In this week's episode, I sit down with Lori Boll, Executive Director of the Special Education Network & Inclusion Association (SENIA), to explore her journey as both an educator and a parent advocate. Lori shares how her son Braden’s diagnoses reshaped her purpose in education and fueled her commitment to inclusion in international schools. We discuss the founding and global impact of SENIA, her new book Navigating Special Education Relationships, and the importance of building collaborative partnerships between families, teachers, and schools. Lori also reflects on the state of inclusive education in international schools today, and the insights gained from SENIA’s recent Expanding and Enhancing Student Support Programs Summer Institute, in partnership with the Office of Overseas Schools. Through both personal stories and professional expertise, Lori highlights the urgent need for equitable, identity-affirming education for all learners, while offering practical advice for educators seeking to create truly inclusive classrooms. To learn more about Lori's work, you can visit the SENIA website at seniainternational.org or follow her on LinkedIn. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:08 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:09-3:34 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:35-6:15 - Introducing Lori Boll 6:16-8:05 - Who or what inspired you to be an educator? 8:06-15:01 - Balancing Emotional Demands of Parenting a Child w/ Complex Multiple Needs 15:02-17:57 - Lori's International School Teaching Journey 17:58-19:56 - Complex Challenges That Intl Schools Face w/ Integrating Inclusive Education 19:57-20:35 - The Forum Promo 20:36-22:57 - Complex Challenges That Intl Schools Face w/ Integrating Inclusive Education (cont.) 22:58-29:29 - SENIA's Services & Programmatic Offerings 29:30-37:04 - Summer Institute 37:05-40:42 - What Educators Can Learn from Families of Students w/ Complex Needs 40:43-41:41 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 41:42-44:24 - What Educators Can Learn from Families of Students w/ Complex Needs 44:25-47:21 - SENIA Unplugged 47:22-51:11 - Navigating Special Education Relationships 51:12-53:26 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 53:27-54:16 - How to connect with Lori 54:17-54:56 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Lori Boll brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to the field of Inclusive Education. Her journey began in 2003 when her son Braden was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), a pivotal moment that ignited her passion for advocating for creating more inclusive schools. With two Masters degrees in Reading Education and Special Education, Lori has amassed over twenty-five years of teaching experience in both international and domestic settings. Her career has taken her to the American International School Riyadh, Jakarta Intercultural School, Concordia International School, Shanghai, International School Bangkok, as well as schools in Saipan, California and Colorado. Notably, she has spearheaded the creation of higher support needs programs in China and Thailand. Lori is the co-author of Navigating Special Education Relationships: Building Collective Efficacy for a Collaborative Team fostering collaborative and effective working teams of families, teachers, and practitioners. Currently serving as the Executive Director of SENIA International, Lori channels her passion into supporting the professional development of educators worldwide.

In this week's episode, I chat with Andrea Mwalula, founder and CEO of Twende Education for All (TEFA), to explore her remarkable journey from her early childhood in Slovenia to becoming a trailblazing educator and social entrepreneur in Zambia. Andrea reflects on her international career as an IB educator, the personal and professional experiences that led her to reimagine education for children facing long-term hospitalization, and the founding of TEFA, creativity, and hope to children battling cancer and other critical illnesses. Together, we dive into her passion for service learning, her vision for redefining it on the African continent, and the powerful ways TEFA is transforming not only the lives of children and families but also entire communities. Listeners will be challenged to rethink what service, equity, and empowerment look like in education. To learn more about Andrea's work, you can visit the Twende Education for All and Pamoja Children's Learning Hub pages on Facebook. You can also follow Andrea on LinkedIn. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:02 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:03-3:31 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:32-5:05 - Introducing Andrea Mwalula 5:06-13:58 - Andrea's K-12 Schooling Journey 13:59-14:57 - The Forum Promo 14:58-29:23 - Andrea's International Teaching Journey 29:24-31:50 - Twende Education for All 31:51-32:49 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 32:50-37:48 - Twende Education for All (cont.) 37:49-44:33 - The State of Service Learning in Africa 44:34-48:10 - Andrea's Hopes for Twende's Legacy in Education 48:10-50:12 How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 50:13-52:00 - How to connect with Andrea 52:01-52:47 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Andrea Mwalula is a dedicated education leader committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable women and children through quality learning. She founded Twende Education For All (TEFA) in 2016, pioneering initiatives such as the Learning Never Stops project, which provides education and play therapy to hospitalised children, and the Girls In School Programme, which tackles barriers to education for rural girls. Her work has impacted over 150 young lives, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills. Beyond Zambia, Andrea consults for the International Baccalaureate Organisation, training educators across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. She also contributes to the Association of International Schools in Africa’s Service Learning Design Team and chairs the Phenomenal Women’s Multipurpose Cooperative Society. An advocate for dignity, equality, and sustainable development, she is a member of AIELOC and the Ubuntu Leadership Hub. Guided by her belief in Ubuntu, the philosophy of shared humanity and interconnectedness, Andrea continues to drive meaningful change in education, empowering individuals and communities both in Zambia and internationally.

In this inspiring episode, I had the honor of interviewing Loretta Fernando-Smith, international school leader, leadership coach, writer, and TedX speaker, for a powerful conversation on identity, belonging, and courageous leadership. Drawing from her viral TedX talk on the power of names, and her CIS blog on dismantling imposter syndrome, Loretta shares her journey of self-discovery and the lessons she’s learned about authenticity in leadership. We discuss how names and identity shape belonging, why imposter syndrome is more about systemic inequities than personal shortcomings, and what it means to lead with vulnerability and cultural consciousness in international schools. Loretta also opens up about how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on leadership and self-worth, offering wisdom for educators balancing multiple identities. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, aspiring leader, or school head, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your own story and remind you of the courage it takes to show up fully as yourself. To learn more about Loretta's work, you can visit her website at lorettafernandosmith.com or follow her on LinkedIn⁠. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:01 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:02-4:20 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 4:21-7:20 - Introducing Loretta Fernando-Smith 7:21-21:58 - Loretta's K-12 Schooling Journey & Start in Education 21:59-22:57 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 22:58-28:45 - Loretta Unpacking the Challenges & Benefits of Her Name 28:46-33:09 - Loretta's Early Teaching Years & Leadership Journey 33:10-39:56 - Lessons Learned in Leadership Journey 39:57-40:55 - The Forum Promo 40:56-50:25 - Sustaining Self-Worth & Courage as a Leader 50:26-51:57 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 51:58-55:28 - How to connect with Loretta 55:29-56:07 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Loretta Fernando-Smith is a fourth generation educator with over 20 years of experience in international schools. Raised across cultures and continents, her childhood was shaped by frequent relocations. These experiences of straddling several cultures as a child, adult, parent and educator have made her aware of how people negotiate belonging in different spaces. This tension drives her curiosity, inquiry and research into belonging. Currently, she has the joy of serving as the Associate Principal and PYP Curriculum Coordinator at Frankfurt International School in Wiesbaden, Germany. From mentoring teachers as they support student agency to facilitating international DEIJ leadership cohorts, her leadership focuses on cultivating inclusive cultures, advancing equity-driven curriculum design, and co-creating environments where every child and adult can feel seen, heard and is able to flourish. At the heart of her philosophy is the belief that education is a deeply relational practice. Relationships built on trust, reciprocity, and joy are the foundation for meaningful learning and it is often in our small, shared moments that the deepest transformations begin.

In this week's episode, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Andrea Terrero Gabbadon, educator, leadership coach, and author of the book, "Support and Retain Educators of Color: Six Principles for Culturally Affirming Leadership." Andrea shares her journey from the classroom to school leadership, and how her identity as the daughter of Dominican immigrants and a mother has shaped her vision for creating schools where both educators and students of color can thrive. We dive deep into the principles of culturally affirming leadership, explore practical strategies to move beyond performative DEI gestures, and discuss the critical work of building belonging, psychological safety, and retention for educators of color. To learn more about Andrea's work, you can visit her website at atgabbadon.com or follow her on ⁠Instagram (@atgabbadon_phd) or on LinkedIn⁠. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:00 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:01-3:33 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:34-4:48 - Introducing Dr. Andrea Terrero Gabbadon 4:49-13:51 - Andrea's K-12 Schooling Journey & Start in Education 13:52-17:52 - Early Origins & Shaping of Andrea's Leadership Style 17:53-18:50 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 18:51-23:04 - Support and Retain Educators of Color 23:05-27:32 - Building Psychological Safety for Educators of Color 27:33-32:12 - How School Leaders Interact with Culturally Affirming Leadership Principles 32:13-37:37 - Exploring the Barriers of Retaining Educators of Color 37:38-43:15 - School Leadership Programs' Role in Supporting and Retaining Educators of Color 43:16-47:06 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 47:07-48:45 - How to connect with Andrea 48:46-49:22 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Dr. Andrea Terrero Gabbadon (she/her/ella) equips leaders and organizations to support and retain a diverse employee workforce through culturally affirming leadership, strategic improvement of working conditions and racial climate, and targeted professional development. An executive leadership coach, speaker, and author, Dr. Gabbadon's work touches on culturally responsive and sustaining education, school racial climate, and educator diversity. Previously, she served as a high school teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach, and assistant principal/director of curriculum and instruction in both traditional public and charter schools. Dr. Gabbadon has also served as a professor and teacher educator at several institutions of higher education, including Temple University and Swarthmore College. She is also the author of "Support and Retain Educators of Color: 6 Principles for Culturally Affirming Leadership" in publication with the Association for Supervision, and Curriculum Development (ASCD) as well as an ASCD faculty member.

What does it truly mean for every student and educator to feel like they belong? In this week's episode, I had the honor of interviewing ⁠Rachael Thrash⁠, co-founder of Belong Hub, to explore how schools can move beyond surface-level inclusion and create authentic, identity-affirming spaces. Drawing from her work with international schools around the world, Rachael shares powerful insights on student-led belonging initiatives, the importance of centering student agency, and the practical steps educators can take to dismantle barriers that prevent all members of the school community from thriving. To learn more about Rachael's work, you can follow her on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:03 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:04-4:08 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 4:09-6:02 - Introducing Rachael Thrash 6:03-16:41 - Rachel's K-12 Schooling Journey & Start in Education 16:42-17:41 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 17:42-21:11 - Rachel's Transition to International Teaching 21:12-26:07 - Power Dynamics within International Schools 26:08-32:55 - Student-Led Belonging Initiatives 32:56-33:54 - The Forum Promo 33:55-40:48 - Belong Hub 40:49-42:30 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 42:31-44:00 - How to connect with Shane & Marlo 44:01-44:35 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Rachael Thrash is a master teacher who has spent her career supporting students and teachers facing questions that matter. Rachael believes that student learning is a process that begins with each individual’s perspective. Inciting students to question initial understandings encourages them to broaden their awareness and develop a commitment to thoughtful action. With a Masters from Brown University, Rachael has taught Humanities and English in independent US schools, public community colleges, and international IB schools. She launched a school-wide enrichment department providing co-curricular learning for preK-12 students while developing a mentor program for early career educators. Most recently, Rachael taught MYP English and led the growing Service as Action program at the International School of Helsinki.

In this powerful episode of Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE, I sit down with educator, author, and equity leader Shane Safir and and street data practitioner Marlo Bagsik to explore how their bestselling book, "Pedagogies of Voice: Street Data and the Path to Student Agency", can radically transform our classrooms and schools. Drawing from their groundbreaking work, Shane and Marlo unpack what it truly means to center student voice not as a buzzword or performative gesture, but as a driving force for liberation, agency, and deeper learning. To learn more about Shane and Marlo's work, you can visit the brand new Pedagogies of Voice website at pedagogiesofvoice.com. You can also follow each of the co-authors on the following platforms: 👉🏾 Shane: Instagram (@shanesafir_author), LinkedIn 👉🏾 Marlo: Instagram (@marlobagsik), LinkedIn To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:01 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:02-3:30 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:31-6:06 - Introducing Shane Safir & Marlo Bagsik 6:07-18:26 - Shane and Marlo's Start in Education & K-12 Schooling Journey 18:27-21:07 - Shane's Leadership Journey 21:08-25:37 - Marlo's Introduction to Street Data 25:38-26:37 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 26:38-36:56 - Pedagogies of Voice 36:57-45:07 - Teacher Entry Points for Combating Systemic Barriers 45:08-48:54 - How to Incorporate Student Voice with Fidelity 48:55-49:54 - The Forum Promo 49:55-53:14 - What keeps you hopeful about the future? (Shane) 53:15-54:37- How do you stay true to the teacher in you? (Shane) 54:38-56:46 - What keeps you hopeful about the future? (Shane) 56:47-58:07 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? (Marlo) 58:08-59:25 - How to connect with Shane & Marlo 59:26-1:00:34 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Shane Safir has worked at every level of the education system, from the classroom to the boardroom, for 25 years. In 2003, after teaching in San Francisco and Oakland and organizing in the community to launch a new school, Safir became the founding co-principal of June Jordan School for Equity (JJSE), an innovative national model identified by leading scholar Linda Darling-Hammond as "supporting the success of low-income students of color.” Since 2008, Safir has provided equity-centered leadership coaching, strategic planning, and professional development for schools, districts, and organizations across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. She is the author of The Listening Leader: Creating the Conditions for Equitable School Transformation (Jossey-Bass: 2017) and the bestselling Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation (Corwin, 2021), coauthored with Dr. Jamila Dugan. Since 2013, Marlo Bagsik has dedicated his career to advancing equity and social justice in education, with a focus on ensuring the highest quality education for historically oppressed groups. His work, rooted in English Language Arts, extends to Restorative Justice, Trauma-Informed Care, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and adult learning. With degrees from UC Berkeley and USC, Marlo has been a leader in transforming schools into antiracist, inclusive environments. Currently, as the District Professional Learning Coordinator in the SF Bay Area, Marlo continues to champion systemic change that honors the dignity and humanity of every student and educator. He’s a forever educator, facilitator, equity strategist, author and speaker.

How do schools often unintentionally create race? In this week's episode, we speak with Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno, scholar, educator, and author of the multi-award-winning book, "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America", to unpack the ways that everyday policies, labels, and interactions shape racial identities and perpetuate inequities for Latinx and multilingual students. Drawing from years of ethnographic research in elementary schools, Dr. Chávez-Moreno reveals how language classification, “neutral” school practices, and deficit-based narratives contribute to the racialization of students. The conversation also delves into the intersection of race, language, and immigration, exploring the impact of anti-Blackness, policy rollbacks, and immigration enforcement on school communities and what educators can do to resist these harmful systems. To learn more about Dr. Chávez-Moreno's work, you can visit her website at laurachavezmoreno.com or follow her on LinkedIn. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:03 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:04-3:43 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:44-6:06 - Introducing Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno 6:07-12:45 - Dr. Chávez-Moreno's K-12 Schooling Journey 12:46-15:37 - Dr. Chávez-Moreno's Early Years as a Spanish Teacher 15:38-17:33 - How Schools Make Race 17:34-18:33 - The Forum Promo 18:34-23:03 - How Schools Make Race (cont.) 23:04-27:47 - Unpacking Anti-Blackness & Parents' Reaction to Research Behind "How Schools Make Race" 27:48-33:56 - Evaluating Teacher Prep Programs in the Context of ABAR Work 33:57-34:54 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 34:55-38:20 - The Impact of Anti-Immigrant Sentiment on Racialization Practices 38:21-45:43 - Action Steps for Dismantling Racialization Practices 45:44-46:32 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 46:33-47:43 - How to connect with Dr. Chávez-Moreno 47:44-48:27 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Laura C. Chávez-Moreno is an award-winning researcher, qualitative social scientist, and assistant professor at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in the Departments of Chicana/o & Central American Studies and Education. She received her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. Dr. Chávez-Moreno’s research has been published in top-tier journals such as Review of Educational Research, Educational Researcher, American Educational Research Journal, Research in the Teaching of English, and Journal of Teacher Education. She has earned multiple awards, including from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Division G Social Contexts in Education; AERA Latinx Research Issues Special Interest Group (SIG); AERA Bilingual Education Research SIG; American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education; and National Association of Bilingual Education. Notably, she was awarded a 2022 National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. The National Council for Teachers of English awarded the 2023 Alan C. Purves Award to her article in Research in the Teaching of English, “The continuum of racial literacies: Teacher practices countering whitestream bilingual education.” She served as a high school teacher of Spanish in the School District of Philadelphia for five years, wrote district curriculum, and served on boards of community organizations. She grew up in Douglas, Arizona, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, México.

In this week's episode, I sit down with Dr. Sheldon Eakins, founder of Purposeful Teaching Academy and host of the Leading Equity Podcast, to unpack his educator journey, the urgent need for equity-centered leadership, and his forthcoming book “What Are You Bringing to the Potluck?: How School Leaders Set the Table for a Community of Belonging?” We also discuss what it means to bring your full, authentic self to the educational table, the current attacks on culturally responsive teaching, and how school leaders can navigate today’s political tensions without compromising their values. To learn more about Dr. Eakins' work, you can visit the Purposeful Teaching Academy website at purposeful247.com or follow him on Instagram (@sheldoneakins) and LinkedIn. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwam_the_identity_shaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:03 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:04-3:55 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:56-11:08 - Introducing Dr. Sheldon Eakins 11:09-20:41 - Dr. Eakins' Start in Education & K-12 Schooling Journey 20:42-21:41 - The Forum Promo 21:42-29:42 - The Making of "What Are You Bringing to the Potluck?" 29:43-34:08 - "Dishes" That School Leaders Forget to Bring to the Potluck 34:09-40:21 - "Condiments" That School Leaders Forget to Bring to the Potluck 40:22-41:00 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 41:01-43:20 - School Leaders' Role in Activating Student Voice 43:21-53:23 - Fears That School Leaders Have about Engaging in Equity Work 53:24-56:28 - Purposeful Teaching Academy 56:29-57:47 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 57:48-58:43 - How to connect with Dr. Eakins 58:44-59:18 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Sheldon L. Eakins, Ph.D., is the Founder of the Purposeful Teaching Academy. Dr. Eakins is also the host of The Art of Advocacy Livestream and the Leading Equity Podcast. Furthermore, Dr. Eakins is the author of "Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students" and his upcoming book, "What Are You Bringing to the Potluck?: How School Leaders Set the Table for a Community of Belonging?". With over 15 years in education, he has served as a teacher, school principal, adjunct professor, and Director of Special Education. Dr. Eakins is passionate about helping educators accomplish equitable practices in their schools. He has earned a B.S. degree in Social Science Education, an M.S. degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in K-12 Education.

In this week's conversation, I sit down with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, CEO of Liaison Educational Partners and author of Understanding Your Instructional Power, to explore what it truly means for educators to recognize, reclaim, and responsibly use their influence—especially in today’s politically charged climate. We talk about her journey from classroom teacher to national thought leader, the importance of teachers reclaiming their instructional agency and creating meaningful change in the classroom, and how educators can stay grounded in their values amidst policy rollbacks, book bans, and systemic inequities. To learn more about Dr. Tanjis work, you can visit her company's website at liaisoneducationalpartners.org or follow her on Instagram (⁠@liaisedpart) and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. To learn more about Identity Talk Consulting and the professional development services that we offer, visit our website at https://identitytalk4educators.com. STAY CONNECTED WITH KWAME: 👉🏾 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/kwamtheidentityshaper 👉🏾 YouTube: / @kwamesarfo-mensah5785 👉🏾 LinkedIn: / https://linkedin.com/in/kwamesarfomensah LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 👉🏾 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 👉🏾 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO SIGN UP FOR AN E-COURSE WITH KWAME! 👉🏾 https://eduspark.world/profile/9312b128-7573-440d-8d78-fb24cc4fa066/creator SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDENTITY TALK NEWSLETTER! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk.kit.com/9e744003e9 READ MY BOOKS! 👉🏾 “Learning to Relearn” - https://www.routledge.com/Learning-to-Relearn-Supporting-Identity-in-a-Culturally-Affirming-Classroom/Sarfo-Mensah/p/book/9781625316226 👉🏾 “Shaping the Teacher Identity” - https://www.amazon.com/Shaping-Teacher-Identity-Lessons-Define/dp/1723480835 VISIT THE IDENTITY TALK APPAREL SHOP! 👉🏾 https://the-identity-talk-apparel-shop.creator-spring.com/ JOIN THE FORUM TODAY! 👉🏾 https://identitytalk4educators.com/pricing-plans/list TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:04- Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:05-3:56 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:57-6:39 - Introducing Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 6:40-17:08 - Dr. Tanji's Start in Education 17:09-22:18 - Group Work vs. Collaborative Work 22:19-23:17 - The Forum Promo 23:18-27:15 - Dr. Tanji's K-12 Schooling Journey 27:16-34:37 - Dr. Tanji's Evolution as an Educator 34:38-45:56 - Unpacking Teacher Autonomy 45:57-46:34 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 46:35-52:46 - Understanding Instructional Power 52:47-56:05 - Barriers to Teachers Recognizing Their Instructional Power 56:06-59:48 - Dr. Tanji's Introspection on Life & Career 59:49-1:00:20 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:00:21-1:04:30 - How to connect with Dr. Tanji 1:04:31-1:05:03 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Tanji Reed Marshall, PhD, has dedicated her career to advancing educational equity and improving instructional practices across the United States. Dr. Marshall’s academic foundation has been a critical driver of her success. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, equipping her with advanced educational systems and policy knowledge. She also holds a Master of Arts in English education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she graduated magna cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College. Dr. Marshall’s career spans more than three decades and includes a wide range of roles that have deepened her expertise in education. She began as a classroom teacher in Hackensack Public Schools before transitioning to McClintock Middle School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. As a teacher, she achieved remarkable results, including the highest growth rate in her district and state in North Carolina, with her students making one to two years of progress annually. After her teaching roles, Dr. Marshall took on leadership positions within Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, serving as a Title I literacy coach and literacy specialist. In these roles, she focused on enhancing instructional practices among educators, demonstrating her capacity to influence systemic change. Dr. Marshall’s publication, “Understanding Your Instructional Power: Curriculum and Language Decisions to Support Each Student,” published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), exemplifies her dedication to addressing inequities in education. The book challenges educators to reconsider how their decisions impact students and offers strategies to create more inclusive and effective teaching environments.