The Thoughtful Teacher podcast shares the stories of educators who have implemented innovative or creative solutions within their space. These stories and commentaries empower educators by sharing a world of ideas that can enhance pedagogical choices and decrease the isolation many teachers experience. We introduce listeners to school-based educators, thinkers, and researchers who have powerful ideas and innovations that makes teaching and learning more meaningful for your students. We also ...
…
continue reading

1
How We Learn: Student Voices on Learning, School, and Teaching
How We Learn: Student Voices on Learning, School, and Teaching
Short stories from around the world sharing the student perspective about learning, teaching, and school. Cover art photo provided by Matese Fields on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@tesecreates
…
continue reading
“We have to do better”… That’s Dr. Almitra Berry’s heart-felt answer when asked about educating children from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. Dr. Berry has a strong message for educators and school system leaders who don’t understand that cultural differences can profoundly affect the quality of education these children experience… “You have children with failing test scores. You have teachers who want to teach but aren’t given the freedom or allowed to use the tools and strategie ...
…
continue reading

1
Episode 151: Juneteenth Reflections & Farewell: Dr. Almitra Berry’s Final Podcast + Next Steps, Book, and Community
7:17
7:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:17Send us a text In this special Juneteenth episode, Dr. Almitra L. Berry signs off from Educational Equity Emancipation, reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth as both celebration and reckoning. She connects its lessons to the current challenges facing DEI and educational equity, and shares why she’s stepping away to protect her mental health …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 150: Mental Health in Schools: Real Strategies for Equity, SEL, and Student Support
13:24
13:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:24Send us a text May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but for educators and students, the stress is year-round. In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry dives deep into the realities of mental health in schools-why it matters, how it intersects with equity, and what you can do right now to support every student. Discover: Why schools are the new front lin…
…
continue reading

1
Every Conversation Matters with Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns
43:50
43:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:50Every interaction with every student is important, but how we structure (and yes, even plan) our conversations have an enormous impact on how students learn and achieve. In this conversation Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns, authors of Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking with Students, share their strategies building connecting rela…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 149: Haitian Heritage Month in Schools: Representation, Culturally Relevant Curriculum, and Equity in Action
15:41
15:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:41Send us a text In this episode of the Educational Equity Emancipation Podcast, Dr. Almitra L. Berry dives deep into the significance of Haitian Heritage Month and why representation matters for every child-especially those whose stories are too often erased from our classrooms. Discover the powerful history behind Haiti’s name, its legacy as the wo…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 148: Breaking Barriers: Literacy, Neurodiversity, and Educational Equity with Christina Rodriguez
51:49
51:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:49Send us a text Join Dr. Almitra Berry and Christina Rodriguez, founder of Tumbleweed Publishing, as they dive deep into transforming literacy education for neurodiverse and marginalized learners. Discover how culturally responsive, engaging decodable readers can empower children, challenge misconceptions, and create pathways to success for every st…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 147: Celebrating Diversity: Amplifying AANHPI Voices in Education
25:25
25:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:25Send us a text Dr. Almitra Berry explores the critical importance of recognizing and integrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage in K-12 education. She challenges stereotypes, advocates for authentic representation, and provides practical strategies for educators to create inclusive classrooms that honor the rich dive…
…
continue reading

1
Build the Ecosystem for Great Conversations about Race with Matthew R. Kay
38:08
38:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:08English teacher and author Matthew R. Kay shares how to build the classroom ecosystem for having meaningful conversations in the classroom, especially conversations about race in America. In this conversation he shares several interventions he uses and discusses how to craft great questions that lead to quality conversations in the classroom.…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 146: May Matters: Celebrating Diversity, Empowering Learners, and Advancing Educational Equity
16:43
16:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:43Send us a text Dr. Almitra Berry explores the rich cultural landscapes of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. She provides educators with actionable strategies to amplify diverse voices, support neurodiverse learners, and create more inclusive classrooms. D…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 145: Raising Little Justice Leaders: Empowering Children Through Social Awareness
31:36
31:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:36Send us a text Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, to explore the transformative power of social justice education for elementary-aged children. With a Ph.D. in Education from UCLA and over a decade of experience, Dr. Kretz shares how her organization equips educators and parents with resources to t…
…
continue reading

1
Our Kids Want to Have Difficult Conversations with Matthew Hawn
35:08
35:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:08Matthew Hawn used to be a social studies teacher until he was fired. He had his day in court and won, but instead of being reinstated the school board appealed. In this conversation, Matt shares his story, his thoughts on teaching controversial issues and how the community and particularly his former students have reacted. Despite many setbacks, he…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 144: The Pearl's Journey: Unveiling DC's Emancipation Day and the Struggle for Freedom
16:52
16:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:52Send us a text Dive into the powerful story of the Pearl, the largest recorded escape attempt by enslaved Black people in 1848, and explore the profound significance of Washington DC's Emancipation Day. This episode uncovers the systemic inequities of the 1862 Compensated Emancipation Act, traces the ongoing fight for racial justice, and challenges…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 143: Transforming Education: Equity, Empowerment, and the Culturally Competent Educator
19:10
19:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:10Send us a text Dr. Almitra Berry unveils her groundbreaking new book, "The Culturally Competent Educator," offering educators powerful strategies to create inclusive classrooms. Through personal stories and practical tools, she explores how to dismantle systemic inequities, celebrate diverse learners, and transform educational experiences for every…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 142: Celebrating MENA Voices: Transforming Classrooms Through Cultural Understanding
16:45
16:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:45Send us a text Join Dr. Almitra Berry in this powerful episode of the 3E Podcast as she explores Arab American and Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Heritage Month. Discover practical strategies for educators to create more inclusive classrooms, incorporate diverse literature, and support MENA students' learning experiences. From historical insig…
…
continue reading

1
How Trees Support Learning with Albert Garcia
27:08
27:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:08Have you ever noticed that tree-lined streets and neighborhoods with lots of trees seem appealing? Have you ever thought that your school or the area around campus could use more trees? Well, it turns out that trees do more than just make things look nice: having a lot of trees on campus and near a school actually improves achievement (yes for real…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 141: Defending Disability Rights in Education: Protecting IDEA, Medicaid, and the Future of Special Education
17:15
17:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:15Send us a text In this powerful episode, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the critical challenges facing students with disabilities in the U.S. education system. She examines threats to IDEA and Medicaid funding, discusses potential impacts of Department of Education cuts, and provides actionable strategies for advocates to support students with special …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 140: Breaking Barriers: Inclusion, Equity & the Power of Intersectionality in Education
22:09
22:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:09Send us a text Welcome back, Equity Warriors! In this episode of the 3E Podcast, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the importance of March as National Disabilities Awareness Month, Women's History Month, and Ramadan—and how these observances intersect to shape our classrooms and communities. From the historic Capitol Crawl that fueled the disability right…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 139: Intersectionality & Book Bans: Why Politicos Demonize Race, LGBTQ+ Identity, & the Cultures of Marginalized Peoples
44:43
44:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:43Send us a text Join Dr. Almitra Berry and educational technology entrepreneur Heather Wiederstein for a timely revisit of their powerful 2023 conversation, newly urgent in today’s climate. This episode unpacks the intersectionality of Black/Brown and queer identities within DEI frameworks, exploring how systemic marginalization manifests in educati…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 138: Empowering Educators: Insights from Dr. Dana Goodier's Journey of Resilience
43:18
43:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:18Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes Dr. Dana Goodier, an educational powerhouse with 23 years of experience. Dr. Dana Goodier has taught World Languages and English and worked as a middle school administrator. She completed her doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership early 2020, researching reasons parents were opt…
…
continue reading

1
Building Design for Learning with Willam Browning and James Determan
45:33
45:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:33Most teachers know that the physical space in schools and classrooms matter for student learning, health and wellness. But often teachers are using guesswork when they make decisions about physical spaces that are conducive to learning. Design consultant Bill Browning and architect Jim Determan are practitioners and researchers on biophilic design.…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 137: Examining Our Own Systems Through the Lens of Equity
20:01
20:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:01Send us a text Welcome to a special re-airing of the inaugural episode of the Educational Equity Emancipation Podcast, originally broadcast on October 20, 2022. This episode serves as the perfect introduction to Dr. Almitra Berry and the mission behind this transformative podcast, which has been running for over two years now. This week, Dr. Berry …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 136: Addressing Racism in Schools: A Guide for Educators During Black Futures Month
20:51
20:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:51Send us a text This episode of the 3E Podcast addresses the urgent issue of racism and anti-DEI efforts in schools. Dr. Almitra Berry discusses the disturbing story of a 10-year-old Black girl with autism who was handcuffed by police, highlighting systemic inequities. The episode delves into data on disciplinary disparities, achievement gaps, and f…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 135: Celebrating Black History and Futures Through Storytelling
32:57
32:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:57Send us a text In this episode, host Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes author Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant creator of the bestselling Sophie Washington book series and the picture book "They Built Me for Freedom." Tonya shares how her personal experiences and the rich history of Black culture inspired her work, which celebrates identity and engages y…
…
continue reading

1
Relating to Kids Through Storytelling with Jerry Kolber
21:21
21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:21In this conversation, self-described "bad student" Jerry Kolber shares insights from his work producing kid friendly media and how good storytelling can help teachers connect with students. Jerry is co-founder of Atomic Entertainment which produces kid-friendly programming like Brain Games and the podcast Who Smarted.…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 134: Envisioning Black Futures in Education
16:05
16:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:05Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry discusses the importance of shifting the focus from Black History Month to Black Futures Month. She highlights inspiring Black achievers in STEM, the arts, and education who are shaping the future, and provides actionable strategies for educators to incorporate Afrofuturism, future-focused projects,…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 133: Healing Our Nation's Divisions Through Therapeutic Principles
43:29
43:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:29Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes seasoned psychotherapist Phyllis Levitt, author of the book "America in Therapy." Phyllis shares her unique perspective on applying therapeutic principles to address the growing divisions impacting our children and communities. She emphasizes the importance of understandin…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 132: Gratitude, Growth, and the Road Ahead
14:41
14:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:41Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry reflects on the journey of the 3E Podcast over the past two and a half years. She expresses deep gratitude to her listeners, guests, and the behind-the-scenes heroes who have contributed to the podcast's success. Dr. Berry also shares her plans for 2025, which include continuing the podcast, and iss…
…
continue reading

1
Using the Arts for a Classroom Culture of Care with Maggie Broderick
31:17
31:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:17Dr. Maggie Brodkerick shares her past experiences as a music teacher and her current work as a professor to tell how teachers can create a culture of caring in their classrooms-while also maintaining academic rigor. Many students are sometimes not connected to teachers or other students for a variety of reasons, but teachers can integrate the arts …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 131: Empowering Neurodiverse Students: An Interview with Educational Therapist Jenny Drennan
48:47
48:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:47Send us a text In this episode of the 3E Podcast, host Dr. Almitra Berry interviews Jenny Drennan, an educational therapist and ADHD student coach who empowers students to become self-sufficient learners. Jenny guides students and parents in transferring responsibility and ownership, using educational therapy and coaching techniques to develop pers…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 130: Transforming Education in 2025: Trends, Tools, and Strategies for Equity-Driven Change
10:32
10:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:32Send us a text In this episode of the 3E Podcast, we kick off the new year by exploring the top education trends for 2025 that every K-12 educator and leader needs to know. From the transformative Science of Reading to the importance of educational policies for marginalized learners, we delve into the shifts shaping our classrooms. Plus, I share ex…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 129: Empowering Young Voices: Strategies for Early Language Development with Jeaneen Tang
47:49
47:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:49Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and a mother to a child with special needs. Jeaneen shares her unique insights on early language development and discusses strategies to empower young voices and potentially reduce the need for speech therapy. She …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 128: Harnessing the Principles of Kwanzaa for Inclusive Education
16:35
16:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:35Send us a text This episode explores the cultural celebration of Kwanzaa and how its principles can be incorporated into educational settings to create more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments. The host discusses the history and significance of Kwanzaa, its seven core principles, and provides practical strategies for teachers …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 127: From Segregated Streets to Global Connections: A Unique Perspective on Racism and Healing
46:49
46:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:49Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes JD, a unique storyteller with a background in Organizational Psychology. JD shares his journey from growing up in the segregated streets of St. Louis to becoming part of an international community of black expatriates. Through his personal experiences and insights, JD expl…
…
continue reading

1
Empowering Youth and Youth Voice with Sydney Guerette
31:02
31:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:02While still a teenager, Sydney Guerette founded a nonprofit where youth run the show solving problems within their communities and promoting mental health. In this conversation Sydney and Scott Lee discuss how she got started on this journey and how educators and caring adults can support youth who are making a difference in their communities.…
…
continue reading
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry discusses her vision for redesigning higher education to prioritize equity and address the critical educator shortage crisis. She outlines key focus areas such as ensuring equal access and outcomes, implementing culturally responsive curricula, dismantling systemic racism, and reforming funding and …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 125: Celebrating the Diverse Tapestry of December Holidays
10:43
10:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:43Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the rich array of December holidays celebrated across the United States and North America. From Christian holidays like Christmas to Jewish Hanukkah, Buddhist Bodhi Day, and secular observances like New Year's Eve, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring this diversity in …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 124: Empowering Every Child: Strategies for Transformative Schools
1:01:27
1:01:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:27Send us a text \In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes guest Eugene Williams, an author, educator, and former child actor. They discuss strategies to increase parental involvement, especially in middle and high school, and the importance of engaging diverse communities and embracing multilingualism. Eugene shares insights on addressing the ach…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 123: Empowering Parents Through Charter School Choice
54:34
54:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:34Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Shelby Mims and Julie Takata from Charter Schools Now, a Texas-based organization dedicated to mobilizing charter school supporters, engaging in elections, and fostering bipartisan partnerships to create thriving educational opportunities for students. They discuss the vital role of p…
…
continue reading

1
Connecting Students Through Music Workshop with Amy Richter
23:00
23:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:00Amy Richter founder of Music Workshop shares how music education can be transformative experience for students. In this conversation, Amy shares that funding cuts at her children's school meant no more music education. She decided to take action and find a solution by founding the non-profit Music Workshop. Now Music Workshop is available to 6 mill…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 122: Decoding Trauma, Building Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz
38:42
38:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:42Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a nationally recognized expert in childhood trauma and resilience. Dr. Robyn Koslowitz shares her personal story of overcoming trauma and developing PTSD as a child, and how it motivated her to empower parents to transform their own traumas into resilience for the benef…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 121: Overcoming the Odds: A Daughter's Journey with Parental Incarceration
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32Send us a text In this powerful episode, Christina "Pip" Pipkin shares her personal story of growing up with a father who was wanted by the FBI. Despite the challenges she faced, Pip found her way to success, becoming an educator and pursuing a doctorate. She reflects on the crucial role her teachers and community played in shaping her path, and ex…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 120: Elevating New Voices: A Conversation with Christina Pipkin
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Christina Pipkin, a lifelong educator and equity warrior, to discuss her personal journey and the importance of supporting students with incarcerated parents. Pipkin shares her own experiences growing up with an incarcerated father and the role educators can play in creating inclusive…
…
continue reading

1
The Epidemic of Financial Illiteracy with Vince Shorb
42:19
42:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:19This episode features a conversation with Vince Shorb, CEO of the National Financial Educators Council. In this wide-ranging conversation we discuss the problems many K-12 educators face in developing a quality personal finance program at all grade levels and Vince shares his ideas for improving outcomes and implementing serious reform initiatives.…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 119: Transforming School Meals: An Equity-Focused Conversation with Dennis Thomas
27:10
27:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:10Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Amitra Berry interviews Dennis Thomas, the former Vice President of Strategic Development at Organic Life and founder of DT Global Consulting. With a wealth of experience in business development in the education food service industry, Dennis is passionate about driving growth and innovation and meeting the needs …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 118: The Devastating Impact of Project 2025 on Marginalized Learners and Special Education
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Amitra Berry dives deep into the last two key issues of Project 2025 - the proposed elimination of Title I funding and the restructuring of special education funding. She explains how these changes would have a devastating impact on students of color, LGBTQ students, and students from low-income families, further…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 117: The Transformative Possibilities of Privilege
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Jason Browne, a masterful storyteller and seasoned speaker. Jason has a book coming out along with a new podcast, and he recently captivated audiences with a TEDx talk offering a surprising perspective on the topic of both his book and podcast: The Transformative Possibilities of Priv…
…
continue reading
Education researcher and advocate Dr. Nancy E. Bailey shares why educators should be concerned about literacy programs that claim to be based on the "Science of Reading". While there is no consensus on what the term "Science of Reading" means, many reading programs may only meet the literacy needs of some students. In this conversation we discuss w…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 116: The Impact of Project 2025 on Inclusive School Policies
22:32
22:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:32Send us a text What if protecting parental rights means jeopardizing the safety and autonomy of LGBTQ+ students? In this thought-provoking episode of the 3E Podcast, guest host Christina Pipkin, known as Pip, tackles the contentious topic of Project 2025's Suggested Mandates for Parental Rights in Education. We dissect the implications of these pro…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 115: Transforming Public Education Through Servant Leadership
46:56
46:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:56Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry interviews Kevin Johnson, the founder and CEO of the Johnson Leadership Group. They discuss Kevin's background, his passion for writing and promoting literacy, and his insights on leadership and accountability in public education. Kevin emphasizes the importance of leading by example and modeling de…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 114: Defending Educational Equity: Exposing the Threats of Project 2025
22:44
22:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:44Send us a text In this episode, the speaker delves into the concerning proposals within Project 2025 that aim to limit federal civil rights enforcement and change student discipline policies, which would disproportionately harm marginalized students. The speaker highlights the critical role of the disparate impact standard and warns that its elimin…
…
continue reading

1
A Different Global Perspective with James Dittes
35:37
35:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:37Our friend James Dittes returns to share his latest experiences with teaching internationally. When we first met James in 2020 he had started an exchange program with his class and a school in Germany. Since our last conversation, James has taken on a new adventure and now teaches English in an international school in Turkey. In this conversation h…
…
continue reading