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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

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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
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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.

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

In this compelling episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David interviews Matt Hawn, a veteran high school teacher from Tennessee who was fired in 2021 for teaching about race and white privilege. As educational landscapes across the country face unprecedented challenges, his experience sheds light on the broader issues at play. Matt openly explores the events leading up to his firing, and the larger context of political and social changes in education today. He also shares his perspective on the impact of the state's divisive concepts legislation on teachers and students, the challenges he faced during the appeals process, and the importance of standing up for teachers' rights. Matt emphasizes the need for support systems and resources for teachers facing similar situations and shares advice for educators navigating this perilous time. Join us for this important and inspiring conversation on an issue that is affecting teachers across the country.

To support Matt financially as he goes through the appeal process go to Matt's Go Fund Me page.
Check out these advocacy organizations for teachers: The Education Trust; The African American Policy Forum
Additional Articles and Resources:
Matt Hawn's story: A White teacher taught White students about White privilege. It cost him his job
A Mississippi Teacher was Terminated for Reading a Book
James Whitfield, former Grapevine-Colleyville principal, sues district
Her students reported her for a lesson on race. Can she trust them again?
The Growing Attack on Educators
Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2024

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 episode, David interviews Charles Williams, a Chicago public school assistant principal and host of The Counter Narrative Podcast, about his educational journey and career path. Charles shares his motivation for becoming an assistant principal and highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for teachers. They discuss how principals are depicted in media, with a particular focus on Ava from the hit sitcom "Abbott Elementary." Charles emphasizes the need for a shift in education systems to better accommodate all students. Throughout the conversation, Charles and David tackle the challenges and necessary changes in education. They explore the apprehensions surrounding the implementation of project-based learning and the impact of high-stakes testing. Additionally, they delve into the flaws and inequities of the selective enrollment system in Chicago and reflect on the lasting significance of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on its 70th anniversary. Join us for this insightful episode as we dive deep into the future of education, exploring how pivotal changes can forge pathways to equity and excellence in our schools

To contact Charles you can reach him on Twitter(X) @_cwconsulting and listen to his podcasts: The Counter Narrative Podcast and Inside the Principal's Office

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.

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 honor of Women's History Month, join David as he sits down with two extraordinary educators: Zakiyyah Ali, a former New York master Social Studies teacher and EdD student at Howard University, and Stacey Gibson, an educator, and featured TED Speaker.

Our conversation delves deeply into education today, starting with a robust discussion on James Baldwin's timeless 1963 piece, "A Talk to Teachers." Together, we explore living up to Baldwin's call to action amidst the backlash against educators today, and how, in this era, educators can stay rooted in teaching the truth. We also examine the burgeoning trend of homeschooling in the African American community and ponder the future of education as a whole.

Additionally, we tackle other important issues including the plummeting numbers of black educators as a result of Brown v. Board in 1954; the triple pandemic of Covid, mental health, and racial violence; teacher wellness, and the unique challenges black women face in our educational system. Our discussion is both provocative and multifaceted, offering insights into the complexities of modern education not often discussed with such clarity and insight. Don't miss out on this rich and enlightening episode!

If you would like to contact our guests you can follow Zakiyyah Ali on Instagram @doitgurl or email her directly at zakiyyahali@icloud.com, and you can email Stacey Gibson at Transformthecollective.com or through her website at www.transformthecollective.com.

Resources/Articles mentioned in the episode:
“A Talk to Teachers” by James Baldwin
"65 Years After ‘Brown v.. Board’ Where are all the Black Teachers"
PBL World 2022 - Dr. Lisa Delpit's Keynote Address

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 a special Black History Month episode of "The Teacher's Forum," join David in a powerful exploration of the forgotten enslaved cemetery at Sardis Road Presbyterian Church, just across from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. In an exclusive interview, former Eagle Scout Hoke Thompson shares how he discovered and restored the 234 year old cemetery.

The conversation broadens to address the erasure of Black history from curricula and the challenges Hoke faced during the restoration. Together with history teacher Thamar Labron, they unravel the stories of 80-90 souls buried in the cemetery, discussing the unique restoration process and the importance of preserving this history.


David and Thamar also discuss the curriculum they have meticulously crafted for grades K-12 at Providence Day School. This curriculum serves as a tool to ensure that the stories of the enslaved are not just preserved but integrated into the fabric of education, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy among students.

Join us for a thought-provoking and impactful discussion that emphasizes the importance of preserving, learning, and embracing the history that shapes our collective identity. This Black History Month, "The Teacher's Forum" invites you to be part of a conversation that challenges erasure, celebrates resilience, and sheds light on the extraordinary journey of reclaiming sacred ground.

For more information on the Sardis Road Presbyterian enslaved cemetery contact David at the email below.

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.