Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean - Podcast Details

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The Your Story Matters PodcastThe Your Story Matters Podcast Episode 14: Dr. Leena Bakshi McLeanOn this episode of the Your Story Matters Podcast I have a conversation with Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean. Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean is a wife, mom of two, former administrator, professor and teacher. She is the founder of STEM4Real, a nonprofit professional learning organization committed to combining STEM and NGSS with justice centered teaching methods and leadership. She is author of STEM for ALL: How to connect, create, and cultivate stem education for all learners, as well as the podcast host of Teaching STEM, #4Real Podcast. 2025-07-1337 min $It\'s Time for Science$ It's Time for ScienceIt’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 23: STEM for All Students and Technology Integration It's Time for Science, and it's time to talk again providing access to STEM for all students and technology integration! Tom talks to Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean (founder of STEM4Real, and author of the book “STEM for All: How to Connect, Create, and Cultivate STEM Education for All Learners”) and Nicole Czaplicki, a principal in the Upper Dauphin Area School District. Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean is the founder of STEM4Real, a nonprofit professional learning organization dedicated to integrating science, mathematics, and STEM content with principles of justice-centered teaching and leadership. She has served as an adjunct professor of teaching...2025-05-1449 min

Teaching STEM #4RealS3.E7 Learning to Relearn in STEMWelcome to another episode of the Teaching STEM #4Real podcast! In this powerful conversation, we speak with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, founder of Identity Talk Consulting and author of "Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom."Kwame brings 17 years of experience in education, including 9 years as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia and Boston. He has earned numerous accolades, including being honored as the 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock Incorporated and recognition as a Top Education Influencer by BrightBeam in 2021 and 2022.In this episode, Kwame shares insights on creating...2025-02-1037 min

Teaching STEM #4RealS3.E6 STEM for Multilingual Learners, with Dr. Okhee LeeWelcome to another episode of the Teaching STEM #4Real podcast! In this powerful conversation, we speak with Dr. Okhee Lee, a professor at NYU Steinhardt School and a national leader in advancing STEM and language learning for multilingual learners. Dr. Lee has been instrumental in shaping the future of STEM education as a member of the NGSS writing team and leader of its diversity and equity team. Her current work focuses on justice-centered STEM education, integrating subjects like data science and computer science to tackle real-world challenges. In this episode, Dr. Lee shares insights on...2024-10-2455 min

Teaching STEM #4RealS3.E5 Anti-Racism in Universal Design for Learning, with Andratesha FritzgeraldWelcome to another episode of the Teaching STEM #4Real podcast! In this powerful conversation, we speak with Andratesha Fritzgerald, author of "Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success." Andratesha is the co-founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting Firm and has served in education as a teacher, curriculum specialist, administrator, and director. Her work calls organizations to evolve into inclusive, anti-racist safe zones for all learners. In this episode, she shares insights on interweaving anti-racism with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework: 2024-05-2244 min

Teaching STEM #4RealSpecial Education And Inclusion In STEMWelcome to another episode of the Teaching STEM #4Real podcast! In this episode, we are excited to speak with Beth Lakretz, Executive Director and Founder of Lakretz Creative Support Services. Beth has over 30 years of experience supporting the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education settings. She started her career as a special education teacher and consultant before founding her own organization focused on inclusive education. In this conversation, Beth unpacks key issues around inclusion and special education: - The difference between inclusion a...2024-02-2641 min

Teaching STEM #4Real23. Ambitious Science Teaching, with Dr. Mark Windschitl Welcome to the first episode of season three of Teaching STEM #4Real! We are thrilled to be kicking off a new season with Dr. Mark Windschitl. Dr. Mark Windschitl is a professor of Science Teaching and Learning at the University of Washington. His research interests deal with the early career development of science teachers—in particular, their trajectories toward ambitious and equitable pedagogy. He is the lead author of Ambitious Science Teaching (Harvard Ed Press), along with Jessica Thompson and Melissa Braaten.I personally use this text as the framework for my...2024-01-1853 min

Teaching STEM #4Real22.. Measuring Discourse in STEM with TeachFXWelcome back to the season two finale of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are thrilled to be joined by Resego Mooki! Resego is a former middle school teacher in Los Angeles, where she taught and shared her love for science. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health-Global Health from the University of Washington and holds a Masters in Education from Loyola Marymount University. Currently, she works at TeachFX where she continues to make a tangible impact on expanding educational equity by empowering teachers to foster deeper learning through meaningful, equitable, conversational classrooms using AI technology.2024-01-1843 min

The Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast with Daniel BauerUnleashing Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Leena Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean is the founder of STEM4Real, a nonprofit professional learning organization committed to combining STEM and standards-based content learning and leadership with principles of justice-centered pedagogy. She currently serves as the Director of Multicultural Education and Equity for the National Science Teaching Association. Leena has worked with pre-service teachers at UC Berkeley and Claremont Graduate University teaching STEM methods and Universal Design for Learning. She is a former county and state level administrator and mathematics, science and anatomy teacher. She is also the author of the children’s book, “There’s Somethin...2024-01-1735 min

Teaching STEM #4Real21. A Superintendent's Plan for STEM ImplemenationWelcome back for another exciting episode of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Neil Gupta, superintendent of Oakwood School District in Oakwood, Ohio. Dr. Gupta has over 25 years of experience in education, starting as a high school math teacher and later serving as an assistant principal, curriculum director, and superintendent. He is passionate about educational leadership, coaching administrators, developing improvement systems, and supporting the whole child. In this episode, Dr. Gupta shares insights from his unique bird's eye view of the education system...2024-01-1632 min

Teaching STEM #4Real20. Principals and Administrators in STEM, #4RealWelcome back to season three of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are pleased to introduce Samantha Stickley and Nicky Scott to the podcast! Samantha Stickley is an accomplished seventh grade science teacher within the San Marcos Unified School District, where she plays a pivotal role not only in the classroom but also as a department chair and mentor teacher. Samantha is particularly dedicated to promoting equitable size, education and grading practices. She strives to create a classroom environment that fosters inclusivity, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel in the fields of...2024-01-0952 min

The Ed Branding PodcastThe Ed Branding Podcast - Episode 19 Dr. Leena Bakshi McLeanSend us a textOn this episode of the Ed Branding Podcast we speaking to Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean. Leena is the Executive Director of STEM4Real. She helps educational leaders craft anti-racist and justice centered professional development in science, mathematics and STEM leadership. She also serves as the Director of Multiculturalism and Equity in Science Education at the National Science Teaching Association, part time STEM, Methods Academic Instructor for Claremont Graduate University, Science Hawaii membership director, keynote speaker, author and podcast host.TwitterInstagram 2023-10-0126 min

Time for Teachership120. Unit Dreaming: Sustainable Farming + Photosynthesis with Dr. Leena Bakshi McLeanIn today's episode as part of the Unit Dreaming Series with special guest, author, and educator Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean, Lindsay discusses unit dreaming and how it relates to sustainable farming and photosynthesis. Liked this episode? Rate, review, and share! Get In Touch With Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean: Website: www.stem4real.org Follow @stem4real on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/120 Lindsay's Links: LinkedIn: @lindsaybethlyons Instagram: @lindsaybethlyons Facebook Group: Time for Teachership 2023-06-2040 min

Teaching STEM #4Real19. Youth Action in STEM, With Dr. Lindsay LyonsWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are pleased to introduce Lindsay Lyons to the podcast! Lindsay Lyons is an educational justice coach who helps schools and districts co-create feminist, antiracist curricula that challenges, affirms, and inspires all students. A former New York City public school teacher, she holds a PhD in Leadership and Change, and is the founder of the blog and podcast, Time for Teachership. She believes the secret sauce of educational equity is student voice. Let’s embrace this Teachership! In this episode, Dr. Lindsay will share her jou...2023-05-3047 min

Teaching STEM #4Real18. 'Āina & Place-Based Instruction in STEM, With Whitney AragakiWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to be joined by Whitney Aragaki! Whitney Aragaki (she/they) is an educator, parent, and learner from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She supports students to learn through a lens of abundance that honors place, people and cultures. Her teaching focuses around conversations, practices and systems that sustain the intimate inter-relationship of public education, community and environment. Whitney is the 2022 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Math...2023-05-0242 min

Teaching STEM #4Real17. Science in the City: The Black Tax with Dr. Bryan A. BrownWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Bryan Brown! Bryan A. Brown is a professor of science education and former Associate Dean at Stanford University. He holds a BS from Hampton University, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of California, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the UC Santa Barbara. His work focuses on the role of language in science teaching and learning. Dr. Brown studies how race, technology, language and culture impact science teaching in urban schools. He is the...2023-04-1130 min

Teaching STEM #4Real16. Prerequisites and High School NGSS/ScienceWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to be joined by Dr. Nancy Nasr! Dr. Nasr is a science educator and district science specialist for the Glendale Unified School District with over a decade of experience in diverse classrooms. Dr. Nasr has not only taught at the secondary level, but also coaches and mentors secondary science educators across school districts to support the implementation of student-centered, constructivist pedagogies in the contemporary science classroom. Dr. Nasr’s continued research interest is anchored in cultural responsiveness in the diverse science classroom as well as...2023-03-1451 min

Teaching STEM #4Real15. Cultivating Joy in STEM with Dr. Gholdy MuhammadWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to welcome Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad to the podcast! Dr. Gholdy Muhammad is an Associate Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has previously served as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, school district administrator, curriculum director, and school board president. She studies Black historical excellence in education, intending to reframe curriculum and instruction today. Dr. Muhammad’s scholarship has appeared in leading academic journals and books. She has also received numerous national awards and is the author of...2023-02-2137 min

Teaching STEM #4Real14. Preservice Teachers and the Future of STEM EducationWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to welcome Dr. Samara Suafo’a to the podcast! Dr. Samara Suafo’a is the Assistant Director of Teacher Education and Clinical Assistant Professor at Claremont Graduate University. Her positionality as a biracial, student-athlete born to a Samoan father and White mother on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii uniquely informs both her practice and research. Specifically, she draws upon her own K-16 experiences as a member of a minoritized community who took advantage of athletics to mitigate the lack of access to resources and in...2023-01-241h 01

Teaching STEM #4Real13. Black Boys & Social Justice in Mathematics, with Lybroan JamesWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to welcome Lybroan James to the podcast! While it may not be the legendary basketball player, this Lybroan James is a legend in mathematics education. Lybroan James attended UCLA where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics/Economics and a Master of Education from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Having taught for 15 years, Mr. James saw the inequities in educational opportunities which ignited his passion to support the most underserved, disenfranchised group in public schools - young students of color. Mr...2022-11-1544 min

Teaching STEM #4Real12. Teaching STEM for Alternative Education, with Principal CorbinWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are honored and privileged to have Mr. Douglas Corbin on the podcast in celebration of Principal’s Month! Douglas Corbin began his educational career as a substitute teacher at Mt. McKinley School inside the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall in 2004. In 2005, he was hired as a full-time teacher at Mt. McKinley, which is part of the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Collectively, he served as a teacher in their court & community school program for 12 years. Within a three-year timespan, Mr. Corbin was promoted from a te...2022-10-1840 min

Teaching STEM #4Real11. Are Your Students Better Off Because of You? With Principal Baruti KafeleWelcome back to season two of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to welcome Principal Baruti Kafele to the podcast! Principal Baruti Kafele, a highly regarded urban educator in New Jersey for more than 20 years, has distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader. As a middle and high school principal, Principal Kafele led the turnaround of four New Jersey urban schools, including "The Mighty" Newark Tech - which went from a low-performing school in need of improvement to national recognition - and was recognized three times by U.S. News and World...2022-09-2753 min

Teaching STEM #4Real10. 5E Lesson: Water in Africa Using STEM + CommunityWelcome to the first episode of season 2 of Teaching STEM #4Real! We are thrilled to be kicking off a new season with Jacqueline Lafitte and Barbara Nicewonger. Jacqueline has been an educator since 1992 and instructs in STEM and STEAM, which adds arts to the curriculum. She emphasizes water conservation and water systems infrastructure in her lesson plans. In spring 2019, she received visions from God where she saw water wells being dug and where God was answering prayers of people who had been praying for clean water. Jacqueline immediately started praying and sharing her dream. With gratefulness, she accepted God’s p...2022-09-0643 min

Teaching STEM #4Real9. Rethinking Sex Ed and Health Classes, With Parijat DeshpandeWelcome to the final episode of season one of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, I am issuing a trigger warning as I will be talking about a very personal experience with pregnancy loss. However, I am so grateful to be in the hands of Parijat! Parijat Deshpande is the leading integrative high-risk pregnancy specialist, somatic trauma professional, and speaker and author who guides women to improve their pregnancy complications so they can reduce their risk of preterm birth. Her unique neurobiological approach has served hundreds of women to manage pregnancy complications and reclaim a safety and trust in their bodies...2022-07-1248 min

Teaching STEM #4Real8. DEI in STEM - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, #4RealWelcome back to Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are joined by Stephanie Chrismon, a Black/biracial (Black/German), Queer, Afrofuturist, writer and educator who identifies as masculine of center. She presents and writes on various topics related to issues of race, sexuality, family karma, social justice, as well as generational theory using pop culture, literature, and art as critical tools in exploring social justice and dismantling oppression. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Hamline University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Minnesota, Morris. Stephanie was...2022-06-2840 min

Teaching STEM #4Real7. STEM Identity that Stems from ElementaryWelcome back to Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are joined by the amazing Dr. Honey Sacro Swem, the coordinator for elementary instruction for Fontana USD, a full time Induction Support Provider, and an Instructional Coach. Let’s just say you better get your tissues ready because she had us in our feelings! Dr. Honey comes from a family of teachers and was admittedly reluctant to join the field of education at first. Well, thank God she did because the stories she shared melted our hearts. She taught for 22 years before landing her current roles and was recognized by...2022-06-1445 min

Teaching STEM #4Real6. SEL as a Lever for Equity in STEM with the Nita and Michael CreekmoreHave you met the Creekmores? Talk about #couplegoals! Nita Creekmore is the founder of Love. Teach. Bless. who currently works as a K-5 instructional coach and believes that the foundation of education is building positive relationships. She is a Black woman of Creole descent and an Elementary Instructional Coach. Nita taught in grades 1, 2 and 5 for 13 years before becoming an Elementary School Instructional Coach. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2002 from the University of South Carolina and also received her Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership in 2013 from the University of Virginia. Love. Teach. Bl...2022-05-2459 min

Teaching STEM #4Real5. County Offices of Education in STEM with Superintendent Alysse CastroWelcome back to Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are joined by the incredible Alysse Castro, a powerful leader of effective and equitable public schools. She is known for building schools that engage students and teachers by rethinking what is possible in school and beyond. Bringing deep knowledge in school finance and systems, Alysse helps educational institutions do more of what matters such as personalizing learning, building systems of support for students and staff, and developing educators to break free from the bureaucracy to spend more time with kids. She completed her Masters in Educational Leadership from UC Berkeley’s Pr...2022-05-1046 min

Teaching STEM #4Real4. STEM Teaching for Gang Members Too!Welcome back to Teach STEM #4Real! Today, we are joined by the one and only Chris Corrales. Chris is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he helps people out of pain through a method known as Structural Integration, and his greatest passion is facilitating men's physical/social/emotional growth through his program Cultivating Chivalry. Chris is also a proud husband and father of six. However, in a previous life, he was actually a gang member and formerly incarcerated. In this episode, Chris will open up about how his history as a gang member has shaped his identity...2022-04-2642 min

Teaching STEM #4Real3. Grandmas in the STEM Classrooms, with Dr. Cesar CruzWelcome back to Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are excited to have dear friend Dr. César A. Cruz on the show! Dr. Cruz, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco México, migrated to Compton, CA at the age of nine with a single mother and grandmother. He grew up with labels from bastard, to alien, to wetback and was swallowed up by the U.S. educational system to become Caesar - no accent - as he was schooled to purposely not know his roots. César’s mother gave birth to him at the age of 16 and was forced to pause...2022-04-0545 min

Teaching STEM #4Real2. Why ALL Teaching Should be Culturally Responsive Teaching with Zaretta HammondWelcome back to Teaching Steam #4Real! Today, we are absolutely thrilled to be chatting with the one and only Zaretta Hammond. Zaretta, M.A. is author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students. She is a former high school and community college expository writing instructor and, for the past 20 years, has supported schools and other institutions in deepening their understanding and application of culturally responsive practices. Zaretta currently runs the Culturally Responsive Education by Design Online PLC, a 6-month intensive, inquiry-based professional learning experience to build instructional capacity...2022-03-2238 min

Teaching STEM #4Real1. “I’m Ready to Quit!” Teachers and Mental Health with Dr. Sheldon EakinsWelcome to the very first episode of Teaching STEM #4Real! Today, we are honored to have Dr. Sheldon Eakins on the podcast. Dr. Eakins serves as the founder of the Leading Equity Center and is the host of the Leading Equity podcast. With over 11 years in education, he has worked as a teacher, principal, and director of special education. In fact, he is not just an ally, he is an advocate for equity and anti-racism. Dr. Eakins is passionate about helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools through his administrative coaching, facilitation, and courses on anti-racism. ...2022-02-2436 min

Grateful Living#97: How a Partial Hospitalization Program Helped My Panic Attacks and Suicidal Ideations: Leena LongLeena, in her day to day, is involved with construction management. In this interview, she talks about completing a partial hospitalization through McLean hospital after multiple extreme panic attacks and suicidal thoughts that landed her in the ER. __ Leena Long is the host of the Running Towards the Light podcast. RTTL Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Rm2DrqYB2NHD2S5naMhJ4 Leena's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenaxox13/ --- Grateful Living Info: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Bo0LHtRJJNJBUYIceg27w 2022-02-2154 min

McLean Baptist ChurchRev. Leena Lavanya May 13, 2018Rev. Leena Lavanya May 13, 2018 by McLean Baptist Church 2018-06-2218 min

Not That Kind of DoctorEpisode 6: The Psychopath EpisodeOn this episode, Dr. Arielle Baskin-Sommers joins us from sabbatical in New York City. Arielle received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience from Brown University. She went on to get her Master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After a post-doctoral fellowship and clinical psychology fellowship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, she went on to start her own lab, and is currently an Assistant Professor at Yale University. We asked a million different questions about psychopaths, and it was fascinating!2017-11-0600 min