PODCAST

Books over Bars

BreakFree Education

A Breakfree Education podcast exploring the world of education within the juvenile justice system.

business non-profit

All Episodes

34:16

Learning Lab Episode #17 Cultivating Social Emotional...

Books over Bars ·

2026/03/20

In this episode of the Learning Lab, Kaylah chats with Rachel Lewis, a New Orleans-based educator and leader with deep experience in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, social-emotional learning (SEL), and special education. In this conversation, Rachel reframes SEL as essential skill-building—not “soft skills,” but the tools young people need to advocate for themselves, regulate emotions, and navigate conflict. She shares practical strategies for embedding SEL into daily classroom

28:15

Learning Lab Episode #16: Consistently Being Real...

Books over Bars ·

2026/03/02

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Jackie to talk about what it means to show up with honesty, consistency, and dignity in juvenile justice classrooms. Jackie shares her journey into JJ education as a special education teacher and reflects on the importance of being real with students—naming hard truths, challenging limiting beliefs, and reminding young people that needing help is part of being human. The conversation explores rejecting labels, honoring students as

37:39

Learning Lab Episode 15: Cultivating Family...

Books over Bars ·

2026/02/16

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Chyrl Johnson, a cosmetology teacher at Macon YDC in Georgia Preparatory Academy, to explore parent engagement rooted in empathy, respect, and humanity. Chyrl shares how treating students the way she would her own children shapes everything. Through monthly phone calls, letters home, and joyful family engagement events, she shows how consistent, caring outreach strengthens trust, increases student engagement, and sparks meaningful

31:56

Learning Lab Episode #14: Cultivating Classrooms That...

Books over Bars ·

2026/01/29

Christina and Kaylah sit down with Kimberly Molidor, an ELA teacher at the Academy for Academic Excellence Henry Wade campus, to explore multi-level teaching and the power of thematic units. Kimberly shares how flexible design, student choice, and shared themes create one cohesive classroom where students can work at different levels while moving toward common goals. From starting small with short thematic units to identifying standards that span grade levels, this episode offers practical

38:08

Learning Lab Episode #13: Cultivating Secure Care...

Books over Bars ·

2025/12/12

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah talk with educator Katharine Jones about the critical process of Cultivating Relationships with Secure Care. Katharine illustrates how when adults are intentionally aligned, the result is significantly calmer, more predictable classrooms for students. The conversation highlights practical alignment strategies, including establishing consistent routines, creating clear channels for daily information exchange, and explicitly sharing expectations

32:52

Learning Lab Episode #12: Design, Dignity, and...

Books over Bars ·

2025/12/08

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Ben Wiebesiek, a graphic design teacher at Lookout Academy in Colorado. Together, they explore how Ben's classroom turns student designs into real-world business assets, fostering professional skills and dignity. Ben shares how he uses the critique process, working with authentic clients, to teach students the essential life skill of receiving and applying feedback. The conversation goes beyond design mechanics, diving into how Ben

33:04

Learning Lab Episode #11: Cultivating Student...

Books over Bars ·

2025/11/13

In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Melissa Jeanty, assistant principal at Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings, Washington D.C.’s long-term youth facility. Together, they explore how Melissa and her team have built a powerful culture of celebration and acknowledgment — one that helps students see themselves as capable, valued, and part of a caring community. From monthly award ceremonies and birthday shoutouts to everyday classroom wins, this conversation reveals

38:08

Learning Lab Episode #10: The Best-Kept Secret:...

Books over Bars ·

2025/11/05

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Duncan, a passionate science teacher at Cammack Children's Center in West Virginia. Melissa shares why she was drawn to Juvenile Justice education and why she believes JJ education is the best kept secret. We explore how she implemented the BreakFree initiative, Unseen. We discuss how engaging in hands-on work that is reviewed and celebrated by an authentic audience (including winning a national contest!) allows students to feel profoundly seen, challenging

35:59

Learning Lab Episode #9: Cultivating Community...

Books over Bars ·

2025/10/20

In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Loening, a passionate art teacher at Travis Hill School in New Orleans. Heidi shares how she uses her classroom as a space to build a strong community and a sense of safety for her students.We’ll also hear about Travis Hill’s annual Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) showcase, where students share their work and stories with the wider community. Together, these practices highlight Heidi’s commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and

27:11

Learning Lab Episode #8: Ask for Forgiveness Later, a...

Books over Bars ·

2025/10/02

In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Storrs, a teacher librarian at a youth detention facility. Jessie shares her "ask for forgiveness later" approach to innovation, including how she used board games in the library to build crucial social-emotional skills and foster student connection. We discuss the importance of introducing students to new opportunities and how genuine teacher passion is the key to unlocking student engagement. Join us as Jessie reminds us what it takes to make a real

49:05

Learning Lab Episode #7: Cultivating a Positive...

Books over Bars ·

2025/09/17

In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Amanda Johnson, a dedicated educator from Passages Academy in New York. Amanda shares how she creates a classroom that welcomes students in and empowers them to make it their own. We'll explore her "Real World Fridays" initiative, which turns classroom discussions into platforms for authentic, student-led conversations on big issues. Join us as we learn from Amanda about leading with a focus on connection and creativity to create a learning environment

35:20

Tech Check #7: Building Tech Success: A Systems-Level...

Books over Bars ·

2025/07/10

What makes a technology program truly successful, especially in challenging, restricted spaces? In this episode of Tech Check, we're taking a '1000-foot view' to analyze the key elements that contribute to a program’s success. We'll break down the importance of devices, software, network infrastructure, and policies, but most importantly, the people who make it all happen. Join us to understand how these elements work together to create a cohesive and effective program.Shownotes: Nothing this

34:04

Tech Check #6: Level Up Your Tech Integration: Asking...

Books over Bars ·

2025/06/11

This episode is PART TWO of diving deep into the critical questions you need to ask before introducing new tech into your secure school environment. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini discuss the importance of technology access for students, who needs to be involved, and the best path for getting started when implementing a new technology program.

22:32

Learning Lab Episode #6: Celebrating student winners...

Books over Bars ·

2025/05/29

In this special episode, we showcase the winning podcast segments from BreakFree Education's "Unspoiled" initiative, where students explored America's National Parks through creative storytelling. Listen as young learners from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Arizona share their research and passion for places like Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Biscayne through engaging original podcasts. These segments highlight how meaningful, project-based learning can spark curiosity and give students an authentic

38:43

Tech Check #5: Tech without Fear with Chassidy Williams

Books over Bars ·

2025/05/16

In this episode, we're chatting with Chassidy Williams, an Educational Technology Specialist at Harris County Juvenile Probation in Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Chassidy sheds light on the often complex dynamic between school tech coaches, like herself, and facility tech directors. We'll explore the ins and outs of their relationship – is it a mentorship, a partnership, or something else entirely? Chassidy will share insights on the common challenges faced by tech directors in secure

32:00

Tech Check #4: Balancing Roles of Tech Coach and...

Books over Bars ·

2025/05/08

Ever wondered what it's like to be a teacher AND a tech coach in a juvenile justice school? In this episode of Books Over Bars, guest Ana Roper shares the complexities of educational technology in secure settings as a math teacher and tech coach. Learn about the challenges she faces, the strategies she uses to encourage tech integration, and the ways schools can better support teachers in using technology effectively.Shownotes:Desmos: free graphing calculatorNotebookLM

39:06

Learning Lab Episode #5: Putting Students First with...

Books over Bars ·

2025/04/28

What does it take to prioritize student learning in even the most challenging environments? Join us for a conversation with Gena McGill, a dedicated educator who shares her experiences and insights on creating a student-centered classroom in a highly restricted setting. Discover how Gena advocates for her students, adapts to their unique needs, and fosters a love of learning despite the obstacles.

33:22

Learning Lab Episode #4: Unlocking Potential:...

Books over Bars ·

2025/04/21

Can theatre-based practices help unlock the potential of confined youth? In this episode of Books Over Bars, Kaylah and Christina explore the innovative collaboration between Blake Tobey, a teaching artist, and Jodie Morgenson, a teacher in a juvenile justice school. Discover how they brought theatre-based therapeutic practices into the classroom, the impact it had on students, and the valuable skills these activities foster. Gain insights into this unique approach and learn how it can be adapted to

36:31

Learning Lab episode #3: Leading with Heart and High...

Books over Bars ·

2025/03/31

How do you create a school culture where teachers thrive and students excel? Join us as we speak with Simone Garwood, a dynamic principal who shares her insights on fostering continuous improvement, holding teachers accountable with compassion, and building a school community where everyone feels valued and supported.Show notes:Hidden Opportunity: Youth in DetentionIntro and outro music created by students at J.C. Montgomery School in King County, CA; Mastering by NEONMYST

40:03

Tech Check Episode #3: Trust, Yet Verify: Building...

Books over Bars ·

2025/03/25

How can we create truly innovative tech programs within the unique environment of secure schools? In this episode of Books Over Bars, Kaylah and Anthony welcome Derek Gagnon, DYS Director of IT for the Collaborative Educational Services in Massachusetts, to explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing cutting-edge technology to juvenile justice education. Derek shares his expertise in fostering innovation, navigating security concerns, and building programs that empower students and

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