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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews former student Michael Lamb, who shares his journey from being a student at the University of Chicago Lab School to becoming a teacher in the South Side of Chicago. Michael discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced while teaching in the Ickes community, emphasizing the importance of understanding students' backgrounds and the role of community in education. He reflects on his commitment to educational access and equity, as well as the impact of political decisions on educational institutions. The conversation highlights the significance of advocacy in education and the personal growth that comes from teaching. In this conversation, Michael Lamb shares his journey from teaching in Chicago to working in the Obama administration's Department of Education. He discusses the challenges and successes of the Office for Civil Rights and the Turnaround Model aimed at improving struggling schools. The conversation also touches on the critical role of the Department of Education, the ongoing issues of segregation and equity in education, and the importance of building strong relationships with students. Michael reflects on the impact of educators and the need for significant change in the educational system.

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David Harris interviews Abeer Ramadan- Shinnawi, a Palestinian-American educator and equity advocate. Abeer shares her journey from being a child of Palestinian immigrants to becoming a teacher and advocate for Muslim and Arab students in the Baltimore area. She discusses her early education experiences in both the U.S. and Palestine, the challenges of cultural identity, and her commitment to creating supportive spaces for Muslim girls in schools. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding diversity within the Muslim community and the need for educators to be aware of the unique challenges faced by their students. In this conversation, Abeer discusses her work with Muslim students, particularly focusing on empowering girls and addressing the unique challenges they face. She emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments in schools, the need for unlearning biases, and the role of educators in fostering inclusive spaces. Abeer also reflects on the current societal challenges and the importance of community building, resilience, and authentic conversations in education.

You can contact Abeer on LinkedIn or visit Altair Educational Consulting

Books mentioned:

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X with Alex Haley
• I Cannot Write My Life: Islam, Arabic, and Slavery in Omar ibn Said's America by Carl W. Ernst and Mbaye Lo

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David sits down with esteemed educator and historian, Dr. Charles Branham to discuss Black History Month 2025. The also discuss the ongoing backlash against African-American advancements, particularly in the context of Black History Month. He explores historical patterns of resistance to African-American progress, the impact of Donald Trump's presidency, and the potential for a constitutional crisis. The conversation also delves into the global context of change, the importance of agency and empowerment within the African-American community, and the historical journey of Black education. This conversation explores the evolution of African American education, the decline of Black educators, and the impact of integration on the community. It emphasizes the importance of reframing African American history to highlight resilience and resistance, rather than solely focusing on oppression. The discussion also touches on the role of Black teachers in improving educational outcomes and the need for vigilance in preserving African American history amidst contemporary challenges.

Books mentioned in the Podcast:f

From Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin

Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett, Jr.

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.