In this special crossover episode, we’re excited to welcome Jen Cort—educator, consultant, and host of the Third Space Podcast—for a timely and deeply human conversation about what it truly means to show up as an educator in today’s world. This dialogue goes beyond surface-level conversations about equity and dives into the emotional labor, leadership courage, and community-centered resistance required to sustain identity-affirming work in schools. From the personal to the political, we unpack how educators across the globe are navigating increasing restrictions, rising polarization, and systemic pushback—while still holding space for joy, justice, and transformative care. Together, we explore: - Jen's journey into this work and what she’s learning from educators around the world; - How we hold onto joy and courage in times of resistance; - The necessity of collective care, self-advocacy, and community grounding; - The messy realities of allyship, privilege, and being a “shield” in equity work; - And what “showing up” looks like in classrooms, districts, and beyond. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or simply someone trying to do the right thing in hard times, this conversation is an invitation to reflect, resist, and rise—together. To learn more about Jen's work, you can visit her website at jencort.com or follow him 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/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/ TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm ___________________________________________________________________________ BIO: Jen Cort, a highly regarded consultant, collaborates with schools across the United States and internationally. Aiming to help schools achieve sustainable growth that supports their long-term goals, her expertise includes school assessments, capacity building, strategic thinking, professional development, parent education, and advisory program development. Jen's collaborative approach involves partnering with trustees, leadership teams, students, teachers, and parents to build on each school's strengths and address areas of need, making everyone feel included in the process. Jen is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in schools. She hosts the internationally syndicated and highly acclaimed podcast Third Space With Jen Cort, a platform for discussing these critical issues. Her commitment is further demonstrated in her book, HUBS: Help Us Begin Mindsets and Strategies for Challenging Conversations, and is quoted in leading publications, including The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew B. Campbell—affectionately known as Dr. ABC—for a powerful conversation about identity, scholarship, and community. Dr. Campbell takes us on a journey through his upbringing in Jamaica, early career experiences in the Bahamas and the United States, and his eventual relocation to Canada. He opens up about his doctoral journey and the challenges and triumphs of navigating academia as a Black, openly queer, Jamaican-Canadian immigrant. Now a professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Campbell shares how he uses his platform to mentor Black educators and foster inclusive, affirming learning spaces. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on what it means to be a community-centered scholar and the importance of showing up authentically in academic and educational spaces. This episode is a must-listen for educators committed to justice, identity-affirming practice, and building community through education. To learn more about Dr. Campbell's work, you can visit his website at drabc.ca or follow him on Instagram (@teachablemomentswithdrabc) 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/ 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 1:02-3:34 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:35-6:04 - Introducing Dr. Andrew B. Campbell 6:05-16:38 - Dr. Campbell's Start in Education & K-12 Schooling Journey 16:39-24:06 - Leaving Jamaica, Working in the Bahamas and the United States, Moving to Canada (Pt. 1) 24:07-24:45 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 24:46-31:33 - Leaving Jamaica, Working in the Bahamas and the United States, Moving to Canada (Pt. 2) 31:34-38:20 - Mentoring Black Educators at University of Toronto 38:21-52:22 - Dr. Campbell's Doctoral Journey & Life in Academia (Pt. 2) 52:23-53:21 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 53:22-1:12:10 - Doctorate Degree vs. Forging Your Own Path 1:12:11-1:15:51 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:15:52-1:17:40 - How to connect with Dr. Campbell 1:17:41-1:18:06 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Andrew B. Campbell (DR.ABC) is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, in Leadership for Racial Justice in Teacher Education in the Master of Teaching Program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto OISE. He is Coordinator for the Black Future Educators’ Program (BFEP) and the newly appointed Director of the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE). DR. ABC is known to the OISE and wider community for his leadership on advancing equity, leadership, 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and teacher education. DR. ABC’s exemplary work has seen numerous awards bestowed to him, such as a 2024 recipient of the Black History Month Award, from the Jamaica Canadian Association; The 2022 Award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education from University of Toronto; The 2021 Distinguish African Caribbean Award from University of Toronto, African Alumni Association; The 2021 Champion Educator Award from ONABSE (Ontario Alliance of Black School Educators) and numerous others. He presently teaches courses in anti discrimination education, leadership, educational change, urban education, and Black Educators’ Identity and Pedagogy. He has presented at numerous conferences and has delivered many presentations as a keynote speaker, motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. He loves people, food, fashion, traveling and bringing his community together for a good meal.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE, we sit down with Dr. Jamila Dugan—liberatory leadership coach, former teacher, and co-author of Street Data—to explore what it means to radically dream, lead, rest, and mother in an unjust world. Drawing from her upbringing in Oakland, Dr. Dugan shares how her early schooling experiences ignited her passion for equity and how her years in the classroom shaped her transformative vision of leadership. Together, we unpack the meaning of "radical dreaming" and why it’s an essential practice for educators committed to justice and liberation. Dr. Dugan also reflects on the healing power of rest, the intentional parenting strategies she uses to affirm her children’s identities, and what inner peace looks like on the journey of self-discovery. To learn more about Jamila's work, you can visit her website at jamiladugan.com or follow her on LinkedIn. SPECIAL PROMOTION!! Radical Dreaming Community of Practice (2025–2026) Hosted by Dr. Jamila Dugan, Dr. Annie Phan, and Hanaa Elmi Get 10% off when you mention Identity Talk! This yearlong experience is for educators and leaders ready to reimagine what’s possible—and take bold, collective steps to bring those dreams to life. Through 10 virtual sessions, we’ll build a community grounded in joy, purpose, and transformation. Designed for educators, instructional coaches, school and system leaders, and nonprofit partners, this cohort is for those yearning to move beyond Equity-Centered Transformation 101. With two tailored tracks—one for instructional leaders and one for administrative leaders—this community supports participants in both dreaming about the possibilities of a more meaningful education and building the skills, mindsets, and tools needed to create real change in our systems now. At a time when many feel constrained and exhausted, this experience offers something different: a bold invitation to reimagine education, reconnect with our purpose, and co-create learning environments where students—and the adults who serve them—can truly thrive. Want to join us? Click ​on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4m8sv7LTZ6IvPpEK1WRiDt6Rv4u6qgqfrPcM1HNuLqHFn4g/viewform?usp=header​ to fill out a quick interest form. That helps us figure out if this experience is the right fit for you. 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/ 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 1:01-3:01 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:02-5:52 - Introducing Dr. Jamila Dugan 5:53-19:25 - Jamila's Start in Education & K-12 Schooling Journey 19:26-24:45 - Jamila's Journey in Liberatory Education 24:46-25:24 -Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 25-25-30:59 - Unpacking Radical Dreaming in Education 31:00-38:18 - The Value of Rest 38:19-39:17 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 39:18-43:47 - Kwame's Radical Dream 43:48-48:03 - Jamila's Radical Dream 48:04-54:05 - Jamila's Motherhood Journey 54:06-55:53 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 55:54-58:01 - How to connect with Jamila 58:02-58:42 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Dr. Jamila Dugan is an educator, coach, and author who has spent her career uplifting the experiences of students, families, and educators whose voices have historically been marginalized. Her work weaves together ancestral knowledge legacies, strength-based coaching approaches, and strategic thinking to open up worlds of possibility. She works with educators to align visions for creating a more abundant future to everyday impact on the next generation of leaders and students.

In this week's episode, I had the honor of welcoming Aldaine Wynter to the podcast to talk about growing up in the U.K, his early life as a gymnastics coach, transitioning into teaching, climbing the ladder as an international school leader, and so much more! To learn more about Aldaine's work, you can visit the Washington International School website at wis.edu/diversity or follow him 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/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/ 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 1:03-3:47 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:48-5:33 - Introducing Aldaine Wynter 5:34-7:43- Aldaine's Early Upbringing & Start in Education 7:44-11:00 - Gymnastics Coaching Career & Its Influence in Educator Career 11:01-14:20 - Aldaine's K-12 Schooling Journey 14:21-14:58 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 14-59-16:58 - Transitioning into the Education Field 16:59-21:40- Leadership Aspirations 21:41-25:49 - Growing as a Black International School Leader 25:50-28:01 - Comparing Life in the U.S & the U.K as a Black Man 28:02-30:33 - What is International Mindedness? 30:34-31:32 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 31:33-34:44 - How Recent Actions of U.S Government Have Impacted Aldaine's Work 34:45-38:07 - What makes a quality DEI program at an international school? 38:08-41:42 - What do the next 5 years look like for Aldaine? 41:43-43:27 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 43:28-44:47 - How to connect with Aldaine 44:48-45:22 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Aldaine Wynter is the inaugural Director of International-Mindedness, Diversity, and Inclusion (IDI) at Washington International School (WIS), a role he assumed in 2023 as the school's first-ever leader in this domain. With a career-spanning leadership in international education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy, Aldaine has been instrumental in fostering inclusive school environments across multiple global contexts. Prior to WIS, Aldaine served as Head of Pastoral and Operations at Wetherby Senior School in London, where he also led the school's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Before Wetherby, he was the Global Diversity and Inclusion coordinator at Dwight School London, overseeing DEI initiatives across Dwight campuses in London, New York, Shanghai, Dubai, and Seoul (2020–2022). His work involved developing and executing strategic DEI programs across multiple continents, shaping policies that promoted equity and international-mindedness.

In this episode, I had the honor of welcoming back Dr. Tyra Good, the executive director of Elms College Center for Equity in Urban Education (CEUE), as well as Dominique McDonald, academic coordinator for CEUE, and 2025 graduate Bianca Bonsu. In our conversation, the CEUE team talked about the origin and evolution of the program, reflect on their 5-month partnership with Identity Talk Consulting, share personal reflections about their reading of "Learning to Relearn", and much more! To learn more about Elms College CEUE, you can visit their main website at https://www.elms.edu/ceue/. 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/ 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 1:05-4:02 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 4:03-8:40 - Introducing Dr. Tyra Good & Dominique McDonald 8:41-9:46 - Introducing Bianca Bonsu 9:47-18:05 - Origin & Evolution of Elms College CEUE 18:06-25:44 - Elms College CEUE's Impact on Bianca 25:45-26:23 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 26:24-41:21 - Identity Talk x Elms College CEUE Partnership 41:22-51:02 - Elms College CEUE Reflections on "Learning to Relearn" (Pt. 1) 51:03-52:01 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 52:02-1:06:24 - Elms College CEUE Reflections on "Learning to Relearn" (Pt. 2) 1:06:25-1:11:29 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:11:30-1:16:41 - How to connect with Elms College CEUE 1:16:42-1:18:03 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Dr. Tyra Good is the founding faculty director, Center for Equity in Urban Education (CEUE) at Elms College. Good has more than 10 years of experience teaching education, and, most recently, she was assistant professor of practice in education at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Good is the founder and chief academic consultant for GOOD Knowledge Connections and the founder of the Black Educators Network (BEN) of Greater Pittsburgh. The BEN is a strategic team of K-12, Higher Education, and community educators working across school district and community lines to help ensure the academic and personal success of African-American youth from underserved communities. Most recently, Dr. Good was awarded a 2019 National Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship through Big Picture Learning and Internationals Network for Public Schools. Deeper Learning Equity Fellows are exceptional leaders, education practitioners, policy advocates, and researchers who are committed to expanding Deeper Learning educational practices aimed at improving public education opportunities for underserved communities. Good received her bachelor’s in business management from Howard University, a master of arts in teaching from Chatham University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and evaluation from Duquesne University. Dominique McDonald, Academic Coordinator for CEUE, is an alum of Western New England University with a B.A. in English and is currently working towards an M.Ed at Elms College. He recruits for the Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master in Education, Master in Biomedical Sciences, Master of Biotechnology, Master of Bioethics, and Postbaccalaureate Premedical Studies Certificate programs. He is a lover of animals and the outdoors but also a big fan of reading fiction, playing video games and singing karaoke. Bianca Bonsu has worked as a paraprofessional for the Springfield Public Schools for 10 years. She will be graduating from Elms College this year with a B.A. in Education and her Massachusetts teaching credential.

In this week's episode, I had the honor of interviewing Tekia Timmons in her first ever podcast guest appearance. In our conversation, Tekia opens up about her early upbringing in Flint, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia, the ups and downs of her international teaching journey, diving into edupreneurship, motherhood, and so much more! To learn more about Tekia's work, you can visit the Exceptional Math Coaching & Consulting website at https://sites.google.com/view/exceptional-math-coaching/home 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/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/ 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 1:02-3:31 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:32-7:00 - Introducing Tekia Timmons 7:01-9:11- Tekia's Early Upbringing & Start in Education 9:12-11:45 - Tekia's K-12 Schooling Journey 11:46-23:28 - Tekia's International Teaching Journey (Vietnam Chapter) 23:29-24:07 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 24-08-36:01 - Tekia's International Teaching Journey (Ethiopia Chapter) 36:02-40:20 - Transitioning back into the U.S. K-12 System 40:21-41:19 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 41:20-48:17 - Sabbatical from teaching; the founding of Exceptional Math Coaching & Consulting 48:18-52:20 - Returning to international teaching 52:21-56:05 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 56:06-57:29 - How to connect with Tekia 57:30-58:04 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Ms. Kia, also known as Tekia Timmons, has always had a passion for mathematics since her childhood. Her love for this subject led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Georgia State University and a Master of Science in Applied Statistics from Kennesaw State University. For over 14 years, Ms. Kia has taught high school math in public and private schools in various parts of the world such as the United States, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. She strongly believes that math is a language that everyone can learn to speak with the right level of challenge and support. Ms. Kia enhances her lessons with technology, making them engaging and interactive for her students. She is thrilled to share her enthusiasm for math with her students and help them develop a strong foundation in the subject. In her free time, Ms. Kia enjoys creating beautiful jewelry, traveling, and discovering new cuisines with her family, which includes her wonderful partner, two teenage daughters, and a baby boy who keeps life exciting and full of joy.

In this week's episode, I welcomed back Crystal M. Watson to the podcast for a conversation about her early upbringing in Cincinnati, her transition from the classroom to educational leadership, co-authoring the upcoming book "Pedagogy of Voice: Street Data and the Path to Student Agency", motherhood, and so much more! To learn more about Crystal's work, you can visit her website at https://crystalmwatson.com or follow her on Instagram (@crystalmwatson), or 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/ 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 1:03-3:49 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:50-6:39 - Introducing Crystal M. Watson 6:40-9:30 - Crystal's Early Upbringing & Start in Education 9:31-14:28 - Crystal's K-12 Schooling Journey 14:29-19:20 - Recognizing Student Voice 19:21-19:59 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 20:00-32:11 - Transitioning into Educational Leadership 32:12-40:43 - Trump Administration's Impact on K-12 Education System 40:44-41:43 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 41:44-53:11 - Unpacking "Pedagogy of Voice" 53:12-59:46 - Motherhood 59:47-1:02:15 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:02:16-1:04:48 - How to connect with Crystal 1:04:49-1:05:16- Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Crystal Watson is an innovative, passionate mathematics educator, leader, and life long learner who you can count on to always ask “What do the students think?” Crystal obtained a Masters in Educational Leadership and Administration at Teachers College at Columbia University where she further developed her understanding for school and district leadership. Her work is centered around providing space for student voice and identity development in order for all to experience high quality, deep, and personal mathematics. In her district, Crystal serves as a prominent voice on equity and anti-racism teams. She prides herself on her willingness to pass knowledge forward and support colleagues in the work. As Crystal continues to expand her reach, she has shared and continues to lend her experience and knowledge across multiple platforms including local and national conferences, podcasts, and professional development sessions. Venturing outside of her district, Crystal has worked on multiple teams outside of her geographical location to ensure students see themselves in mathematics. Additionally, Crystal has worked alongside other scholars to develop a culturally responsive curriculum that centers students in every lesson. Crystal has also worked on developing more culturally relevant and responsive math tasks to be used by mathematics educators everywhere. Crystal is dedicated to continuing her own development, continuing to center her work with student experience in mind. She is most excited about the connections and relationships she builds while engaging in transformational work!

On this special 200th episode of the podcast, I welcomed Tiffany Jewell to the podcast for a conversation about her early life in upstate New York, the one-year anniversary of her newest book, "Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School", motherhood, and so much more! To learn more about Tiffany's work, you can visit her website at https://tiffanymjewell.com or follow her on Instagram (@tiffanymjewell), or 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/ 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 1:03-3:43 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:44-8:26 - Introducing Tiffany Jewell 8:27-16:26- Tiffany's Early Upbringing & Start in Education 16:27-21:00 - Navigating the 3 P's during K-12 Journey 21:01-21:38 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 21:39-28:51 - Thoughts on censorship & embodiment of identity-affirming language 28:52-37:55 - Influence of "Everything I Learned About Racism........" on Tiffany's children 37:56-38:54 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 38:55-44:53 - Navigating Fear 44:54-46:34 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 46:35-54:21 - How to connect with Tiffany 54:22-54:51- Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Tiffany Jewell is a Black biracial writer, twin sister, first generation American, cisgender mama, anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator. She is the author of the #1 New York Times and #1 Indie Best Seller, This Book Is Anti-Racist, a book for young folks [and everyone] to support waking up, taking action, and doing the work of becoming antiracist. Tiffany is currently working on multiple book projects for readers of all ages. She has been working with children and families for nearly two decades and worked as a Montessori educator for fifteen years. She enjoys exploring social justice with young folks, especially the history of racism and resistance, economic justice, and socially and personally constructed identities. Tiffany also likes working with educators and supporting them building strong, authentic communities in which every child can be seen and valued. Tiffany lives on the homeland of the Pocumtuc, Nonotuck, and the Nipmuck with her two young storytellers, husband, a small dog with a big personality, and a turtle she’s had since she was nine years old.

In this week's episode, I had a great conversation with Dr. Talisa Sullivan, who opened up about her early upbringing in California, navigating educational leadership as a Black woman, the founding of Transformational Leadership Consulting Services (TLCS), the need for servant leadership in this current sociopolitical climate, and so much more! To learn more about Dr. Sullivan's work, you can visit the TLCS website at https://transformingleaderstlc.com or 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/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/ TO SEND A DONATION: 👉🏾 CashApp - https://cash.app/$idtalk4ed 👉🏾 Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/kwamesm 👉🏾 PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kwamesm _________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-0:56 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 0:57-3:20 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:21-4:56 - Introducing Dr. Talisa Sullivan 4:57-6:03- Dr. Sullivan's Early Upbringing & Start in Education 6:04-9:21 - Dr. Sullivan's K-12 Schooling Journey 9:22-14:05 - Dr. Sullivan's Natural Hair Journey 14:06-16:27 - Dr. Sullivan's Early Years in the Classroom (Part 1) 16:28-17:06 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 17-07-19:21 - Dr. Sullivan's Early Years in the Classroom (Part 2) 19:22-27:08 - Unpacking Servant Leadership Within the Current Sociopolitical Climate 27:09-30:02 - Advice to School Leaders on Transformational Leadership 30:03-33:47 -Transformational Leadership Consulting Services (TLCS) 33:48-34:47 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 34:48-37:03 - Q10 International Education Conference 37:04-41:38 - When Dr. Sullivan realized that she was a leader 41:39-47:28 - Is Dr. Sullivan at peace with herself? 47:29-48:53 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 48:54-51:00 - How to connect with Dr. Sullivan 51:01-51:31 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Dr. Talisa Sullivan is a professional and highly motivated Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a focus on Urban Leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Teaching Credential from Cal State Dominguez Hills, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, and a PhD. in Education with an emphasis on Urban Leadership from Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Sullivan has served in education for over 20 years as an effective educator and instructional leader throughout San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. Dr. Sullivan is a collaborative, data-driven educator with a track record for establishing and maintaining an amazing rapport with staff, students, families, and communities in the Greater Los Angeles area in PK-20 environments. In addition to serving as an administrator in K-12 public education, Dr. Sullivan serves as a Professor in the School of Education for the Teacher Education Program, the University Extention Program as an Ethnic Studies Professor, and as an Adjunct Professor in the Doctoral in Education Leadership Program at local Universities. Dr. Sullivan has also served as a featured speaker at conferences and a keynote speaker for several conferences and universities. Dr. Sullivan has a vast knowledge and training in education and is passionate about working with educators who prepare students for 21st Century college, careers, and overall success. Dr. Sullivan has made a positive impact on education by disrupting systemic barriers that impede success. She aims to continue building sustaining bridges that empower others to ensure that our historically and traditionally marginalized students, staff, teachers, and leaders have what they need to be successful in all of their endeavors.