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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 importance of cultural identity in education (00:08:39), the diversity within the Latino community, the debate around the term Latinx (16:16), and the challenges faced by Latino students and teachers (19:39). The conversation also touches on the significance of representation in education (28:37), and the initiatives of her nonprofit, Project 214 (00:43:49). Sofia shares her vision for the future of education where it is a right for all and where the voices of the Latino community are valued. (49:36).

You can contact Sofia on Twitter (X): @_sofiaspeaks and at sofiaspeaks.com

Recommended books by Sofia Gonzalez

1. Bettina Love: Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal and We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom
2. Chris Emdin: Ratchetdemic: Reimagining Academic Success
3. Shawn Ginwright: Hope and Healing in Urban Education and The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
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In this episode of The Teacher's Forum, David is joined by Dr. Roderick Carey from the University of Delaware to explore the educational experiences of Black and Latino boys in K-12 schools. Dr. Carey shares his personal journey and discusses the systemic challenges these boys face, such as disproportionate discipline and the lack of cultural representation in curricula. The episode emphasizes the importance of family, community, and educators in supporting these boys, helping them imagine their futures, and recognizing their diverse identities and talents.

Timestamps:
Roderick's Journey in Education:

• 4:13 – Early exposure to educators and passion for working with youth.
• 11:30 – Decision to pursue a doctorate after witnessing college struggles of high-achieving students.

Challenges for Black and Latino Boys in Education:

• 13:40 – Impact of standardized testing and cultural dissonance in college.
• 21:03 – Economic and familial responsibilities affecting college decisions.
• 25:48 – Systemic issues in K-12 education: disproportionate discipline and lack of representation.
• 29:46 – Adultification of Black boys and racial bias in schools.

Evolving Identities and Intersectionality:

• 40:08 – Challenging stereotypical representations of Black boys and embracing diverse identities.
• 47:23 – Gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ identities within Black communities.

Conclusion:

• 50:26 – Gratitude for mentorship and the "Finding Future Selves" resource.

Books mentioned: Bad Boys: Public Schools in the Making of Black Masculinity by Ann Arnett Ferguson
Black American Students in An Affluent Suburb (Sociocultural, Political, and Historical Studies in Education) by John Ogbu

Finding Future Selves website

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
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In this special episode in honor of James Baldwin's 100th birthday we are joined by two distinguished educators, Dr. Yven Destin and Tyron Dandridge to discuss the life and works of James Baldwin and his impact on American history and fiction. They explore their personal encounters with Baldwin's work and how it has influenced their careers as educators. The conversation delves into the challenges of teaching Baldwin's work in predominantly white schools and the importance of confronting the lie of America's innocence. They also discuss the relevance of Baldwin's teachings in the current social and political climate. The conversation explores the themes of education, race, and identity through the lens of James Baldwin's work. The guests discuss the importance of teaching critical thinking and engaging in conversations about race and the lie of American exceptionalism. They also delve into Baldwin's sexuality and its impact on his writing. Dr. Destin also discusses his recently published book, What Can James Baldwin's "Little Man" Teach us About Children and Our Responsibility to Them. The conversation highlights the significance of Baldwin's legacy in inspiring future generations of students and educators. Recommended books by Baldwin include The Fire Next Time, Another Country, and the play Blues for Mr. Charlie. In addition, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie Glaude.

Additional Baldwin Resources:
"James Baldwin: The Last Interview" with Richard Goldstein
A Talk to Teachers Essay 1963
Here Be Dragons
I Am Not Your Negro (Streaming on Hulu)

Dr. Yven Destin: yven.destin@gmail.com; www.youtube.com/@BaldwinPoet
Tyren Dandridge: tyrendandridge@gmail.com

Join the Conversation:
david@theteachersforum.org
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.