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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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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

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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.

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 podcast, host David Harris interviews J. Stacy Utley, a critically acclaimed visual artist and educator from Charlotte, North Carolina. They discuss Stacy's journey into education, his evolution as an artist, and the importance of storytelling in art. Stacy shares his experiences in architecture and public art, emphasizing the significance of representation and community engagement in his work. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of gentrification and how art plays a role in shaping communities. In this conversation, Stacy discusses the intersection of art, community, and gentrification, exploring how urban planning affects artists and neighborhoods. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement in public art projects and the role of art education in fostering creative problem-solving skills. Stacy shares his current projects and reflects on the influence of teachers in his life, highlighting the significance of storytelling in art and the need for authenticity in artistic expression.

To learn more about Stacy and his work you can visit his website at jstacyutley.com

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, host David Harris interviews Adrian Gordon, a distinguished music educator and composer and one of only a handful of Black composers of classical music in the nation. Adrian shares his unique journey in music, from his early influences growing up in a Jamaican household to his experiences in music education and composition. He discusses the challenges of representation in classical music, the importance of mentorship, and the need for diverse voices in music education. Adrian emphasizes the significance of introducing young students to a variety of musical styles and the role of composers in shaping the future of music education. In this conversation, Adrian Gordon discusses his involvement in the Canon Project, which aims to diversify music education and promote young black composers. He reflects on his multifaceted career as a composer, performer, teacher, and author, emphasizing how these roles inform one another. Adrian also shares insights from his book 'Note to Self,' which addresses the challenges of transitioning into new teaching environments and the importance of mental health and authenticity in education. He also explores the concept of imposter syndrome, particularly among educators of color, and discusses the current state of inclusivity in classical music.

To contact Adrian you can reach him at Adriangordonmusic.com
You can also listen to Adrian's composition, "A Tender Moment in Time" on YouTube
For more on black composers in classical music click here.

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, host David Harris engages in a deep discussion with educators Melanee Duncan Friday and Dave Stieber about the pressing issues of mental health in students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the impact of social media, the challenges faced by students in processing emotions, and the role of schools in providing support. The conversation highlights the need for more resources, the importance of trauma-informed teaching, and the complexities of managing cell phone use in educational settings. In this conversation, educators discuss the impact of technology on learning, the challenges of teaching history and critical race theory, and the media's portrayal of parental perspectives in education. They explore the balance between digital citizenship and classroom management, and ultimately reflect on what gives them hope in the current educational landscape.

Additional resources on the topics discussed in the episode:

• Addressing mental health challenges among students in all grade levels.
  • Kid's Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of our Time,' Surgeon General Says
• Cell phone bans in schools across the country
  • Why Schools Are Racing to Ban Student Phones
  • Schools Say No to Cellphones, but is it a good idea
  • A look at state efforts to ban cell phones
• Black History Bans
  • Black History 'Underground Railroad" forms across U.S. after increase of book bans

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.

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, LaQuinda Johnson shares her transformative journey in education, from her early influences and teaching experiences in Miami and Atlanta to her decision to leave the classroom and start Lady Quinn Enterprise. She discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching in diverse environments, the importance of building relationships with students and parents, and the rise of homeschooling among Black families, particularly during the pandemic. LaQuinda also elaborates on her own homeschooling experience with her daughter and the formation of a co-op that focuses on culturally relevant education. In this conversation, LaQuinda Johnson discusses her experiences as a homeschooling mom and entrepreneur, emphasizing the flexibility that homeschooling provides. She addresses the challenges of balancing her entrepreneurial responsibilities with her role as a mother and educator. LaQuinda also highlights the importance of socialization for homeschooled children, the benefits of homeschooling for children with disabilities, and the growing trend of African American families choosing to homeschool. She shares insights on the resources available for homeschooling families and discusses her own educational enterprise, Ladiquin Enterprise, which offers various educational services.

To reach Laquinda and learn more about company you can email her at
laquinda@ladiquinenterprise.com or visit her website at https://ladiquinenterprise.com/

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.

This is a rebroadcast of one of the most popular episodes from last season, timed to coincide with this week’s annual NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) in Denver, Colorado. Many listeners felt this episode should be mandatory listening for those attending POCC for the first time.

Join David and his distinguished guests—Bobby Edwards, Jacqui Pelzer, and Jana Dorsey—as they delve into the history, impact, and mission of the National Association of Independent Schools’ annual POCC. From its beginnings in 1986 with fewer than 200 participants to its evolution into a transformative gathering of over 9,000 educators, this episode explores the conference's growth and the creation of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC).

We discuss the vital role of POCC in fostering safe spaces for BIPOC educators, its significance in promoting equity and belonging, and the resilience required to uphold its mission amidst the challenges and attacks on DEI and on the conference itself.

Tune in for a powerful and timely conversation about one of education’s most impactful conferences.

For more information on this year's POCC checkout the link below
https://nais.org/pocc/

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.