education. Through

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35:02

Episode 102 | Capturing Childhood Magic w/ Bea Jackson

Our Classroom ·

2024/08/07

Welcome to Our Classroom! Stay tuned as we delve into the transformative power of illustration with the incredibly talented Bea Jackson, New York Times best-selling illustrator. In this episode, we explore the captivating world of Bea's vibrant illustrations, which bring to life the enchanting book "Summer is Here" by Renee Watson. Join us as we: Discover practical ways to capture childhood magic through art. Unveil the impactful metaphors and storytelling techniques Bea uses to resonate

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22:12

Episode 101 | Navigating Classroom Tensions During an...

Our Classroom ·

2024/07/24

Today, we are going to listen to a reflection by Lorena Germán as she dives deep into the intersection of education and the current political climate. With the upcoming school year coinciding with another intense election cycle, Lorena calls on educators and caregivers alike to prepare for the emotional and social challenges that lie ahead. Drawing from her rich experience, she outlines a three-step approach centered on self-care, community building, and equipping ourselves with the right

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50:02

Episode 100 | Fostering Racial Literacy in Classrooms...

Our Classroom ·

2024/07/10

In this episode, we’ll explore the pressing need to address racism in the classroom to prevent harm and trauma to BIPOC students. Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, author of the Antiracist Reading Revolution: A Framework for Teaching Beyond Representation Toward Liberation, will share her thoughts on guiding students to recognize systemic racism, the importance of addressing Whiteness and White supremacy, and the transformative power of racial literacy skills.We'll also discuss practical ways

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38:07

Episode 99 | Addressing Teacher Burnout w/ Dr. Roger...

Our Classroom ·

2024/06/26

In this episode, Dr. Roger A. Gerardsheds light on the concept of "commodification," where educators are treated as replaceable units constrained by standardization and systemization. We discuss how this approach strips teachers of their joy, creativity, and sense of purpose, leading to significant burnout and high turnover rates. You'll hear poignant anecdotes from both educators and healthcare professionals who share their struggles with feeling like mere cogs in a machine.Dr. Gerard

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18:38

Episode 98 | Why Educator Mental Health Matters

Our Classroom ·

2024/06/19

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges educators face, the signs of mental health issues, and practical self-care strategies. We'll discuss mindfulness, setting boundaries, seeking professional help, and leveraging community resources, all aimed at maintaining a positive, effective teaching environment. Let's prioritize our mental well-being to better inspire and educate our students. Welcome to Our Classroom!

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36:10

Episode 97 | Navigating Sacrifices w/ Ismée Williams...

Our Classroom ·

2024/05/29

In this episode, Roberto Germán welcomes award-winning author Ismée Williams and Brazilian-born illustrator Tatiana Gardel to discuss their collaborative work "Abuelo, The Sea, and Me" published by Roaring Book Press. Through heartfelt storytelling and captivating illustrations, Ismée and Tatiana explore themes of immigration, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate with personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. We uncover the inspirations behind the book, the creative process of

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25:49

Episode 96 | Inspiring Change w/ Traci Huahn

Our Classroom ·

2024/05/22

Today we're honored to have Traci Huahn join us. Traci, a former attorney and daughter of Chinese immigrants, has recently transitioned into the world of children's literature with her debut picture book, Mamie Tape Fights to go to School. This captivating story, based on true events, delves into the fight against racial discrimination and school segregation, rooted deeply in Asian American culture and history. In this episode, we explore Traci's journey from law to literature, the

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18:50

Episode 95 | Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. Pt. 3...

Our Classroom ·

2024/05/16

This is the third and final installment of our series on Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the significance of humanizing approaches to bilingual education and how these methods help cultivate a respectful and dignified learning environment for students and their families. We also explore the crucial role of community and family engagement in supporting students of color on their language learning journeys.We share personal experiences, practical

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16:56

Episode 94 | Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. Pt. 2...

Our Classroom ·

2024/05/08

Today, we delve deeper into the experiences and challenges faced by multilingual speakers in the U.S., specifically focusing on students of color. Returning guest, Lorena Germán, joins host Roberto to explore the systemic undervaluing of these students within our current education system. They examine a range of dynamic strategies that schools and districts can apply to better support, celebrate, and sustain bilingualism and the mother tongues of students. From having multilingual signs and

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