Take a deeper look at the new teaching and learning strategies that are transforming our nation. Hear from the nation‘s leading voices in education and from students whose lives have been transformed through new culturally responsive programs and practices that focus on improving students‘ social and emotional well-being. Learn how to adapt successful solutions in schools to create positive change in your home and community through our podcasts and their FREE companion resources located on our Take Action Portal. takeactionportal.org
Voices of Change with Dr. Timothy Gadson: Breaking the Mold
Defining US uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US…Stacey DeWitt interviews the superintendent of the Salt Lake City Schools, Dr. Timothy Gadson. They discuss his work promoting equity in schools and many of the misconceptions that are creating a negative and false narrative about what is happening in classrooms. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast. • 2:58 – The power of one’s narrative • 12:28 – Building strong children also builds strong families • 16:12 – Protecting our mental health so we can keep focused on students • 19:30 – “We should never have to explain who we are or what we are about” • 22:15 – The challenges we are facing • 23:51 – Misconceptions about what is happening in classrooms • 25:53 – Critical Race Theory is not the same as culturally responsive education • 29:01 – Understanding history in context • 32:46 – The learning experiences every student should have
13 Dec 2023
Voices of Change with Nicole Yarde: Generational Trauma
In this episode, Stacey DeWitt interviews Nicole Yarde, a passionate and dedicated educator and community leader committed to the development of students, educators, and families. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has made a career of developing programs that center on the social justice, liberatory education and social-emotional well-being. Nicole has developed several programs, including the Emerging Leaders for Social Justice Institute (ELSJI) within the Office of Equity and Access, with the goal of improving the personal relationships of youth and the way they relate and respond to injustice. Her recent project, The Change Agent Academy, focuses on liberatory education supporting the transformation of oppressive societal structures and promoting more just and equitable communities. Nicole is resolute in dedicating her time, energy, and voice to disrupting historical, systemic, social and racial inequities that continually work to impede the advancement of students of color. Nicole holds a B.S. in English and Journalism from Medgar Evers College (CUNY) and an M.A. in International Education from NYU. Powerful Moments Pay attention throughout this podcast to powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed, including:
0:34 – Nicole discusses growing up in Barbados and how education played a key role in her life.
5:18 – Nicole discusses the stereotyping of black boys and the education practices surrounding them in this country.
9:24 – Nicole talks about Generational Trauma and the effect it has on a person. What does it mean to have a reinforced negative narrative?
17:53 – Nicole explains the approach of “starting with the mind” in her work and the importance of young men talking about how they feel. She speaks on educators and the need to begin with affirming young men, valuing them, and seeing them.
20:17 – Nicole explains what Generational Trauma means to her.
27:14 – Nicole explains her approach to social emotional learning and shares the story of the student who brought her to create the Change Academy.
3 Nov 2023
Voices of Change with Tami Pyfer: The Dignity Index and UNITE
Defining US uses the power of media and the promises of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US… Stacey DeWitt interviews Tami Pyfer. Tami Pyfer is the Vice President of External Affairs for UNITE – a nonprofit organization that promotes national unity and solidarity across differences. Tami also serves as Chief of Staff to UNITE President and CEO, Tim Shriver, and is the Utah Project Lead for the Dignity Index initiative. Before joining UNITE, Tami served as Education Policy Advisor to former Utah Governor Gary Herbert, where she was involved in state-level education policy development, coalition building, and stakeholder engagement. She held local and state elected office for 12 years, including 4 years on the Utah State Board of Education. Tami’s professional training is in Special Education and before her appointment to serve on the Governor's executive team she worked at Utah State University, teaching coursework and supervising student teachers in the Special Education teacher preparation program. Tami and her husband Aaron are the parents of 5 children, and grandparents of 10. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.
1:11 - Tami discusses her experiences and background in education and working on the State Board of Education in Utah.
5:58 - Tami discusses her experience with policymakers and the disconnect in communication between them and students, educators, and parents.
10:46 - Tami introduces the real meaning behind UNITE that it is not that everyone’s voices should be the same, it means that everyone’s diverse voices have a seat at the table and are heard.
19:33 - The introduction and importance of the Dignity Index.
26:10 - The introduction of the Dignity Index scale going from 1 through 8 and it is meant to ease divisions, prevent violence, and help us solve problems.
55:25 - The Dignity Index is not only for political conflict resolution, but also can apply to any conflict resolutions especially among educators.
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