Articulating - An Independent School Podcast

With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the last of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for parents.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education, serving as the inaugural Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association (MSA). In this role, Amber cofounded RAIL: Responsible AI in Learning, shaping the future of accreditation and school improvement. With over 15 years of school experience spanning both public and independent education, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Division Head and Director of Teaching Fellows at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut.Amber’s thought leadership in responsible AI adoption is grounded in her rich educational background. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in French & Italian, she earned her M.A. in Linguistics and Pedagogy from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University. Most recently, she added a Mini-MBA in AI for Business to her impressive credentials, amplifying her expertise in leveraging AI for strategic innovation.Amber is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for equitable AI practices, and a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. At home, she balances her roles as a devoted mom, NFL wife, and active community leader, inspiring others to embrace transformation in every sphere of life.Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the second of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for students.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education, serving as the inaugural Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association (MSA). In this role, Amber cofounded RAIL: Responsible AI in Learning, shaping the future of accreditation and school improvement. With over 15 years of school experience spanning both public and independent education, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Division Head and Director of Teaching Fellows at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut.Amber’s thought leadership in responsible AI adoption is grounded in her rich educational background. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in French & Italian, she earned her M.A. in Linguistics and Pedagogy from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University. Most recently, she added a Mini-MBA in AI for Business to her impressive credentials, amplifying her expertise in leveraging AI for strategic innovation.Amber is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for equitable AI practices, and a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. At home, she balances her roles as a devoted mom, NFL wife, and active community leader, inspiring others to embrace transformation in every sphere of life.Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the first of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for schools.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education, serving as the inaugural Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association (MSA). In this role, Amber cofounded RAIL: Responsible AI in Learning, shaping the future of accreditation and school improvement. With over 15 years of school experience spanning both public and independent education, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Division Head and Director of Teaching Fellows at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut.Amber’s thought leadership in responsible AI adoption is grounded in her rich educational background. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in French & Italian, she earned her M.A. in Linguistics and Pedagogy from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University. Most recently, she added a Mini-MBA in AI for Business to her impressive credentials, amplifying her expertise in leveraging AI for strategic innovation.Amber is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for equitable AI practices, and a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. At home, she balances her roles as a devoted mom, NFL wife, and active community leader, inspiring others to embrace transformation in every sphere of life.Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Articulating co-hosts return to the virtual studio with a major update that will shape the future of the podcast. Co-written by Sam Osborne and Tyler Woods Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

'Twas the week before Christmas, and you still haven't done your holiday shopping yet. But hold your reindeer! We've got a special bonus episode featuring Christine Platt, author of the Afrominimalist guide to Living with Less.  This is a must-listen for those who wish to tackle overconsumption and inspire their students to embrace a more minimilast and intentional lifestyle! ABOUT CHRISTINE PLATT A multi-genre author and advocate for representation and inclusion, Christine Platt has carved a unique path in literature, lifestyle, and wellness. Also known as the Afrominimalist, Christine’s work centers on honoring Black voices and experiences—past, present, and future. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida, M.A. in African and African American Studies from The Ohio State University, and J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.  Christine’s literary works include the influential adult titles 'The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less' and 'Rebecca, Not Becky', and the beloved children’s series that teaches kids about media literacy, 'Frankie & Friends'. Her multifaceted career in advocacy spans working as a Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy to Managing Director of American University’s Antiracism Center to Director of Communications for Rihanna’s nonprofit, The Clara Lionel Foundation. Christine is a member of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Association of Black Women Historians, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She also serves as an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Have you contemplated sending your student to an all-Black school? Patricia Hogan Williams is Head of the Imani School, the largest black independent school in the U.S. Founded in 1988, the school serves 100% African American students and emphasizes faith, confidence, and self-belief. Williams highlights the importance of setting high expectations and providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and self-worth. The school's curriculum includes African American history and literature, aiming to instill pride and competence in students. Williams stresses the critical role of education in empowering black children and the need for intentionality in their learning environment.  ABOUT PATRICIA HOGAN WILLIAMS A graduate of Fisk University, Patricia Hogan Williams has more than 40 years of experience as an educator with students from preschool classrooms to university campuses. She is the Founding Head and Executive Director of The Imani School — now the largest independent, predominantly African American private Christian school in the nation, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Williams continues to be the driving force behind the school’s progression, prevailing at the school’s helm since 1988. The institution has grown to include more than 350 students across pre-kinder, elementary, and middle school grade levels, receiving national and international recognition for its success in developing self-confidence and academic excellence in African-American children. Mrs. Williams also serves as an adjunct professor in Child Development at Texas Southern University, where she helps sow into the next generation of educators. For her commitment to improving the lives of children and youth, Williams has received numerous honors and awards including: U.S. News and World Report’s “Twelve Indispensable Americans''; “Current History Maker” by KHOU –TV; the Distinguished Woman Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s Audrey A. Lawson Impact Award winner; the American Heart Association Award of Excellence as well as its Outstanding Educator Award; the National Association for Financial Assistance to Minority Students’ Outstanding Educator Award; Links, Inc. Western Area for Outstanding Services to Youth; Texas Southern University Award for Excellent Service; and the Community Service Award from the Top Ladies of Distinction. Williams is the wife of Attorney Connie B. Williams, and the proud mother of three sons, Brian, founder of Step Afrika, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping; Christopher, owner of Lucille’s Hospitality Group, which includes nationally acclaimed restaurant Lucille’s and its non-profit Lucille’s 1913; and Benjamin, the co-owner of Highway Vodka, the country’s first of its kind spirit crafted with hemp seed. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating! Special thanks to Vibrant Health for sponsoring this episode of Articulating! We're thrilled to share an exclusive 20% discount for our listeners. Use code ARTIC20 and take a step toward vibrant living!

When was the last time you read for 30 minutes straight? Uninterrupted? Ramon Javier, Head of School at George Jackson Academy, joins Articulating to discuss the importance of literacy in academic success, developing empathy, and building critical thinking skills. Listen for strategies on how to foster a love for reading not only for your scholar but also yourself!  ABOUT RAMON Ramón is a lifelong New Yorker, proud of his Afro-Latinx roots. A member of Prep for Prep, Ramón graduated from The Hackley School, Williams College, and received his Ed.M from Teachers College, Columbia University. He worked for Prep for Prep, The TEAK Fellowship, KIPP, Packer Collegiate, and The Trinity School in a variety of leadership roles. He also served on the NYSAIS Diversity Committee for six years.  Ramón sits on the boards of the International Boys' Schools Coalition, the New York State Association of Independent Schools. He is also a  member of the Education Committee of the Grace Church School Board of Trustees and sits on the Advisory Board of Parents In Action. Ramón is in his third year as Head of School at George Jackson Academy. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

"Grit" and "exceptionalism" are frequently used in education to praise BIPOC students who face adversity, but what does grit actually mean? And is resilience an appropriate measure of competitiveness in school admissions? Testing prep expert Akil Bello joins us for a part two! Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Despite the widespread adoption of test optionality, families continue to spend jaw-dropping sums on test prep to improve their students' chances. But are the tutors, classes, books and software actually worth the investment? Akil Bello—a test prep expert best known for his appearance Netflix's "Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal"—joins us to explore standardized testing's costs, benefits and hidden inequities. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Educator Ruth Jurgensen joined Prep for Prep in July 2020 as CEO--the first person of color in that position. Jurgensen was tasked to reimagine the organization's vision and mission through the lens of equity, wellness, and innovation. Ruth joins Gina and Sam to share insights from the org's recently completed strategic plan, several key initiatives the plan has spawned, and the power of Prep's extensive alumni network. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

For many BIPOC children, attending PWI schools without proper support can be psychologically harmful. Families today are using Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World as a reference tool for how to raise their token students. Author Cole Brown joins the pod to share his thoughts on this phenomenon and detail his journey from indy school, to management consultant, to published author. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

If you have a BIPOC indy school family, mainstream admissions resources might not speak directly to your needs. "The Black Families Guide to College Admissions" answers your burning questions about HBCU v. PWI, defining success for your student and beginning to lay the foundation towards generational wealth. Admissions experts Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown join the show to discuss this book, which will be released in September 2022. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Today, we have a great guest joining us. Dare we say the best guest ever? Gina Parker Collins is chatting with Sam to dish about her recent appearance on CBSN’s “The Trials of Critical Race Theory.” In this special, a dozen parents, students and experts like Gina discuss the facts, figures, and philosophies around this hot button topic. Have you watched it yet? Well spoiler alert, there were a lot of opposing views and we have a lot of thoughts. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Episode Two, Season Two is here! How do schools articulate "Belonging" in their print and digital media? And at what point does featuring underrepresented students become exploitive? In recent years, independent school marketing and communications teams have had to reckon with how their images and language potentially mis-portray the student experience. Jan Abernathy, Chief Communications Officer of the Browning School, chatted with Gina and Sam about her leadership and impact in this space. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Welcome to season two of Articulating! Do your appearance, actions, and background impact the odds of your child gaining admission? What do you do if you're running late? How should you dress? Sharrie Varroux Renaud of the Avenues: The World School joins Gina and Sam to explore the do's and don'ts of "Admissions Etiquette". Sharrie joined Avenues in 2020 and has been particularly passionate about working on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on campus. She is originally from New Jersey, where she received a B.A. in political science and anthropology from William Paterson University (NJ) and an M.P.A. in public administration from Rutgers University (NJ). Before joining Avenues in fall 2020, Sharrie worked in advancement at The Spence School and most recently worked on the admissions team at BASIS Independent Manhattan. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

André Robert Lee’s documentary “Prep School Negro” made waves throughout the independent school circuit a decade ago. Lee joins Gina and Sam to talk about the film’s reception, his evolution since its release, and how PSN continues to impact budding filmmakers, authors, and indy school families today. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like Ellie! Today marks our final episode of the Summer Scholar takeover for @artic.ulating and we couldn't end with a better scholar.  Ellie is a recent indy school graduate who's accomplished so much already as a student leader. As she embarks on the next chapter of her academic career, Ellie reflects on the contributions she's made to improve diversity and inclusion for her PWI. Thanks for listening! Gina + Sam

The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like brothers James and John! Starting today they’re TAKING OVER @artic.ulating telling their own short-form stories about navigating, negotiating & WINNING!!! 6th grader John, 11, likes all sports especially American football and basketball. He stayed up beyond his bed time to watch both NBA/NFL drafts.  His favorite cereal - when he is allowed to have a treat -  is “Frosted Flakes”.  8th grader, James, 13, likes gaming and BMX park riding. His favorite color is “Anything Black” and favorite cereal is “Raisin Bran Crunch”. Thank you for joining us James and John. Good luck this fall! Gina + Sam

The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like the one and only rising senior, Dariana! Starting today they’re TAKING OVER @artic.ulating telling their own short-form stories about navigating, negotiating & WINNING!!! Get ready to hear from rising indy school senior, D.A.R.I.A.N.A, as she Takes Over and ARTICULATES her bold story, in beautiful short-form. The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like the one and only rising senior, Dariana Almonte! Dariana Almonte is a rising senior at the Riverdale Country School. When she’s not dancing or reading a book, she’s exploring her interests in both computer science and criminal justice reform. She’s excited and ready to take on her last year of high school! Thank you for your beautifully bold independent school story, Dariana. Gina + Sam

We did it! Join Gina & Sam for a recap of the last six months. We could not have had the same impact without our wonderful guests, and you the listeners! Thank you for being on the independent school journey articulating the joy, challenges, outcomes, and wins as Black & Brown stakeholders! We're excited about the Summer Takeover of Articulating with our Black and Brown Scholars! StayTuned!!!