Shows
Warriors of Education PodcastThe Benefits of Mindfulness In Education: A Conversation With Author And Educator Andrew Jordan NanceOn Season 2 Episode 16- I speak to Andrew Jordan Nance author of the children's book Puppy Mind and mindfulness educator. We speak about the connection to theatre education and mindfulness training, the benefits of meditation and how young minds really take to this work. "Mindfulness is breathtaking!"
Andrew Jordan Nance has been an educator since 1990. He is the author of four published books; The Barefoot King, The Lion in Me, Mindful Arts in the Classroom, and the bestseller, Puppy Mind. He is the founder of Mindful Arts San Francisco; a program of the San Francisco Education Fund that pr...
2021-12-0637 minWarriors of Education PodcastCreating Boundaries And Overcoming Burnout: A Conversation With Author/Teacher Dawn LeRouxThis week on Season 2 Episode 15, I speak to Dawn Le Roux a teacher in Mauritius, an island off of the coast of Madagascar and author of the book Ripple Effects- You're Not Crazy: Teaching In A New Era, about how teachers can create systematic change through rewriting the "good teacher" narrative, building an internal sanctuary, becoming comfortable in conflict and establishing clear boundaries. After dealing with her final burnout during the pandemic Dawn faced the choice of choosing herself or choosing teaching. We learn about how she overcame her burnout and in turn wrote a book about this journey...
2021-11-0832 minWarriors of Education PodcastTeaching Through A Pandemic In The UK: A Conversation With Daniela FlorioOn Season 2, Episode 14 We head to Surrey, England to speak to secondary language teacher Daniela Florio. We talk about the similarities and differences between how the US handled education during covid and what was happening in the UK. "What we were hearing was that the US was leading the world in online learning" while things were very different than that here in the US.
Daniela Florio came to Surrey from Italy in 1992. She has taught languages in several secondary schools. In addition she teaches Italian as well as Italian cooking.
Her website is: https://fluentwithdani...
2021-11-0134 minWarriors of Education PodcastHow Teaching Saved My Life: A Conversation With Marianna FreydlinOn Season 2 Episode 13, I speak to Marianna (Masha) Freydlin a 16 year ESL teacher, who's dealt with chronic illness and received a life saving transplant We talk about her incredible journey as a NYC public school teacher, and uses her experience to frame her work as a human centered educator. She developed "The Teacher's Lounge" on Facebook, a platform to support teachers and The New Teacher Mentoring Society
Marianna Freydlin MA, MSED, Ed.M is a NYC public school teacher who has spent over 15 years in ENL/ESL classrooms in a diversity of neighborhoods and schools. She specializes in a...
2021-10-2531 minWarriors of Education PodcastThe Chaos of Covid in Texas Schools: A Conversation with Zane Messina and Benjamin SterlingIn this week's Episode 12, Season 2 of Warriors of Education I speak to Zane Messina and Benjamin Sterling two teachers from Bastrop Texas, outside of Austin. Zane is now a former ELA teacher after leaving Walsh Middle School due to the struggles with decisions made around returning to the classroom. Ben became the president of his union fighting for the safety of his students and teachers during the pandemic ( which he is still fighting for currently). We talk about the struggle with online learning, the dangers of teaching during the pandemic and the insane board meetings about mask and vaccine man...
2021-10-1136 minWarriors of Education PodcastBuilding Positive Self Identity For Our Youth( And Our Teachers!): A Conversation With Donovan Taylor HallOn this weeks episode 11, I speak to Donovan Taylor Hall aka "Donofriend", a youth advocate and educator that teaches kids how to build positive self identity. We talk about his work helping students learn to take care of themselves mentally and physically using specific skills such as self talk, positive self identity, and making learning safe- skills that also translate for ourselves too!
Donovan Taylor Hall has been featured on the Today Show, NowThis, DailyMailTV and several podcasts to talk about the importance of positive youth development. Donovan teaches his self skills curriculum through coaching, speeches, and onl...
2021-10-0430 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 10: Navigating Covid In A Florida School: A Conversation With Terry KinderOn S2E10, I speak to Terry Kinder, a guest from last season, a middle school teacher from north central Florida. We talk about her return to the classroom after being remote all of last year and how they survived 3400 cases of Covid by the third week of classes. She also talks about the relief of finally teaching in person again and the challenge of the politics in Florida.
Terry was featured on the national news last year speaking about the pressure of assessments.
2021-09-2731 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2, Episode 9: The Success of Play Based, Skill Centered Education of Scotland: A Conversation With Blair MinchinIn Episode 9, S2 , our first International podcast, I speak to Blair Minchin, a primary teacher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Blair is revolutionary in his teaching work focusing on play and the Global Citizenship Initiative through the U.N. We talk about the differences between knowledge based learning in the US and skills based learning in Scotland. Check out all the wonderful things Mr. Minchin is creating in his classroom!
Blair Minchin is a primary teacher of 6 years based in Edinburgh,Scotland. He currently works in an inner city school, teaching primary 6 but has worked in all stages of primary. A co...
2021-09-2034 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 8:Bringing Light to Teacher‘s Mental Wellness: A Conversation With Happy Teacher Revolution‘s Danna ThomasOn Episode 8, S2, I speak to Danna Thomas, the founder of Happy Teacher Revolution, an organization and initiative on a mission to increase teacher happiness, retention and professional sustainability by providing educators with the time and space to heal, deal and be real about the social-emotional demands they face on the job. We talk about the demands on teachers, how mental wellness is essential to have a successful classroom and community. "It takes a village to raise a child- this is taking care of the village"
Danna Thomas is a former Baltimore City Public School teacher turned f...
2021-09-1332 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 7: The Impact of Art and Activism: A Conversation With Olivia SwisherIn S2E7 I speak to Olivia Swisher, a middle school art teacher and MORE activist in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. We discuss how the pandemic was an impactful time to be an art teacher as well as the work she has done with MORE ( movement of rank and file) including the fight for smaller class sizes.
Olivia Swisher is a 4th year middle school teacher at a public school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and is a member and organizer with MORE the Movement of Rank and File Educators Caucus of the UFT. Olivia teaches art and social an...
2021-08-3027 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 6: One Man's Quest To Revolutionize Education, A Conversation With Principal Amen RahhIn S2E6 I speak to Principal Amen Rahh, a principal, speaker, author and a leader in the education revolution. A proud Compton native he has transformed the educational experience through his creation of a unique house system (in the spirit of Harry Potter!) by building an aspirational culture using 4 major values: advocacy, friendship, courage and motivation. He has partnered with the LA Clippers,Think Watts, Apple, Planet Fitness and many more organizations all to better his school community. We also talk about his recent book called Revolutionary School Culture: The 6 Principals of Unlocking Your School's Hidden Treasure.
A...
2021-08-2335 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 5: Why Self Care For Teachers Is More Important Than Ever: A Conversation WIth "The Deviant Teacher "Nancy YnchausteguiOn S2E5 I speak to Nancy Ynchaustegui, also known as The Deviant Teacher, about her journey from 8th grade science teacher and teacher of the year to becoming a self care coach with an emphasis on healing your mind and body so you are at your best in in your life and in front of the classroom.
Nancy is a health and fitness coach that helps busy people prioritize their well being unapologetically so that they can feel like themselves again or for the first time ever. She is also a middle school science teacher that...
2021-08-1631 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 4: Working Together To Create Equity In Education: A Conversation With Kaliris Salas-RamirezIn E4S2 I speak to Kaliris Salas- Ramirez, a neuroscientist, professor at CUNY School of Medicine and a parent whose efforts have been focused on racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We speak about her tireless efforts to bring equality in education for her children and the difficult conversations that are necessary about how race plays into education, with the goal of elevating the voices of marginalized communities.
Kaliris Y. Salas-Ramirez is at the CUNY School of Medicine as Distinguished Medical Lecturer. There she conducts research on sex specific interventions for cognitive decline as a result...
2021-08-0935 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 3:Working Through Teacher Burnout: A Conversation With "The Burned In Teacher" Amber HarperIn S2E3 I speak to Amber Harper known as "The Burned In Teacher" about her work as a coach and inspiration to teachers who have experienced burn out. We talk about how burnout became a leading concern amongst teachers during the pandemic. " I stand by the belief that we must look at burnout as an opportunity for growth and change, not a sentence of misery. I can share my story and what led me to create Burned-In Teacher and some simple first steps teachers can take to process their burnout, rather than fight against it."
Amber...
2021-08-0232 minWarriors of Education PodcastSeason 2 Episode 2: Teaching Near the Front Lines Of The George Floyd Trial: A Conversation With Minnesota Teacher Jessie RodriguezIn S2E2 I speak to Jessie Rodriguez, a 4th Grade Teacher at a charter school around the corner of the murder and trial of George Floyd. She talks about her first year at this new school, handling the pandemic under the shadows of the George Floyd murder, protests and trial. "It was important to separate facts from opinions. We talked about how the situation was handled and we put ourselves in their shoes".
Jessie Rodriguez is a 25 year old teacher from California (Los Angeles). She went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff Arizona. Her first 2 years of...
2021-07-2634 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 1 Season 2 Creating Space and Speaking Your Truth:A Conversation With The AfroEducator Alexis ShepardIn the first episode of Season 2, I speak to "The AfroEducator" Alexis Shepard from South Carolina about her experience as a coach and an educator dealing with the pandemic and creating conversations around racial inequality. Her ideas range from " creating space to process trauma" as well as how to present to your district/administration on how to invest in curriculum that addresses implicit bias
Alexis Shepard is a veteran educator from South Carolina. She has 9 years of experience in the elementary and middle school settings. Alexis is no stranger to burn out. After multiple encounters with burn-out, a...
2021-07-1238 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 38: How Do Teachers Teach With Less Turbulence: A Conversation With Author And Teacher Meredith NewlinIn our final episode in Season 1 of Warriors of Education we speak to Meredith Newlin, a teacher, blogger, author, and creator of The Transformed Teacher a podcast and online community dedicated to "help motivate and inspire educators to rediscover—and keep— their joy for the teaching profession". We talk about how teachers can practice self care in this very turbulant time and where they can find inspiration through community. She is also the author of the book Captured Fireflies: Truths, Mistakes, And Other Gifts Of Being an English Teacher, which explores her own journey from teacher to practitioner.
Meredith...
2020-11-1627 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 37:Making The Unions More Social Justice Orientated: A Conversation With Fairfax Virginia's Janette CorcelieusIn today's episode of Warriors of Education I speak to Janette Corcelius, a music educator and activist from Fairfax Virginia. Her county/district was one of the few that made the radical choice during Covid to say they would not go back at all until there is a cure. She speaks about getting away from electoralism and neoliberalism and the need to fight on the ground because "withholding our labor is the best way to get things done."
Janette Zahia Corcelius is a general music teacher, chorus director, & CALM instructor (Children & Schools Achieving Lifelong Mindfulness) for Fairfax Cou...
2020-11-0936 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 36: When It's Time To Walk Away: A Conversation With Florida Teacher Ashley CraigOn today's episode of Warriors of Education I speak to Ashley Craig, a teacher from Orlando Florida who after 5 years of dedicated work decided to walk away from public education due to the treatment of teachers especially during Covid. Between unsafe conditions and the constant pressure of testing she felt enough was enough. She has decided to use her voice to advocate for the teachers who remain through media coverage and social media.
Ashley has been a teacher for Orange County Public Schools for 5 years and is moving into an education related field.
2020-11-0228 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 35: Keeping The DOE And The Union Accountable: A Conversation With August LeppelmeierOn today's episode of Warriors of Education I speak to August Leppelmeier, a social studies veteran teacher and activist with The New York City Department of Education He speaks about fighting to keep a democratic union and advocate authentically for each other. He urges public education allies to support S.7378 / A.10363 in the New York senate and assembly, respectively, to properly fund the schools in this time of crisis.
August has been teaching in the schools since 2001, after a year of teaching as a college adjunct. He did graduate studies at the New School, Queens College and Ad...
2020-10-2625 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 34:The Challenges Of Remote Teaching: A Conversation With Kevin HigginsOn today's Warriors of Education podcast we catch up to my first interview with Kevin Higgins. Because of a medical condition Kevin is teaching remotely. We talk about the constant challenges between curriculum changing and getting students to show up, as well as the frustration of not being live.
Kevin Higgins is a Special Education teacher in the South Bronx. In the 8 years he has been teaching, he has taught/co-taught ELA, Earth Science, U.S. History, Global History and Creative Writing; as well as leading Advisory classes for both integrated and self-contained classes for grades 9-12...
2020-10-1936 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 33:How A Collective Movement Around The Country Will Lead To Safer And Emotionally Responsive Schools: A ConversationWith Luke AmplettOn Today's Warriors of Education Podcast I speak to Organizer and Activist Luke Amphlett from San Antonio Texas about how he is working with teachers across the country to create a collective movement of change in a unsafe and uncertain future of education. "It is on us (teachers) to make sure that it isn't worse than it already is. Educators are really in the only position to change that. Educators are the most organized, most unified and progressive people. National organizations are acting collectively- in Austin, Little Rock, Chicago, LA and with MORE( movement of rank in file) in...
2020-10-1233 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 32:When Assessments Outweigh Social Emotional Learning: A Conversation With Terry Kinder In FloridaOn today's episode I speak to Terry Kinder, a middle school teacher from north central Florida. Terry was featured on the national news recently speaking about the pressure of assessments during the time of Covid. We talk about how her job was threatened if she did not give out these assessments at a time where teachers are just trying to navigate their way through remote learning as well as deal with the emotional fallout from this past spring.
This is Terry's 6th year teaching. She currently teaches 5 classes online and one class face to face.
...
2020-10-0531 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 31: Community College In A Time Of Covid: A Conversation With Suzy DevoreOn today's episode I speak to Suzy Devore, a professor of theatre at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL. We speak about the challenges of teaching during covid on the college level, how she has successfully navigated through to have in person classes while still teaching remotely and addressing the changing social and political climate in the state of Florida.
Suzy DeVore is a professor of theatre, actor and director. She holds an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School, New School University in New York City and a BA in Dance from Point Park College, Pittsburgh, PA...
2020-09-2829 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 30: The Grace Dodge Protests: Not Until It's Safe with Alexandra Haridopolos and Ilan Desai-GellerOn today's episode I speak to Alexandra Haridopolos and Ilan Desai- Geller who both teach on the Grace Dodge Campus in the Bronx. They have been a part of the ongoing protests against the NYC DOE and The UFT as teachers are returning to unsafe classrooms before the students come back. There has been an effort to keep classes remote because schools are not meeting the safety standards with poor ventilation and windows that barely open. Teachers have had enough and are speaking out for their own safety and the safety of the students.
Ilan Desai-Geller is a...
2020-09-2129 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 29:How MORE Is Fighting For The Teachers As Schools Reopen:A Conversation With Shoshana BrownOn today's episode I speak to Shoshana Brown, a member of the steering committee of MORE (movement of rank and file) and social worker in NYC. We talk about the complications of teachers reporting back to the classrooms , what MORE is doing to protect teachers. With an uptick of positive COVID cases with teachers there is a growing concern about how the NYCDOE and the union is protecting teachers and eventually students when they return.
Shoshana A Brown, LMSW is a school social worker in the NYC DOE. They are fierce in transformative justice, bold in tearing dow...
2020-09-1431 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 28: A Conversation With Kelsey Jean-Baptiste, Journalist, On Covering Teachers As They Return To The ClassroomOn today's Podcast I talk to Kelsey Jean-Baptiste, a journalist covering the reopening of schools and how teachers and students are dealing with it in her YouTube Show Too Real, A Talk. We talk about not only her experience speaking to these teachers around the country, but her own life- growing up with a mother who is a teacher and a sister still in the public school system. Her talk show is "A Journalistic Discovery Through Critical Movements for Change and Current News" focused on social justice issues and movements.
Here is a link to that show:
https://www.kelseyjeanbaptiste...
2020-09-0726 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 27:Union Busting: A Conversation About What's Happening at Brooklyn Friends SchoolOn today's episode I speak to Margaret Trissel, Fadwa Abbas, and Eliza van Rootselaar all teachers from Brooklyn Friends School, a private Quaker school in Brooklyn New York.The colleagues of Brooklyn Friends School moved to unionize last year with an overwhelming majority of employees (faculty and staff together) voting in favor of unionization. The new head of school did not want to work in a unionized school. After significant layoffs and role reductions that had been negotiated with the union, the head of school and the board announced that they are taking advantage of new Trump administration NLRB poli...
2020-08-3131 minWarriors of Education PodcastEPISODE 26: What Steps Do We Need To Make To Ensure a Safe Return To The Classroom? A Conversation With Executive Director of Badass Teachers' Melissa TomlinsonOn today's episode we speak to Badass Teachers(BATs) executive director Melissa Tomlinson about the need for teachers and parents to have a voice in the conversation of returning to the classroom during COVID. BATs have been working on a series of actions and plans along with Demand Safe Schools, National Educators United and Journey for Justice including petitions, letters and emails to governors and those working around governors. She encourages all to engage in these conversations and surround yourself with those fighting for equality in education, corporate education reform and the demand for a safe return.
Me...
2020-08-1731 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 25: Mindfulness In The Classroom: A Conversation With Meghan LeBorious About The Benefits Dealing With The Pandemic and Social Justice IssuesOn today's episode I speak to Meghan LeBorious, A high school teacher in Brooklyn who brought a mindfulness program to her school, a tool that transformed the students and teachers. Not only did it help with coping with the pandemic, but provided a way "to eliminate the internal obstacles that stop them from stepping fully into their power, dignity, and creativity – essential tools on the path to racial justice, and essential tools on the path to real freedom and equality." These are also tools teachers can use as they step into unknown territory returning to the classroom.
Meg...
2020-08-1034 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 24:A Conversation with Principal Sabrina Flamoe On Social Justice In Education In Portland OregonOn todays podcast I speak to Sabrina Flamoe a principal at a school for social justice in Portland Oregon. We talk about how she is implementing a social justice curriculum while also dealing with the pandemic and remote learning in Portland, Oregon. She has transformed her experience as a social worker into leading a K-5 elementary school. "I look forward to continuing learning along with students as we create a more just school, neighborhood, state and nation"
Sabrina is principal at Vestal Elementary School in Portland. It's her 24th year in education and 7th year as an a...
2020-08-0329 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 23: Teachers in Texas: Why Are Teachers Writing Their Wills? A Conversation on the Return to ClassroomsOn today's episode I talk to four theatre teachers from various parts of Texas: Joshua Hill, Chris Turner, Kyle Nichols and Paul Fillingim. This is a very frank conversation on the fear of going back, how some Texas teachers have to go back to minimal safety precautions, and the threat of job security if they protest or refuse to go back without safe conditions. " We are rewriting our wills- Our lives, our children's lives and our family's lives are all at risk right now".
Kyle Nichols has been teaching for 9 years in the Texas public sc...
2020-07-2726 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 22: Teachers UNITE! A Conversation About a Safe and Equitable Reopening of Schools With Members of National Educators United
On today's episode I speak to Rebecca Garelli ( Arizona NEU), Carla Okouchi( Virginia NEU), Katie Erlich (Washington State NEU) and Harley Litzelman ( Oakland CA NEU) to discuss the National Educators United movement.National Educators United is part of a national collective of students, parents, educators, and community members demanding a Safe and Scientific, Racially Just and Fully funded reopening of schools!"We are done waiting for presidents, secretaries of education, governors, state boards, and superintendents. WE are the ones who will create the PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS DESERVE. NEU is building a national movement to enact the three pillars tha...
2020-07-2032 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 21: Teachers Returning To The Classroom: A Conversation with Aixa Rodriguez and Jia Lee about The Grassroots MovementOn Today's episode we talk to Jia Lee and Aixa Rodriguez from MORE ( Movement for Rank and File Educators) on the pressure on teachers to return to the classroom. Without the help of leaders teachers are gathering in solidarity to come up with safe solutions for students teachers and parents. "We have to turn off the noise and focus on what we can do together by creating a campaign of escalating actions."
Jia Lee is a special education teacher at The Earth School, parent and proud member of MORE. She is also involved in Black Lives Matter...
2020-07-1337 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 20: What Is Happening With Theatre Education In The Age of Covid: A Conversation With Theatre Teacher Carolyn Messias In today's episode with speak with high school theatre teacher Carolyn Messias about how she has managed to teach theatre remotely, what's happening to school productions and speculations on what's to come. In a time where theatre has completely shut down- how are we servicing our drama students?
Carolyn Messias has been teaching Theatre and Public Speaking at Cherry Hill High School West in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for twenty years. Previously, she was the Associate Director of Education for The Shoestring Players, a professional national touring children's theater company in residence at Rutgers University's Mason Gross S...
2020-07-0824 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 19: Teaching on an Island-A Conversation with Kimberly Albertson and Samantha Turcotte from Nantucket,Ma.On today's podcast we go to Nantucket Island to speak to Nantucket Elementary School Assistant Principal Kimberly Albertson and 1st Grade Special Education teacher Samantha Turcotte to discuss what it's like to teach on a small island, what's happening for the kids in the current culture and the challenges of teaching remotely. Samantha is in her second year in Nantucket as the special education liaison with an emphasis on Sheltered English Immersion( SEI) and this is Kimberly's 28th year in education, her 2nd year as an administrator specializing in early childhood, special education and SEI. Recorded 6/9/20
2020-06-2927 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 18: A Conversation with Teacher Kristen Meehan, Author,Illustrator of the book "This Is Not Forever"Today's interview features author, illustrator and NYC public school teacher Kristen Meehan. We talk about being her newly released book https://www.thisisnotforever.com-story is based on her experience in Brooklyn, New York, during this historic pandemic. This children's book is about COVID-19 answers to some of the big questions our little ones are asking.
Her wish is that this book helps children to cope during this confusing time. We also talk about balancing motherhood with teaching too!
You can also purchase the book on Amazon :This Is Not Forever
There is also the free Y...
2020-06-2223 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 17: Bringing Black Lives Matter Curriculum into the Schools: A Conversation With Denisha Jones,Laleña Garcia, and Martin UrbachToday's podcast focuses on The Black Lives Matter Movement and how the it is leading to bringing BLM curriculum to all schools. We talk about the Thirteen Principles of the Movement for Black Lives into child-friendly language, in order to support classroom teachers beginning this work.The conversation is with national and NYC Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action Action steering committee members Denisha Jones, Laleña Garcia and Martin Urback
Denisha Jones is the Director of the Art of Teaching Program at Sarah Lawrence College. She began her career in education as a kindergarten an...
2020-06-1533 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 16: Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students During a Pandemic- A conversation with Megan WelchOn today's episode I speak to Megan Welch a teacher in the Philadelphia School District where she has worked with deaf and hard of hearing students for the past 10 years and working in the field for over 20 years.We talk about the challenges of teaching remotely in the new norm of masks and zoom. If anyone wants info on working with the deaf and hard of hearing go to https://www.pattan.net a source for all info including inclusion,policy,teaching methods and usage of auditory equipment.
2020-06-1225 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 15: A Conversation with Fran Tarr, The Founder/Director of Breaking Walls- an International Youth Empowerment MovementToday's conversation is with Breaking Walls founder and director Fran Tarr.Breaking Walls is an international youth empowerment movement that uses creative writing and theatrical performance to build global peace and acceptance. Our diverse group of young people from all over the world represent many cultures, religions, socio-economic situations, sexual orientations, educational levels and status as immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Breaking Walls helps them discover their voice to act as peacemakers and leaders, adding gravitas to what scholars call a “voice of poverty” – voices rarely, if ever articulated.Under Fran’s direction Breaking Walls is dedicated to bringing their vis...
2020-06-0828 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 14: A Family's Perspective- A Conversation with the Franciamore Family about Teaching and Learning Through The PandemicToday we speak to James and Nnenna Franciamore who are both educators; James works in the NYCDOE as a special educator and Nnenna as an adjunct faculty in the college of Education at GCU; she also teaches pre-k3. They are the parents of 3 children who attend NYC public schools. Their family mantra is Faith & Fun. They love God and love people and hope as a family to spread love and light in their community and to everyone they meet. We talk about the benefits and challenges of both teaching and raising their kids during this time. Recorded May 27,2020.
2020-06-0623 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 13: Being an Administrator in the Age of Covid- A Conversation with Joanna CohenToday's conversation is with Joanna Cohen, an assistant Principal at an elementary school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. We talk about the struggles of her students and their families from an immigrant community, how they are dealing with the corona virus and food insecurity and how she and her team are partnering up to help these families in need.
2020-06-0127 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 12: Teaching During the Pandemic in Eugene, Oregon with Judith TacchiniTodays episode features Judith Tacchini an 8th grade language arts teacher at Cascade Middle School in Eugene Oregon. Judy comes from a family of educators and public servants. We speak about Oregons process of planning for distance learning for all, finding hope in this foreign educational Landscape and the potential impacts of this disruption in the future of education. Recorded on May 6th,2020
2020-05-2923 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 11-Activists On The Front Line: A Conversation with #RedforEd Arizona leader Rebecca GarelliIn todays episode I speak to Rebecca Garelli, a leader in Arizona Educators United, and a major figure in the #RedforEd movement. We speak about her activism work as well as where the movement stands during the current situation.
Rebecca Garelli has been a professional middle school science and math educator for 16 years. She started here career in Chicago and was an active member of the Chicago Teachers Union(CTI) for 11 years. Upon moving to Arizona in 2017, she co-founded the grassroots educator group Arizona Educators United (AEU) in March of 2018 and continues to serve as a Lead Organizer. R...
2020-05-2630 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 10: Conversation with Comedian, Solo Performer and Teacher Susan JeremyIn todays episode we meet Susan Jeremy an at home special needs teacher, as well as an an award winning solo performer, playwright and character specialist who has been featured in festivals such as Montreal’s Just For Laughs, Charleston’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Dublin’s Gay Theater Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, and Vancouver’s Comedy Festival. We talk about how her experiences as a teacher have contributed to her shows and how she is dealing with remote learning these days. You can find out all about her at www.susanjeremy.com.
2020-05-2226 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 9: A Conversation with Lori Burris:union president and organizer of the Oklahoma teacher walkoutToday we speak to Lori Burris, President of the Mid Del Association of Classroom Teachers- the local union in Oklahoma. She is 29 year veteran teacher of special needs children and a local activist who was a major figure in the Oklahoma Teacher Walkout of 2018. We talk about the conditions that led to the walkout, what they accomplished as well as how teachers in Oklahoma are dealing with the pandemic.
2020-05-1829 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 8: A Conversation with Katy Cocovinis, educator and executive director of New York AllstarsIn this episode we have an in depth conversation with Katy Cocovinis a professional teaching artist, and entrepreneur Katy is the founding member of New York All Stars, where she leads performing arts programs and trains aspiring young performers pursuing professional opportunities. We discuss the advantages of remote learning and how the epidemic is affecting small businesses. Check out New York AllStars at https://newyorkallstars.org
2020-05-1623 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 7: A Conversation with NYC Special Education Teacher and Union Activist Ryan BruckenthalIn today's episode we discuss the state of education and the personal stories of Ryan Bruckenthal a public school special education teacher in New York City. He is a union activist in the United Federation of Teachers and the Movement of Rank-and-File Educators in New York City.
2020-05-1124 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 6: Conversations with Brooklyn teacher and organizer Patrick JohnsonToday we speak to Patrick Johnson a high school biology teacher teaching in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn,NY. He is an activist and organizer as well as a candidate for NYC Council. We talk about the struggles of remote learning on lower income communities. You can find out about his child-centered and people powered campaign at PatrickForBrooklyn.com
2020-05-0828 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 5: A Conversation with Fanny Sosenke, private school teacher in ManhattanTodays conversation is with Fanny Sosenke a 37 year veteran teacher currently working at The Chapin School- an all girls private school on the Upper East Side of NYC. We discuss what it's like to be teaching in a private setting as well as the pros and cons of remote learning during the pandemic. You can also catch Fanny in our documentary film Warriors of Education! Recorded on April 10,2020.
2020-05-0430 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 4:Conversations with Annie Tan: Activist, Teacher and StorytellerToday I talk to Annie Tan about her work and how she's adjusting to remote teaching. Annie is an elementary special education teacher in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, where she teaches primarily Chinese and Latino youth. She is storyteller and activist featured in The New York Times and The Moth. Find her on @annietangent and www.annietan.com
2020-05-0135 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 3: A Conversation with Marla Kilfoyle grassroots liaison at Network for Public EducationToday we speak to Marla Kilfoyle the former executive director of Badass Teachers ( with over 60,000 members) and currently working with Diane Ravitch( Slaying Goliath). We discuss her years of advocacy for teachers and public education as well as how remote learning is affecting our lives as educators. Recorded on April 22,2020.
2020-04-2726 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 2: A conversation about remote teaching during the pandemic with Kristin CaffertyKristin Cafferty is a 25 year art teacher in East Haven Ct. We talk about the challenges of being a specialist teacher while teaching remotely in the age of Covid. Recorded on 4/10.20
2020-04-2433 minWarriors of Education PodcastEpisode 1:Teaching during a pandemic; conversation with Kevin in the South BronxKevin Higgins is a Special Education teacher in the South Bronx. In the 8 years he has been teaching, he has taught/co-taught ELA, Earth Science, U.S. History, Global History and Creative Writing; as well as leading Advisory classes for both integrated and self-contained classes for grades 9-12.He has been a featured storyteller in NYC.He is starting his school's first music program in the form of a ukulele club. This club was not only the first music club at his school, but also the first ukulele club formed in the South Bronx! Kevin is currently writing a b...
2020-04-2039 min