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Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space we talk about education, which is inclusive of, but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn.
In Our Classroom, we explore educational journeys, discuss instructional strategies, unpack books, speak with authors, and we think about how all of this is connected to education.
Subscribe, rate the show and write a review! For resources to help you understand the intersection of race, bias, education, and society go to multiculturalclassroom.com
141 Episodes
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A librarian at the Los Angeles Public Library went viral after giving one of the funniest and most thoughtful explanations of internet slang ever recorded.
But beyond the humor lies a deeper message about curiosity, culture, and why libraries still matter.
In this episode of Our Classroom, host Roberto Germán reflects on what this viral moment teaches us about learning in public, bridging generations, and approaching education with humility and curiosity.
Because whether we’re in classrooms or libraries, the goal is the same: to create spaces where learning feels human again.
Key Topics
The librarian as cultural translator
Why curiosity is a powerful teaching tool
Learning in public vs. performative knowledge
Libraries as spaces for connection and equity
How this viral moment mirrors the mission of Multicultural Classroom
Resources Mentioned
Video clip on Instagram
Multicultural Classroom
Chapters
0:00 – Welcome to Our Classroom 1:00 – The Viral Librarian Moment 3:00 – The Power of Curiosity 5:00 – Learning in Public 7:00 – Making Learning Human Again
In this follow-up to “The Difference Between Harmful Books and Harm-Exposing Books,” host Roberto Germán responds to a public comment on Lorena Germán’s recent post — a comment that reflects a common misunderstanding about book banning and access.
In this episode, Roberto unpacks the language used in conversations about “restricted” versus “banned” books, revealing how the distinction is often used to downplay the real issue: power and control in education.
Through reflection and challenge, this episode invites listeners to rethink what it means when schools remove certain stories — and who ultimately benefits when harm-exposing books are kept off the shelves.
Resources
Blog: “Harmful Books vs. Harm-Exposing Books” by Lorena Germán
Learn more at multiculturalclassroom.com
In this episode of Our Classroom, host Roberto Germán expands on Lorena Escoto Germán’s blog post “Harmful Books vs. Harm-Exposing Books.” Roberto breaks down the crucial difference between books that perpetuate harm and those that reveal it to inspire empathy and justice. Through this lens, he explores how silence, stereotypes, and unchecked bias shape what students read — and how banning books written by marginalized authors silences essential voices. Tune in to learn how educators, parents, and readers can defend harm-exposing books and nurture classrooms rooted in truth, love, and humanity.
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro: Why this conversation matters
2:20 – What makes a book harmful
8:10 – What makes a book harm-exposing
13:30 – Why book bans target these stories
18:00 – How educators can stand for truth and love
22:00 – Closing reflections
In this episode of Our Classroom, New York Times bestselling author Abigail Hing Wen joins to explore how storytelling can be a dynamic tool for teaching students about artificial intelligence. Diving into her new middle-grade novel, "The Vale," Abigail shares her vision of a hopeful, creative, and ethical approach to technology—one where young people are empowered, not intimidated, by AI.
We discuss the power of fiction to foster tech literacy, empathy, and imagination. The conversation also highlights the importance of diversity in both tech and storytelling, as seen through the journey of Bran, a neurodiverse protagonist navigating both real and virtual worlds. Abigail shares candid insights from her experiences in Silicon Valley, offers inspiration for educators to use "The Vale" and its companion film in the classroom, and encourages students to become thoughtful creators and users of technology.
Welcome to Our Classroom!
In this episode of Our Classroom, titled "Shaping the World," Lorena Germán invites us to a vibrant conversation with renowned author and illustrator Yuyi Morales. Recorded as part of the Latinx Kid Lit Book Festival, this episode dives into the transformative power of children's literature and how stories can spark imagination, resilience, and hope—especially in challenging times.
Yuyi Morales shares the journey behind her latest book, "Little Rebels / Peques Rebeldes," offering a glimpse into what it means to be a rebel in today’s world, the importance of land and community in her stories, and the healing possibilities that children’s books offer to both young readers and adults alike. Through thoughtful questions and heartfelt discussion, Lorena and Yuyi explore the essential role that artists and writers play as “antennas” attuned to the needs and potential of society, as well as the responsibility of creating stories that nurture and empower children.
Tune in for a conversation brimming with warmth, wisdom, and practical insights on how storytelling shapes not only our educational experiences, but also the world at large. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, you’ll find inspiration and actionable ideas to bring more love, care, and creativity into your own "classroom."
In this episode, Eric Royo, founder of Hip Hop Building Blocks, joins to explore the intersection of hip hop culture and social emotional learning (SEL). Eric, a lifelong hip hop artist and seasoned educator from New York, shares the transformative impact hip hop has had on his life and how it inspired him to create an innovative, culturally relevant educational platform. From stories of international connections in Australia to building empowering communities in the classroom, Eric dives into the foundational “building blocks” every student needs—peace, love, unity, and fun—and how hip hop pedagogy can cultivate meaningful relationships, cultural pride, and real engagement. Whether you’re an educator, hip hop head, or just passionate about youth empowerment, get ready for a dynamic conversation about disrupting traditional approaches to SEL, fostering belonging, and the power of collaboration within our communities.
In this episode, Roberto sits down with Edgar Palacios, a dynamic advocate for Latino representation in education and the founder of both the Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolución Educativa. Edgar shares his journey from growing up in a vibrant Latino community in Miami to feeling isolated in less diverse environments, and how these experiences fueled his passion for educational equity.
Together, they dive deep into the challenges facing Latinx youth in schools today—from persistent systemic barriers and underrepresentation among educators to the urgent need for collective action and community engagement. Edgar offers candid insights into shifting mindsets, building meaningful change, and the power of love and self-acceptance in advocacy work. Whether you're an educator, parent, or ally, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for making a real impact in your community.
IG - Latinx Education Collaborative
AI isn’t here to replace teachers—it’s here to support them. In this episode, Roberto Germán explores how educators can shift their mindset and classroom practice to embrace AI as a powerful partner, not a threat. From grading hacks to real-world projects that outsmart AI misuse, you’ll discover actionable ways to save time, boost engagement, and protect the integrity of student learning.
You’ll learn:
✅ How to use AI responsibly as a teaching tool
✅ Strategies to design “AI-proof” assignments
✅ Tips to guide students toward ethical AI use
Whether you’re skeptical or curious, this episode offers a clear, practical path for educators navigating the AI era—without losing the human heart of teaching.
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto sits down with Jackson Garcia, the dynamic Dean of Students at Renaissance Charter School at Coral Springs. Known for his commitment to equity-driven leadership and culturally responsive teaching, Jackson shares his journey from aspiring political science major to visionary educational leader. Together, they explore what it takes to foster a truly inclusive and supportive school culture, tackle the nuances of restorative discipline, and unpack the importance of building strong, trusting relationships among students, faculty, and families.
Jackson offers insight into navigating the challenges and rewards of working in a richly diverse K-8 environment in South Florida—a place where being a leader of color is both celebrated and empowering. From candid stories about student discipline to the significance of hiring practices and relevant professional development, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for educators striving to create relationship-centered, culturally responsive learning spaces.
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of education, this conversation will inspire you to lead with humility, empathy, and vision. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt discussion on building environments where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued.
Is your school committed to equity but still seeing gaps in student experience, staff retention, or instructional impact? In this episode, Roberto Germán explores why so many well-intentioned school initiatives stall—and what real transformation looks like when equity is embedded across culture, instruction, and leadership.
You’ll walk away with:
✅ 3 common mistakes schools make
✅ A vision for sustainable culture change
✅ Concrete next steps for moving from intention to action
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, principal, or district leader, this episode will help you reimagine what meaningful progress can look like in your school community.
🎧 Tune in and visit multiculturalclassroom.com to learn how we support schools in building inclusive, engaging, and purposeful learning environments.
Professional Development
Speaking Engagements
Resources - Textured Teaching
In this episode of Our Classroom, we dive deep into what education truly means—beyond just what happens in schools. In this engaging conversation, host Wade Kelly is joined by Lorena Germán, co-founder and academic director of Multicultural Classroom, and author of Textured Teaching: A Framework for Culturally Sustaining Practices. Lorena brings her lived experience as an immigrant and a dedicated educator to the forefront, sharing how her personal journey fueled her passion for transforming classrooms into spaces of equity, justice, and cultural affirmation.
Together, they unpack the nuances of culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP), exploring its origins, importance, and practical implementation. Lorena openly discusses the challenges and opportunities teachers face in justice-centered work—especially in today’s climate of social and political upheaval. This episode also delves into how educators can stay grounded in restorative practices, find hope in community, and recognize the power dynamics within their classrooms.
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or curious learner, this episode promises candid reflections, actionable insights, and a renewed commitment to making classrooms places where everyone’s story matters. Tune in and explore what it truly means to make education restorative, representative, and transformative for all.
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto had the honor of joining Penny Kittle for a powerful, heartfelt conversation about his poetry collection, Blue Ink Tears. In this episode, they dig deep into the long journey that brought this book to life—over 20 years in the making—and discuss how his experiences as an educator, school leader, and Dominican-American have shaped his writing and my mission.
Penny and Roberto talk about the importance of vulnerability, especially as a Black Dominican man, and why sharing our authentic stories can be both an act of courage and inspiration for others. They explore the structure of Blue Ink Tears, breaking down the emotional spectrum behind its three sections—blue, ink, and tears—and why it was important for him to create a collection that’s both memoir and poetry, reaching readers on multiple levels.
Throughout their conversation, Roberto shares poems that open windows into his life, from celebrating love and family, to confronting pain and navigating complicated relationships within our educational systems. They discuss the challenges and rewards of putting personal work into the world and why storytelling—our own and our community’s—matters so much.
Listen as they unpack the stories, the struggles, and the hope behind Blue Ink Tears, and why Roberto believes everyone’s voice deserves to be heard. Whether you’re an educator, a student, a poet, or simply someone searching for meaning, this conversation is sure to leave you inspired to put your own truth down on the page.
On today’s episode of Our Classroom, we invite you into an intimate and profound conversation about the realities of the immigrant experience in the United States. Lorena Germán shares her personal immigration journey—from her childhood in the Dominican Republic to growing up bicultural in the U.S.—and exposes the invisible and often painful challenges so many immigrants face.
Lorena offers a powerful reflection on navigating legal documentation, the emotional burden of being treated as the Other, and the ever-present anxiety tied to immigration status. She draws striking parallels between the legacy of dictatorship in the Dominican Republic and the current political climate in the U.S., exploring themes of fear, belonging, and resilience.
This episode is more than one woman’s story; it’s a call to action for educators, families, and communities. If you’ve ever wondered how immigration policy shapes the daily lives of those around you, or what role you can play in supporting our most vulnerable neighbors, this conversation is essential listening. Join us as we unpack urgent questions about humanity, justice, and the meaning of true citizenship.
In latest episode of Our Classroom, we delve into the complexities of forced exile and authoritarianism with our special guest, Amanda Quintero Aguerrevere. Amanda, a Venezuelan national living in exile, shares her profound insights and personal experiences, highlighting the human impact of political upheaval. As an economist, writer, and international business strategist, Amanda channels her expertise into storytelling with her book, We Said Farewell. Through fictionalized stories based on real events, she uncovers the deep personal and societal wounds inflicted by authoritarian rule. Join us as we discuss the intricacies of forced migration and political persecution, drawing lessons from Venezuela's ongoing crisis and exploring how educators can foster critical thinking and civic engagement in today's politically polarized world. Whether you are an educator or simply curious about the global forces shaping our society, this episode is sure to deepen your understanding and ignite meaningful discussions.
In this episode of Our Classroom, the talented authors and educators Rebecca Bellingham and Veronica Scott join to dive into the transformative power of art in the classroom as they explore how creativity serves as a pathway to identity and belonging. Their new book, "The Artful Approach to Exploring Identity and Fostering Belonging," acts as a guiding light for educators eager to integrate art into the curriculum to help students meaningfully explore their identities.
Rebecca and Veronica share practical strategies for weaving picture books, poetry, and pop culture into educational practices. They also tackle the challenging yet vital task of teaching honest history and navigating cultural pushback in schools. With an emphasis on self-reflection and the transformative potential of artful moments, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for educators dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable classroom environments. Join us as we uncover the artful approach to nurturing belonging and understanding in the ever-evolving landscape of education.
In this episode, we're joined by distinguished guests Dr. Jacquelynne Boivin and Dr. Kevin McGowan, both esteemed educators from Bridgewater State University. Together, we'll explore the nuanced subject of privilege and how it intersects with race and equity in predominantly white classrooms.
We'll address the discomfort and resistance often encountered when discussing race, and how to navigate these challenging yet necessary conversations. Dr. Boivin and Dr. McGowan provide insights from their book, offering tangible strategies for educators to integrate anti-racist perspectives across all subjects, not just those traditionally associated with social studies. We'll also discuss how educators can find their allies and build supportive communities to sustain these efforts, even amidst pushback.
So, settle in and open your mind as we engage in a candid and thoughtful conversation about making education a truly inclusive and equitable experience for all students. Let's unpack privilege together, right here, in Our Classroom.
Social Media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mcgowan-ph-d-b0ba1732/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynne-boivin-ph-d-9874a7126/
https://www.instagram.com/jacquelynneboivin/
Also on Facebook. Join the group “White teacher, white students” for the book’s readership community.
Today's episode of Our Classroom dives into the ever-evolving intersection of technology and mindfulness with a special focus on the digital age. We welcome Michael Davis, founder of Mindfulbytes IO, to shed light on how mindfulness strategies can transform digital education.
Michael, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and TEDx speaker, emphasizes the importance of developing healthy, mindful relationships with technology, especially for young learners. His groundbreaking K-5 curriculum focuses on digital well-being, mindfulness, and cyber ethics. During this episode, we explore practical ways educators can use mindfulness to combat cyberbullying and enhance student engagement.
The conversation also covers innovative practices like the role reversal exercise at Montessori One Academy. This approach fosters digital empathy by encouraging students to view digital interactions from different perspectives. Michael shares valuable insights on how parents and educators can shift from a fear-based approach to technology towards fostering digital happiness and responsibility among young learners.
Tune in to discover small steps teachers can take to integrate cyber ethics into their classrooms and help students navigate screen time thoughtfully. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply curious about creating a more balanced digital life, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiration to help you and your community thrive in our digital world.
Social Media: Linkedin - Michael Davis
In today's episode of Our Classroom, we're delving into the poignant and necessary conversation about sustaining cultural and disability identities in literacy with esteemed guests Dr. Amy Tondreau, an assistant professor of literacy at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Laurie Rabinowitz, an assistant professor of education studies at Skidmore College. Dr. Tondreau and Dr. Rabinowitz bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, exploring the integration of culturally sustaining pedagogy and disability sustaining pedagogy with balanced literacy frameworks to foster inclusive classrooms. They emphasize the importance of mindset shifts for educators, offering practical strategies and inspiring examples of inclusive practices in action. Tune in to learn how we can engage with critical, intersectional pedagogies that honor the multifaceted identities of students, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the literacy landscape.
Social Media
IG - @sustainingdisabilityidentities
BlueSky - @amytondreau.bsky.social
In this episode of Our Classroom, we are joined by Jerry Kolber, an Emmy-nominated co-creator of National Geographic's hit series Brain Games. Known for his exceptional contributions to the edutainment realm, Jerry's journey showcases a unique blend of entertainment and education. With ventures like Brainchild on Netflix and the globally popular podcast Who Smarted, accumulating over 15 million downloads, Jerry Kolber has consistently pushed the boundaries of educational content for kids. This episode explores the significance of engaging learning experiences, the challenges of balancing screen time for young ones, and the role of curiosity in a tech-driven world. Tune in to delve into the future of education, the transformative power of fun and interactive learning, and how creativity and curiosity can inspire the next generation to tackle global challenges. Join the conversation and discover how Jerry's work is reshaping the landscape of learning for educators, parents, and children alike.
Social Media:
Atomic Entertainment
Linkedin - Jerry Kolber
In this episode of Our Classroom, we are joined by Brian Jordan. Known for his remarkable career as a two-sport professional athlete with the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons, Brian has since transitioned into a passionate advocate for youth literacy. His journey from the sports field to the world of children's literature is deeply rooted in his own experiences with reading challenges and the influence of a supportive upbringing. The discussion includes Brian's dedication to motivating young people to embrace literacy through his foundation and the innovative Reading Challenge program. Tune in to discover how Brian not only uses his platform to inspire and educate young minds but also works tirelessly to break down barriers and provide resources to foster a love of reading and learning among youth. Join us as we explore the transformational power of literacy and mentorship in shaping the futures of young individuals.
Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjordan33/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbrianjordan33/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.jordan.526438/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brianjordan813
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