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In this special episode in honor of James Baldwin's of the Teachers Forum podcast, Dr. Yven Destin and Tyron Dandridge 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
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Join host David Harris for Season 2 of *The Teacher’s Forum* podcast, premiering on September 3, 2024. Building on the success of Season 1, this season brings even more insightful discussions and stories that matter most to K-12 educators. From celebrating the 100th birthday of James Baldwin to introducing our new Teacher’s Forum Roundtable, we’ll explore the pressing issues in education today. Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss any of the upcoming powerful episodes we have planned. This season is dedicated to the educators who shape the future every day.

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.

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this engaging and final episode of Season I of The Teacher's Forum, David sits down with his former student, Sam Bright, an eighth-grade science teacher in East New York, Brooklyn who is in his third year of teaching. Sam shares his journey to becoming an educator and the challenges he faces in a diverse urban school. He discusses the importance of cultural awareness and the joy of helping students experience 'eureka' moments. Sam also highlights the extracurricular activities and unique opportunities provided by his school, such as a step team and a 2024 trip to Japan. He acknowledges the challenges of teaching a large number of students with diverse needs and the need for strong routines and support.

In this conversation, Sam discusses the challenges and potential solutions in the education system today. He highlights the need for targeted interventions and specialized intervention teachers to support students who are below grade level. He also discusses the impact of class sizes on teachers and the potential trade-offs of reducing class sizes. He shares his thoughts on pursuing a career in administration and the importance of extending grace to oneself as a teacher. The conversation also touches on the ongoing issue of segregation and inequities 70 years after Brown v. Board of Ed. Sam concludes by emphasizing the power of positive feedback from students and the importance of saving and revisiting that feedback to stay motivated.

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.