Best Jonathan Silva Podcasts (2025)

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Voices of Change: Dr. RoseMary Clairmont and Jonathan Santos Silva on Reclaiming Indigenous Education 1:15:27

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9d ago1:15:27

1:15:27

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David sits down with Jonathan Santos Silva and Dr. RoseMary Clairmont to explore the revitalization of Native education. From Dr. Clairmont's journey from the classroom to tribal leadership (04:12) to Jonathan's powerful …

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Alexandra and Friends September 6: Guest Pocket Sandwich Theatre 53:55

8d ago53:55

53:55

Jeff VanceJeff Vance was introduced to the Pocket in the early 1980s when he worked on an independently produced play that performed on the late-night stage, “When You Comin Back Red Ryder.” The title role was played by Tracey Letts, who would go on to win a Tony Award for Best Actor, and the Pulitzer Prize as a playwright. In 1985, Jeff worked on …

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Challenging the Narrative: Ismail Khalidi on Storytelling and the Palestinian Perspective 58:08

22d ago58:08

58:08

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David reconnects with his former student, award-winning playwright and screenwriter Ismail Khalidi, to explore identity, art, and Palestine. From growing up Palestinian in America (05:45) to the influence of family and ed…

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Alexandra and Friends August 2nd: Guest Jonathan DeFex 1:01:55

2M ago1:01:55

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Jonathan is a dedicated financial advisor with a deep passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Growing up in Dallas with Colombian roots, he was raised in a culturally rich and bilingual household, which has shaped his approach to client relationships. Jonathan attended the University of Arkansas, where he honed h…

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Alexandra and Friends July 26: Guest Kim Pollock McGrath 1:07:21

2M ago1:07:21

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Kim Pollock McGrath is a lifelong Kansas resident who claims Texas as her second home. During her 29 incredible years as a first grade teacher, she took every opportunity to make her classroom fun and interactive by incorporating her own jingles, songs, and stories into her lessons. Family, friends, and her two dogs take priority, but when she has …

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Winner Announced!!! 2:43

2M ago2:43

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We’re here to answer the question you’ve all been asking: who won the $50,000? We’re thrilled to announce that Jonathan Santos Silva of The Liber Institute is the winner of this season’s Pitch Playground prize! 🎉 Tune in to this mini-episode to hear Jonathan’s real-time reaction to the news and what he’s planning to do with the $$$. Jonathan is the…

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Alexandra and Friends June 28: Guest Hester Moore 49:58

3M ago49:58

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Hester J. Moore is a student leader and activist dedicated to giving marginalized students a platform to be heard. As the founder of Hebron High School’s Black Student Union, she advocates for equity, representation, and safe spaces for Black students. Through open dialogue and community-building, Hester empowers her peers to speak up, stand strong…

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Rooted in Resilience (Part II): Dr. Rodney Glasgow on Reclaiming, Resisting, and Reimagining the Legacy of POCC and SDLC 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In Part II of this compelling Pride Month conversation, David continues his interview with Dr. Rodney Glasgow, focusing on the recent pause of the NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and what that means…

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Rooted in Resilience (Part I): Dr. Rodney Glasgow on Pride, Purpose, and the Power of Living Authentically 46:08

3M ago46:08

46:08

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In Part I of this powerful Pride Month conversation, David speaks with Dr. Rodney Glasgow, a prominent educator and advocate for equity and inclusion, about the intersections of race, class, and sexual orientation, and the role of educators in today’s challengi…

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Call to Vote: Which Idea Should Win $50k? 16:15

4M ago16:15

16:15

One of the entrepreneurs who came on Pitch Playground this season will receive $50,000 to take their idea to the next level. Which idea do YOU think deserves the cash? This episode takes you on a tour of ten bold education entrepreneurs—spanning equity in education, career readiness, cutting-edge technology, and student agency. 🗳️ Head to pitchplay…

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Alexandra and Friends June 7: Guest Rodrigo Morales 1:00:53

4M ago1:00:53

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Rodrigo Morales is the co-founder and head baker at Croix Bakehouse in Frisco, Texas. His journey into baking began over seven years ago in his own kitchen, driven by a deep curiosity about the science of natural fermentation. After studying Culinary Arts in Peru, he completed an internship at a 3 star Michelin restaurant in Barcelona, experience t…

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A Legacy in Every Note: How Michael and Lana Manson Are Transforming Lives Through the Musical Arts Institute 53:54

4M ago53:54

53:54

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David speaks with Michael and Lana Manson, founders of the Musical Arts Institute in Chicago, in celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month. They discuss their musical roots, the role of HBCUs in shaping the…

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Alexandra and Friends May 31st: Guests Annette and Anita 1:08:21

4M ago1:08:21

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Together, Annette and Anita both have Master’s Degrees in Counseling and have over50 years experience in the mental health, educational fields and beyond. Serving inpublic schools, private practice, career and college counseling, residential treatmentcenters, juvenile justice systems, homeless, drug and alcohol counseling, inpatient andoutpatient, …

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Building a Better Childcare System: How Jaime-Jin Lewis’s AutoEnroll Simplifies Childcare Operations 30:55

4M ago30:55

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Childcare is essential for high-functioning societies—linked to better health, education, and employment outcomes. Yet despite its high social return, caregiving remains undervalued, with the labor—paid or unpaid—falling disproportionately on women. Jaime-Jin Lewis, founder of Wiggle Room, is building the infrastructure behind a more dynamic and du…

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Redesigning Rural and Indigenous Education: How Jonathan Santos Silva’s Liber Institute Empowers Communities at the Margins 31:40

5M ago31:40

31:40

If we design at the margins, what we learn will help us make education better everywhere. That’s the perspective of this episode’s guest, Jonathan Santos Silva, founder of The Liber Institute. Liber’s mission is to embolden and equip Indigenous students, families, and educators to redesign schools from the ground up. Jonathan’s journey took him fro…

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Bars, Beats, and Building Futures: David Spellmon on Hip-Hop and Education 48:33

5M ago48:33

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of The Teachers Forum, David interviews David Spellmon, a behavior specialist who integrates hip hop pedagogy into education. Spellmon shares his unique journey into education, emphasizing the importance of cultural relevance and social emotiona…

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Alexandra and Friends May 3: Guest Victor Vonico Johnson 1:03:14

5M ago1:03:14

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Meet Victor Vonico Johnson, a dynamic and award-winning speaker, youth advocate, business coach, real estate entrepreneur, and published author from the Dallas-Fort Worth area! He is a TEDx speaker, an Award-Winning Toastmasters expert, and Treasurer of the global men’s mentor group, King’s Accountability Group, Inc., along with serving on several …

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Alexandra and Friends April 26: Guest Sanjay Narayan 54:39

5M ago54:39

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Sanjay Narayan is a dedicated attorney based in Dallas, Texas. A proud native of Plano, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Duke University. He then obtained his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he also obtained a Certificate in Business Economics and Public P…

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A Story Behind Every Empty Seat: How Evan Wilsons’ Scaffold Ed is Tackling Chronic Absenteeism with AI 28:39

5M ago28:39

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When nearly a third of students stopped showing up to school during the pandemic, it became clear: chronic absenteeism is not just a data point—it’s a crisis. Evan Wilson, co-founder of Scaffold Ed, is working to get to the heart of what’s keeping kids out of school. His AI-powered tool helps schools move beyond attendance charts to uncover the rea…

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Alexandra & Friends April 5th: Guest Dorothy Silva 1:04:12

5M ago1:04:12

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Dorothy Silva comes from a rich Jewish heritage, and her journey with God began at just 2 years old, when she had a divine encounter that she obeyed—long before she knew it was the voice of God. It wasn’t until the age of 5, when she first heard Psalm 23, that the Bible was introduced into her life, igniting a lifelong passion for His Word.In June …

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The Fight for Asian American Studies in Schools: A Conversation with Freda Lin 52:21

5M ago52:21

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris speaks with Freda Lin, co-director of the YURI Education Project, about her journey from a conflicted racial identity in a homogenous suburb to becoming an activist for Asian American studies in education…

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One Size Doesn’t Fit All: How Danette Buckley’s Dream Tech Academy Offers Personalized Education 31:18

5M ago31:18

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How do you create a classroom that meets students where they are? For Danette Buckley, the answer was to build it herself. Dream Tech Academy, her microschool in Petersburg, Virginia, was born from a personal mission to support her daughter during a difficult medical journey. Today, Dream Tech serves 42 students and is rewriting the rules on what e…

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Politics, Policy, and Public Schools: A Conversation with Michael Lamb 51:04

6M ago51:04

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews former student Michael Lamb, who shares his journey from being a student at the University of Chicago Lab School to becoming a teacher in the South Side of Chicago. Michael discusses the challe…

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Hard Hats, Soft Skills: How Aaron Frumin's unCommon Construction Prepares Students for College and Career Success 29:17

6M ago29:17

29:17

What if students could earn school credit, get paid, and build a house—all in one semester? Aaron Frumin, founder of unCommon Construction, is making that a reality. Based in New Orleans, unCommon Construction is a nonprofit apprenticeship program that places high school students on job sites, where they learn hands-on construction skills while dev…

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Alexandra & Friends March 29th: Guest Kellye Kamp 53:57

6M ago53:57

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Kellye Kamp, Founder and Owner of SourceKamp, is a seasoned entrepreneur who consults businesses and organizations on creating extraordinary experiences for their client base. With a diverse background spanning advertising, hospitality, construction, design, manufacturing, retail and consulting, Ms. Kamp leverages her extensive experience to offer …

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Beyond Compliance: How jacob adams’ Inner Spark Learning Lab Cultivates Critical Thinkers 28:00

6M ago28:00

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What if education wasn’t about compliance but about discovery? jacob adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, believes students should have the power to question, explore, and create—not just memorize and obey. In this episode of Pitch Playground, jacob shares his journey from being labelled a “troublemaker” in school to reimagining learning env…

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Alexandra & Friends March 1st: Guest Sheena Rodriguez 1:06:08

7M ago1:06:08

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Sheena has been advocating for a safe border legislatively on the state level as well as Federally in Congress. She’s a well of information on the subject and has first hand information on what’s happening there. Sheena Rodriguez is a wife, former educator, and current homeschooling mother who began her activism in the pro-life movement. She served…

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Alexandra and Friends February 22nd: Guest Josh, Tre, Tre Jr. and Semiyaes 1:02:54

7M ago1:02:54

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Semiyaes GatlinHello, my name is Semiyaes Gatlin. I'm from Las Vegas, Nevada, and currently a junior at Paul Quinn College, majoring in business.My goal is to become an entrepreneur.In the near future, I plan to earn a certificate in barbering and combine it with my business degree to open my own barbershop and clothing store.In addition to that, I…

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Consent-Based Education: How Dr. Erin Flynn’s Hedge School Prioritizes Student Autonomy 30:52

7M ago30:52

30:52

What if students had full autonomy over their learning? Dr. Erin Flynn, founder of the Hedge School, is reimagining education through consent-based learning. Located in Texas, the Hedge School is a microschool where students have the freedom to choose what and how they learn, creating an environment that fosters curiosity, confidence, and emotional…

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Teaching, Identity, and Justice: Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi on Equity in Education 58:06

7M ago58:06

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David Harris interviews Abeer Ramadan- Shinnawi, a Palestinian-American educator and equity advocate. Abeer shares her journey from being a child of Palestinian immigrants to becoming a teacher and advocate for Muslim and …

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Alexandra and Friends February 1st: Guest Ken J 1:00:33

7M ago1:00:33

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After 18 years of marriage, Ken Jenkins—also known as "Ken J"—lost his wife, and he turned to writing as a way to cope with his grief. Inspired by Kevin LeVar's song A Heart that Forgives, a powerful anthem urging people to embrace forgiveness as part of God's calling, Ken J wrote the screenplay for A Heart that Forgives. The film, which follows hi…

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Alexandra and Friends January 25th - Guest Tomothy Isaly and Students 55:20

7M ago55:20

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Timothy A. Isaly serves in his 8th year as the principal of the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD’s Early College High School located on the Dallas College-Brookhaven campus. This is his 38th year in education having taught mathematics in rural, suburban, and urban districts both in the USA and internationally; served as a public high school administra…

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Interrupting the School to Prison Pipeline: How Lisa María Rhodes' Alas Advocates for Students 30:11

7M ago30:11

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How can educators disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline? Lisa María Rhodes, founder of Alas, is on a mission to ensure students impacted by the criminal legal and immigration systems have a fighting chance at success. Alas creates interventions that support young people facing incarceration and deportation, providing them with legal advocacy, educa…

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Dr. Charles Branham on Black History: Brilliance, Resistance, and Agency 1:00:52

7M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David sits down with esteemed educator and historian, Dr. Charles Branham to discuss Black History Month 2025. The also discuss the ongoing backlash against African-American advancements, particularly in the context of Bla…

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Immersive Classrooms in Mixed Reality: How Jonathan Teske's Reframe XR Brings Learning to Life 30:51

8M ago30:51

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How can XR headsets empower teachers in the classroom? Jonathan Teske, a former teacher and edtech expert, founded ReframeXR to make immersive, interactive learning experiences an everyday reality. ReframeXR allows educators to create spatial classrooms where students can engage in collaborative, hands-on learning. Imagine an earth sciences lesson …

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The Power of Art: J. Stacy Utley on Storytelling, Public Spaces, and Representation 44:50

8M ago44:50

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum podcast, host David Harris interviews J. Stacy Utley, a critically acclaimed visual artist and educator from Charlotte, North Carolina. They discuss Stacy's journey into education, his evolution as an artist, and the import…

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A Note to Self: Adrian Gordon’s Journey as a Black Composer in Classical Music 57:54

8M ago57:54

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews Adrian Gordon, a distinguished music educator and composer and one of only a handful of Black composers of classical music in the nation. Adrian shares his unique journey in music, from his ear…

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Why College Isn’t the Only Option: How Victoria Chen’s BridgeYear Transforms Career Pathways 31:05

8M ago31:05

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What are the options after high school for non-college bound students? Victoria Chen, a former high school biology teacher, founded BridgeYear, a Houston based nonprofit, to address gaps in the education system that fail to provide non-college-bound students with viable career options. As a teacher, Victoria witnessed a valedictorian abandon a full…

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Alexandra and Friends January 4th - Guest Mayor Terry Lynne 57:13

8M ago57:13

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1 view Streamed live on Jan 4, 2025 Terry Lynne 26-year resident of Farmers Branch and a native Texan, born and raised in Dallas. He attended Calliet Elementary School, Cary Junior High and Thomas Jefferson High School. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Business Management. After college, he worked for seven years in i…

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Alexandra and Friends December 7th - Guest David Carr Jr 54:06

8M ago54:06

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David Carr, Jr. first picked up the saxophone when he was 12 years old. Born July 9th in Denver, Colorado, his family moved and settled in Oklahoma when he was still young. He grew up in Oklahoma, helping out on the family farm, and by the time he was 14, David was playing along side his dad around Oklahoma City. The best advice David says his dad …

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Alexandra and Friends November 7th - Tina Bennet-Burton and John Jun 1:03:34

8M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Dr. Tina Bennett-Burton, DC graduated from Parker Chiropractic College in Dallas, Texas in 2006. In 2007 she went into private practice opening, Park Central Chiropractic, providing care for a diverse wellness demographic. Dr. Tina has raised two children, a son and daughter. Dr. Bennett's daughter was diagnosed after years of competitive dance tea…

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Alexandra and Friends October 26 - Guest Chef Paul Glassman 59:11

8M ago59:11

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Chef Paul G was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City. He attended L’Academie de Cuisine in Washington DC and worked with many renowned chefs at reputable establishments like Congressional country club, and the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel. One of his favorite memories and honors is cooking for the White House Chef Henry Haller at his retirem…

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The Post-Pandemic Classroom: Addressing Mental Health, Social Media, and Critical Race Theory in the Digital Age 54:18

9M ago54:18

54:18

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris engages in a deep discussion with educators Melanee Duncan Friday and Dave Stieber about the pressing issues of mental health in students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore t…

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A New Path in Education: The Rise of Black Homeschooling 46:17

9M ago46:17

46:17

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, LaQuinda Johnson shares her transformative journey in education, from her early influences and teaching experiences in Miami and Atlanta to her decision to leave the classroom and start Lady Quinn Enterprise. She discusses…

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ENCORE PRESENTATION: Safe Spaces & Resilient Voices – The Legacy of the People of Color Conference 55:26

10M ago55:26

55:26

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. This is a rebroadcast of one of the most popular episodes from last season, timed to coincide with this week’s annual NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) in Denver, Colorado. Many listeners felt this episode should be mandatory listening for those attending …

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Introducing Pitch Playground 1:27

10M ago1:27

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How could $50,000 transform learning? On Pitch Playground, we invite education innovators and social entrepreneurs to throw their best ideas at us. From technologies that build empathy to providing affordable childcare and reimagining the way we learn—this is a place for pitches from visionaries. Each episode features an intrepid edupreneur worksho…

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Restoring Truth: Teaching the Untold Histories of Racial Injustice 47:11

11M ago47:11

47:11

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David engages with three distinguished educators—Sara Rich Merlo, Jamie Lathan, and Matt Scialdone—who are dedicated to teaching American history, particularly the often-overlooked narratives from the Jim Crow South. The c…

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Alexandra and Friends October 5th - guest Lisa Worley 56:20

11M ago56:20

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Lisa Burkhardt Worley is the founder of Pearls of Promise Ministries, a ministry that helps women overcome past dysfunction in their lives, through media, books, blogs, Bible studies and conferences. She is the Executive Producer and Co-Host of a topical television and radio show called POP Talk, now seen, and heard on 20 television and radio platf…

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Alexandra & Friends September 7th - guest Pia Namdar 49:03

11M ago49:03

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Pia Lara Namdar is a compensation professional in Dallas, she focuses on executive compensation matters, including executive salaries, retention packages and matters related to boards of directors. Born and raised in Mexico, Pia moved to Dallas with her family as a junior in high school, graduated from Highland Park HS, and went on to attend SMU fo…

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Empowering Latino Voices: A Conversation with Sofia Gonzalez 58:41

12M ago58:41

58:41

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes. In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David welcomes Sofia Gonzalez, a passionate educator and advocate for the Latino community. Sophia shares her journey from a daughter of immigrants (4:15) to becoming a teacher and nonprofit leader. She discusses the impor…