In this second-to-last episode of Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE, we sit down with two powerful voices in inclusive and student-centered education, Sally Ratemo and Donica Merhazion, learning support educators from the International School of Kenya (ISK). Together, we explore how they are redefining inclusion, belonging, and identity-affirming practice in international school settings. Drawing from their collaborative work in ISK’s Life-Centered Education (LCE) program, as well as their recent presentation at SENIA Unplugged, Sally and Donica share the strategies, mindsets, and community-centered approaches that help neurodiverse learners thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We unpack the importance of psychological safety, culturally responsive pedagogy, co-teaching partnerships, and the intentional use of digital tools, all while centering humanity and student dignity. Finally, Donica shares about her newest book, "Born at the End of the World" and the journey she embarked on to complete it. To learn more about Donica's work, you can visit her website at dmerhazion.com or follow her on Instagram (@donica_merhazion) and LinkedIn. To learn more about Sally'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/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 A 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 1:13-3:17 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:18-6:29 - Introducing Sally Ratemo & Donica Merhazion 6:30-10:51 - Who or what inspired you to be an educator? 10:52-13:19 - Donica's K-12 Education Journey 13:20-18:59 - Sally's K-12 Education Journey 19:00-25:21 - What does a "safe classroom" look like? (Donica) 25:22-31:43 - Strategies for Building Psychological Safety for Students 31:44-44:17 - What is Life-Centered Education? 44:18-50:42 - How her inclusion approach has shifted as a school leader (Sally) 49:47-54:05 - Donica's New Book, "Born at the End of the World" 54:06-58:37 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 58:38-1:00:07 - How to connect with Sally & Donica 1:00:08-1:01:35 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Donica Merhazion is a middle school educator with extensive experience in special education, specializing in Orton-Gillingham instruction and inclusive practices that address diverse learning needs. Her expertise includes implementing Responsive Classroom strategies and blended learning to create dynamic, student-centered environments. She is committed to differentiated instruction that prioritizes individual strengths and challenges, fostering self-worth and confidence while addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities. By designing equitable, inquiry-driven learning experiences, she equips learners with critical thinking skills and resilience, empowering them to overcome barriers and thrive as lifelong learners. Sally Ratemo is an international special education teacher with a master's degree in both special education and leadership. She is passionate about each student's unique needs and thrives on building the student's strengths and confidence in order to foster their social and academic growth. Sally believes that by being seen, valued, and accepted, all students can reach their full potential and contribute purposefully to our ever-changing world. She has a passion for equity and inclusion which is continually inspired by her culture, family, and students.

In this week's episode, I sit down with global inclusion consultant Lauren Jones, a leading voice in international education whose work spans continents, cultures, and communities. With experience supporting schools across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, Lauren specializes in building inclusive ecosystems that affirm every learner, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or misunderstood. Drawing from her extensive background in learning support, neurodiversity, trauma-informed practice, and whole-child development, Lauren shares how she partners with schools and organizations to shift systems, strengthen leadership, and cultivate cultures of belonging. Together, we explore her consulting work, leadership coaching, and contributions to projects like The Guardian Project. Throughout the conversation, Lauren offers practical insights for teachers, leaders, and school communities working to create more inclusive, equitable, and humane learning environments. To learn more about Lauren's work, you can visit her website at laurenjonesconsulting.com or follow her on Instagram (@laurenjonesconsulting) 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 A 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 1:05-3:59 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 4:00-6:56 - Introducing Lauren Jones 6:57-14:38 - Lauren's Early Childhood, Schooling Journey & Early Years in Education 14:39-21:52 - What Does It Means to be a "Good Student"? 21:53-25:18 - Cross-Cultural Influences on Inclusion 25:19-34:30 - Auditing & Assessing Inclusion Systems in Schools 34:31-38:38 - Emerging Challenges That Impact Inclusion in Schools 38:39-42:59 - Neuro-Inclusive Teaching Toolkit 43:00-49:40 - The Guardian Project 49:41-55:36 - Celebrating The Wins! 55:37-57:03 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 57:04-58:01 - How to connect with Lauren 58:02-58:49 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Lauren Jones is an educational and leadership consultant focusing on supporting schools and organizations with building and expanding programming to support neurodivergence in their communities. Lauren helps schools through professional development, inclusion audits, coaching, board and leadership training, and programmatic and policy design and implementation. Lauren has a Master’s degree in Special Education and a post graduate certificate from Harvard University in School Management and Leadership. Lauren has lived and worked in Nigeria, South Sudan, The U.S., Qatar, and Rwanda. She most recently served at the Head of School at the International School of Kigali. Prior to that, Lauren led instrumental work in Qatar, expanding programming and policy to include a broader scope of neurodiversity.

In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Nicole Bonnah, journalist, storyteller, and Founder & Director of Tap in Think Tank, to explore how storytelling can be a transformative force in education, identity, and social change. Drawing from her acclaimed writings such as “The Black Orient: The Emerging Black Presence in China” and “Black China Life” in The Huffington Post, Nicole reflects on her experiences living and reporting abroad as a Black woman navigating cultural identity, belonging, and representation in global contexts. Together, we discuss how her journalism journey shaped her mission to create Tap in Think Tank, a social impact consultancy dedicated to helping schools and organizations engage in meaningful dialogue about race, equity, and identity. From the power of informed perspectives to the importance of narrative ownership, Nicole offers rich insights on how educators can use storytelling to humanize learning, build cultural consciousness, and foster truly identity-affirming classrooms. To learn more about Nicole's work, you can visit the Tap In Think Tank website at tapinthinktank.com or follow her on Instagram (@tapinthinktank) 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 A 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: 0:00-1:03 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:04-3:54 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:55-5:38 - Introducing Nicole Bonnah 5:39-18:51 - Nicole's Early Childhood, Schooling Journey & Early Years in Education 18:52-19:57 - Moving to China 19:58-20:56 - The Forum Promo 20:57-23:15 - Inspiration for Journalism & Storytelling 23:16-34:17 - Navigating Life in China 34:18-38:14 - Conversations with Children about Identity 38:15-38:27 - Service Learning in South Africa 38:28-39:13 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 39:14-52:03 - Tap In Think Tank 52:04-56:08 - Lessons Learned 56:09-57:01 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 57:02-58:33 - How to connect with Nicole 58:34-59:08 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Nicole Bonnah is the passionate founder of Tap In think tank and host of Talks on Tap, a unique intellectual experience that brings together curious minds in the vibrant atmosphere of Beijing's bars. A London native residing in China since 2013, Nicole holds a bachelor's in Journalism, News Media, and Film and a master’s in International Journalism. With a decade of teaching experience, Nicole is also a documentary filmmaker specialising in ethnicity and culture. Her writing has been featured in prominent publications such as China’s Global Times, US-China Focus, and AfricaChina Magazine. As an avid learner and connector, Nicole's mission is to foster meaningful discussions and build a community of lifelong learners who are eager to explore new ideas and perspectives.

In this week's episode of Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE, I chat with Dr. Jaymee Lewis-Flenaugh, the Founder and Principal Consultant of ElevateCore Consulting, to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity, intention, and purpose. Drawing on her rich experiences in academia and organizational development, Jaymee shares how her journey from the university classroom to the consulting space shaped her mission to help leaders build people-centered systems rooted in clarity, culture, and connection. Together, we unpack the critical intersections of identity, equity, and organizational culture and how educators, school leaders, and changemakers alike can reimagine leadership through a lens that honors both people and purpose. To learn more about Jaymee's work, you can visit the ElevateCore Consulting website at elevatecoreconsulting.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/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 A 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: 0:00-1:08 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:09-4:18 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 4:19-6:53 - Introducing Dr. Jaymee Lewis-Flenaugh 6:54-16:00 - Jaymee's Early Childhood & K-12 Journey in Education 16:01-21:52 - Discovering the Student Affairs & Academia Space 21:53-27:10 - How Gen Z Has Change Student Affairs in College 27:11-33:42 - Jaymee's Doctoral Journey & Navigating Academia as a Black Woman 33:43-38:37 - Living in Zambia; Transitioning to the Foreign Service Space 38:38-41:28 - Perspectives on Leadership 41:29-48:34 - ElevateCore Consulting 48:35-49:54 - Where will ElevateCore Consulting be in 5 Years? 49:55-51:12 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 51:13-51:44 - How to connect with Jaymee 51:45-52:20 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Dr. Jaymee Lewis-Flenaugh is a People-First leader and the Founder & Principal Consultant with ElevateCore Consulting LLC. She has also worked in student affairs in higher education, enrollment management in higher education, U.S. federal government, and the private sector. Jaymee has navigated multiple industries advancing key skills in strategic direction, cross-organizational collaboration, program planning and execution, team dynamics, effective supervision, and human performance. Dr. Lewis-Flenaugh holds a B.A. in English Literature and Black Diaspora Studies from DePaul University; an M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University; and a Ph.D. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University (in Ohio). She has over 14 years of higher education experience including progressive leadership working with teams; facilitated over 150 national, state, and local presentations; held professional association leadership at the regional and national level; and contributed to the field of higher education administration through various publications. Dr. Lewis-Flenaugh engages often in service at her workplaces and in speaking engagements Dr. Lewis-Flenaugh is a personable and dynamic leader that supports the growth mindset of team members for increased overall performance of the organization.

In this week's episode, I chat with Osa Oyegun, Founder of Taurus Education Consulting, to explore the transformative role of libraries as spaces for identity, liberation, and joy. Drawing from her unique background as both an educator and a librarian, Osa shares how she uses literacy and storytelling as tools to build belonging, disrupt bias, and affirm every student’s lived experience. From curating culturally relevant collections to reimagining the library as a vibrant hub of community and creativity, Osa invites us to see libraries not as quiet archives but as living classrooms that nurture voice, visibility, and validation. Together, we unpack how school leaders and educators can move beyond the bookshelf to design spaces and systems that honor identity, promote critical consciousness, and celebrate the rich cultural tapestries of their learning communities. To learn more about Osa's work, you can visit the Taurus Education Consulting website at tauruseducationconsulting.com or follow her on Instagram (@tauruseducationconsulting) 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/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 A 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 1:02-3:44 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:45-5:09 - Introducing Osa Oyegun 5:10-13:09 - Osa's Early Childhood & K-12 Journey in Education 13:10-14:56 - Finding a Sense of Home 14:57-19:29 - Insights from Early Years of Teaching 19:30-22:47 - Transitioning to Librarianship 22:48-29:21 - Transferable Skills Acquired from Librarianship 29:22-37:55 - What Safeguarding Looks Like in Librarianship 37:56-43:09 - Identity-Based Harm, Misinformation 43:10-52:11 - Taurus Education Consulting 52:12-54:48 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 54:49-55:47 - How to connect with Osa 55:48-56:31 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Osa Oyegun is an experienced international educator, librarian, and founder of Taurus Education Consulting, a company that provides schools with guidance on culturally responsive curricula, curating user-friendly school libraries, and joyful, learner-centered spaces. Osa has worked as an international educator for over 17 years, and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experiences as a Third Culture Kid (Nigeria, the Philippines, Germany, Turkiye, N. Cyprus, U.S.), an EAL teacher, classroom teacher, and classical singer. Osa earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland (‘02), a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from George Mason University (‘09), and a Master’s in Library & Information Sciences from San Jose State University (‘24). Osa is passionate about sharing her love of learning and curiosity about the world with children.

In this week's episode, I chat with international educator and equity-driven leader Tiwana Merritt to explore how her journey from the track to the classroom has shaped her vision for transformative education. From her record-breaking days as a collegiate athlete to nearly two decades working in schools across Australia, China, and South Africa, Tiwana shares how the lessons of discipline, resilience, and teamwork continue to guide her approach to teaching, learning, and leading. She discusses her groundbreaking work in service-learning and community engagement, her reflections on racial identity and representation abroad, and what it means to be seen as a “cultural ambassador” while living and working globally. To learn more about Tiwana'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/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 A 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 1:03-3:32 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:33-5:50 - Introducing Tiwana Merritt 5:51-14:14 - Tiwana's Early Childhood & K-12 Journey in Education 14:15-16:57 - The Role of Sports in Tiwana's Life 16:58-21:14 - Living in Australia 21:15-22:14 - The Forum Promo 22:15-25:58 - Living in China 25:59-30:24 - Living in South Africa 30:25-38:27 - Service Learning in South Africa 38:28-39:26 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 39:27-46:18 - Transitioning from South Africa; Inspiration for Sabbatical Journey 46:19-49:45 - Lessons Learned from International Teaching Career 49:45-52:21 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 52:22-53:24 - How to connect with Tiwana 53:25-53:58 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Tiwana Merritt is a globally experienced educator, instructional coach, and equity advocate with nearly two decades of leadership in international schools across Australia, China, and South Africa. She most recently served as a Teaching and Learning Coach and PreK–12 Service Learning and Community Engagement Coordinator at the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), where she helps educators design identity-affirming, culturally responsive, and community-centered learning experiences. A proud Southern Oregon University Hall of Fame inductee and former All-American track and field athlete, Tiwana draws on her athletic background to inspire resilience, reflection, and teamwork in the classroom. Her professional work centers on reimagining service-learning through a justice-oriented lens—helping schools move beyond charity-based models to ones rooted in reciprocity, local empowerment, and equity. As a writer, speaker, and curriculum designer, Tiwana has co-authored frameworks that promote harm reduction and anti-bias practices in international school service-learning. Her voice has been featured on the Leading Equity Podcast and in publications highlighting global education, identity, and civic engagement. Passionate about developing globally conscious and socially responsible learners, Tiwana sees education as a lifelong journey of “crossing borders and finish lines”, a continuous pursuit of growth, purpose, and equity in every learning space she enters.

In this special return episode of Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE, I welcome back acclaimed educator, researcher, and author Zaretta Hammond for a powerful conversation about her writing journey and the ideas behind her latest best-selling book, "Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power: Teaching for Instructional Equity and Cognitive Justice". Building on the legacy of her groundbreaking work, "Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain", Zaretta shares the inspiration, challenges, and reflections that shaped her newest release. Together, we explore what it truly means to help students reclaim their sovereignty as learners, the evolving role of educators in nurturing learning partnerships, and how schools can create environments that foster cognitive growth and independence. To learn more about Zaretta's work, you can visit her website at crtandthebrain.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/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 A 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: 0:00-1:03 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:04-3:26 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:27-4:29 - Introducing Zaretta Hammond 4:30-10:49 - Why "Rebuilding Students' Learning Power" Was Written 10:50-15:04 - Navigating Pressures of Learning Goals & Pacing Guides 15:04-20:26 - The Impact of Assessments in the Pursuit of Cognitive Justice 20:27-21:25 - The Forum Promo 21:26-30:28 - The Role of Information Processing in Building Students' Learning Power 30:29-41:00 - Understanding Cognitive Apprenticeship 41:01-43:33 - What's the Goal of Education? 43:34-44:33 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 44:34-59:39 - Combating the Anti-Intellectualism Trend in Our Schools 59:40-1:01:12 - Zaretta's Final Words 1:01:13-1:02:05 - How to connect with Zaretta 1:02:06-1:04:09 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Zaretta Hammond is a national education consultant and the author of the best-selling book ⁠Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students⁠. She holds a Master’s in Education in English Education, with a concentration in Writing from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Zaretta is a former high school and community college expository writing instructor. She has also served as adjunct instructor at St. Mary’s College School of Education in Moraga, California, where she taught The Foundations of Adolescent Literacy. As a consultant, she has advised and provided professional development to school districts and non-profit organizations across the country around issues of equity, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching for the past 25 years. Zaretta brings a unique focus on neuroscience to the conversation about equity, literacy and culturally responsive pedagogy to make it understandable and practical for educators.

In this week's episode, I chat with Safirah Ibenana, founder and CEO of Breaking Grounds Group, to explore her remarkable journey from the classroom to the boardroom. Safirah shares how her early academic experiences and years teaching in international schools around the world shaped her vision for more equitable, student-centered education. From navigating cultural differences in global classrooms to identifying the systemic gaps that led her to launch Breaking Grounds Group, Safirah offers powerful insights into what it means to break barriers and redefine educational success. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the formation of Breaking Grounds Group, learn about the transformative work her organization is doing to support students, educators, and institutions, and hear her reflections on leadership, identity, and purpose in education. To learn more about Safirah's work, you can visit the Breaking Grounds Group website at breakinggroundsgroup.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: 0:00-1:00 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:01-3:31 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:32-5:10 - Introducing Safirah Ibenana 5:11-18:43 - Safirah's Early Years in Education & K-12 Journey 18:44-29:23 - Living & Teaching in Dubai 29:24-36:23 - Living & Teaching in Nigeria (Part 1) 36:24-37:22 - The Forum Promo Ad 37:23-43:12 - Living & Teaching in Nigeria (Part 2) 43:13-1:00:06 - The Formation of Breaking Grounds Group 1:00:07-1:02:46 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:02:47-1:04:43 - How to connect with Safirah 1:04:44-1:05:17 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: As an experienced educational consultant, Safirah Ibenana specializes in college counseling, tutoring, and corporate/teacher training to empower students, educators, and professionals to reach their full potential. With a background in Educational Management, her degree in English has helped several students through the US college admissions process find the right-fit schools and craft compelling applications. Her tutoring approach is personalized and results-driven, ensuring students build strong academic foundations while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond student support, she provides corporate and teacher training to foster inclusive, innovative, and effective learning environments. Whether working with educators to decolonize curricula or equipping professionals with educational technology skills, her goal is to create meaningful change in education and beyond. She believes that every individual has a unique tale to tell, and she's here to ease your storytelling journey to positively impact your success.

In this week's episode, I chat with Aylin Erengul Gregg, international educator, consultant, and developer of the LEAVES Approach, a framework designed to affirm multilingual learners’ cultural and linguistic identities while supporting their second language acquisition. Aylin shares her journey from growing up in Turkey as a non-native English learner to teaching in international schools across the globe. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating language and culture, and how those experiences led to the creation of the LEAVES Approach. The conversation also explores the intersections of teaching, identity, and motherhood, highlighting how raising multilingual children has further shaped Aylin’s vision for inclusive and affirming classrooms. To learn more about Aylin's work, you can visit the LEAVES website at leaveseal.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: 0:00-1:02 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:03-3:43 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:44-7:45 - Introducing Aylin Erengul Gregg 7:46-16:28 - Who or what inspired you to be an educator? 16:29-22:23 - Views on Education & Multilingualism in the Turkish Context 22:24-23:22 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 23:23-27:43 - Cultural Tension, Assimilation, and Isolation 27:44-31:30 - Nuances of Language Processing 31:31-38:06 - LEAVES Approach 38:07-39:06 - The Forum Promo 39:07-47:35 - Scaffolding Strategies to Support Multilingual Learners 47:36-53:20 - Motherhood 53:21-55:35 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 55:36-56:46 - How to connect with Aylin 56:47-57:22 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Aylin Erengul Gregg is an educator, consultant, and developer of the LEAVES Approach, a framework that affirms multilingual learners’ cultural and linguistic roots while supporting their second‐language acquisition. Raised as a non-native English learner, Aylin experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating different accents and accessing academic content in a language that was not her own. Those early experiences deeply shaped her commitment to crafting learning environments in which multilingual students don’t just survive but they thrive. Aylin holds a Master’s degree in TESOL and has taught across multiple international settings. Her professional roles have included teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English Language Acquisition (ELA) in diverse school systems. Previously, she taught at TAKEV High School, served as Head of Department and Grade 5 English teacher in primary and middle schools, and then moved to international schools—most notably Western International School of Shanghai and Frankfurt International School. Most recently, she serves as MYP English Language Acquisition and ESOL teacher at IGB International School. Driven by her conviction that the dominant paradigm of assimilation often silences students’ identities, Aylin launched LEAVES to equip teachers with practical, research-informed strategies that help multilingual learners engage academically without losing their sense of self. Under her leadership, LEAVES advocates for inclusive, language-rich classrooms where affirmation, scaffolding, and identity-support are central. When she is not working with students or training teachers, Aylin writes, shares reflections, and promotes the mission of multilingual affirmation through social media and professional networks.