Shows
Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 55: The Teacher They Can't Silence- Ms. Michelle Williams vs. HISDSend us a textIn this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, Michelle Williams returns to give us an update on her ongoing fight with Houston ISD after the board voted to terminate her contract at the October 9th board meeting. She explains what's next in her fight to clear her name and breaks down what the Chapter 21 process really looks like for Texas teachers facing nonrenewal or termination — and why so many educators don’t realize they have rights worth fighting for.Michelle also opens up about the realities of teaching emerging bilingual students under HISD...
2025-10-1359 minRidgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 40: WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!Send us a textAs promised, WE ARE BACK! Welcome to Season 3 of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast! Catch up with the OG teacher crew as we get into all things the 24-25 school year! It has indeed, been whipping us all! We talk about what has been the most challenging things for us so far this year, how we are coping with parents/students/admin, who's already been written up/called to the office and much more! Support the showThanks for listening! Follow me on TikTok @ Ridgemont4sFinest , IG @ Ridgemont4s_Finest, and F...
2024-10-2129 minRidgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastSeason 3...NOW LOADING!!!Send us a textWhere Have I Been? Ridgemont4'sFinest Is Back!After a whirlwind few months of working on Teachers After Dark and Divorce Diaries, and surviving the chaos of back-to-school season with helicopter parents and extra-needy students, I'm finally back! In this quick teaser, I catch you up on all the behind-the-scenes action and let you know what's coming next. New teacher content is on the way—get ready for an exciting Season 3!
2024-10-1303 minRidgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 39: HISD Union Leader Under Fire For Social Media PostsSend us a textIn case you missed the YouTube LIVE with HISD Union leader Michelle Williams, here's the audio for you. In this episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, we are discussing the controversial case of Michelle Williams, a dedicated teacher and union leader within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Just days after being removed from her teaching position, Williams finds herself at the center of a storm, facing termination and alleging retaliation from district authorities.We unravel all of the craziness with Ms. Williams and her story. From her impassioned critique of HISD's d...
2024-03-251h 14Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 28: No Role Modelz, That is Your Job!Send us a textWelcome to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. We are prepping to return to work after the much needed winter break and I have some of my teacher besties with me to get the conversation started. We joke around about our holiday shenanigans and I try to pry about their holiday hook-ups, lol!We then get into the real discussion: Are teachers always supposed to be professional, selfless, sacrificial moral authorities with limited personal lives? How do societal expectations shape the way teachers are perceived, especially when it comes t...
2024-01-0942 minRidgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 26: (pt2): Loyalties Tested: Teacher-Parents and the Family First DilemmaSend us a textWe left y'all with a cliffhanger on that last episode, so let's finish it off!!!! Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like you're dropping the ball in either role? We discuss the complexities of navigating advocacy challenges when it comes to our own children. Have you ever found yourself in...
2023-12-111h 07Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 25: Loyalties Tested: Teacher-Parents and the Family First DilemmaSend us a textWelcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like you're dropping the ball in either role? We discuss the complexities of navigating advocacy challenges when it comes to our own children. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you desperately wanted to advocate for your child but felt your hands were ti...
2023-12-041h 02Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 23: "Sisters" in Leadership: Rising Above the Mean Girl MythSend us a textWelcome to another episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast. In this episode we are discussing the stories of black women teachers who have faced profound trauma under the guidance of black women principals. We will be taking some of my most recent a TikTok videos and turning them into a raw hour-plus conversation that will leave you inspired and enlightened.Our guests, experienced educators who have been in the field for years, openly share their experiences, and the emotional and mental toll of navigating the rocky relationships with their educational leaders. We del...
2023-11-121h 17Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 20: Building Black Girls' Mental Health--PT2Send us a textWelcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, where we continue our important conversation about black girls and their mental health in the educational landscape. In this episode, we revisit and deepen the dialogue with a panel of accomplished black female mental health professionals. Together, we explore the multifaceted journey of black girls as they navigate the challenges and opportunities within our school systems.Our guests bring their expertise and unique perspectives continue discussing crucial topics affecting the well-being of black girls. From the impact of stereotypes and biases to...
2023-10-021h 09Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 18: Silent Struggles- The Rise in Student SuicidesSend us a textIn this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast , we confront a deeply troubling issue that is shaking communities across the globe: the alarming rise in suicides among school-aged children, teenagers, and young adults. Join us as we shed light on this heart-wrenching topic, its underlying causes, and the urgent need for action.We start by examining the staggering statistics, providing a stark reality check on the extent of the problem. With suicide now among the leading causes of death in this age group, it's a crisis that demands our attention.O...
2023-09-2458 minRidgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 19: A Bold Story Never Ends-Honoring the Memory of KameronSend us a textIn this deeply moving episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, we are honored to share the remarkable story of a family that turned their unimaginable grief into a powerful force for change. Join us as we get into the inspiring journey of a family who transformed their pain into purpose by establishing the A Bold Story Never Ends foundation in loving memory of their son, Kameron.Through candid conversations with Kameron's mom and aunt- 2 mental health therapists, we explore the deeply personal and heart-wrenching experience of losing a child to suicide. Their r...
2023-09-241h 08Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 17: Black Girls and the Mental Health MirrorSend us a textIn this soul-stirring episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, we discuss the often uncharted territory of Black girls' mental health. Join us as we explore the multifaceted aspects of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, shedding light on issues that have remained in the shadows for far too long.We start by diving into the heart of the matter: undiagnosed mental health issues. Our panel of experts, including a dedicated teacher and mental health advocate, an experienced mental health therapist, a compassionate social worker and therapist, and a gifted school counselor, opens up a...
2023-09-181h 06Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 16- Down For a Quickie?? A Quickie PD! (ADHD Teacher Edition)Send us a textGet ready to get into some crazy conversations with a burst of energy and laughter in this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast!Join us for a whirlwind of wisdom as a bunch of seasoned teachers spill the beans on their quirky, unconventional, and downright brilliant tips for newbie teachers. We call it "Quickie Professional Development," but trust us, we've got a knack for letting our ADHD lead us down the rabbit hole of epic conversations! ADHD aside, we're getting into the must-know secrets of the classroom. First up, we're laying it a...
2023-09-111h 09Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastDown For A Quickie?? A Quickie PD (ADHD Teacher Edition) Get ready to get into some crazy conversations with a burst of energy and laughter in this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast!Join us for a whirlwind of wisdom as a bunch of seasoned teachers spill the beans on their quirky, unconventional, and downright brilliant tips for newbie teachers. We call it "Quickie Professional Development," but trust us, we've got a knack for letting our ADHD lead us down the rabbit hole of epic conversations! ADHD aside, we're getting into the must-know secrets of the classroom. First up, we're laying it all out on the ta...
2023-09-111h 09Ridgemont4sFinest's- The PodcastEpisode 15: WELCOME BACK!!!!!Send us a textIn this highly anticipated season 2 premiere of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, I am joined by some of my teacher besties as we celebrate the start of a new school year over brunch and beverages. Shout out to Extraordinary Creations, Steel Kitchen for the delicious meal!!We get into the importance of self-awareness and community involvement in the success of our schools. We discuss the privilege some parents/communities have in being able to focus on the schooling/education of their kids, while others struggle to meet basic necessities. We touch o...
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