Be a Better Ally: critical conversations for K12 educators

On this week Tricia speaks with Dr. Sirisha Kuchimanchi and Malur Narayan about their new emerging concept to better bridge students with apprenticeships that are meaningful: https://employability.one/ Our guests are looking for educator input and perspective. We talk about why that matters now more than ever before. Would you like to connect with them? Send your feedback and questions: https://forms.gle/CnwzMxQS7zq1XXzbA Connect with them on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malur/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sirishakuchimanchi/ Join Tricia this November for a free Futures Literacy Cohort: https://app.glueup.com/event/aaie-leadership-learning-series-co-creating-future-foresight-skills-122479/

This week's episode explores the journey of Heartstopper from its origins as a webcomic to its successful adaptation into a TV series with Author Alice Oseman and Executive Producer Patrick Walters. The creators discuss the importance of staying true to the source material, the emotional resonance of the story, and the collaborative process that brings the characters to life. They emphasize the themes of hope and optimism that permeate the narrative, making it relatable and beloved by audiences worldwide. Ready to learn more? https://aliceoseman.com/heartstopper/ Join Tricia in the free AAIE Future Foresight Community: https://app.glueup.com/event/aaie-leadership-learning-series-co-creating-future-foresight-skills-122479/

In this conversation, Tricia and Daryl Sinclair discuss the launch of Daryl's podcast, DEIJ Hot Takes, which aims to explore diverse perspectives in the DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) space. Daryl shares his journey into the DEIJ field, emphasizing the importance of learning from various practitioners and the need for a platform that showcases different approaches to equity work. They delve into the concept of 'hot takes' as a way to invite opinions and foster dialogue, rather than presenting definitive answers. The discussion also highlights the significance of creating safe spaces for conversations, the intentionality behind podcasting, and the need for systemic changes in education to promote equity. Daryl draws parallels between breakdancing and DEIJ work, emphasizing the value of lived experiences and diverse media in shaping understanding and fostering inclusivity. Connect with our guest and follow his new podcast: https://dsinclairwriting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darylsinclairgeography/ https://dsinclairwriting.com/2024/09/20/deij-hot-takes/ As mentioned at the top of the episode, learn with LeeAnne and Shei with Reciprocal Community Partnerships: https://global-citizenship-hub.teachable.com/p/reciprocal-community-partnerships-a-master-class-in-how-to-evaluate-and-build-sustainable-inclusive-partnerships-in-k-12-schools

How can a game help us work on media literacy? On the show this week we talk to Anahita Dalmia about Agents of Influence. Try the game out today: https://www.agentsofinfluencegame.com/ As mentioned at the top of the episode: Do you believe in the power of stories? Do you want your students to become active global citizens ready for positive and purposeful civic engagement? Do you want to equip your students with the skills to be purposeful content creators rather than passive consumers of digital information? Do you want to create and launch your own class website/digital storytelling platform? Learn more with LeeAnne Lavender! https://global-citizenship-hub.teachable.com/p/becoming-a-digital-storyteller

For Banned Books Week the INCREDIBLE non-profit Pride and Less Prejudice is hosting Banned Together. How can you help them meet their goal for this year? https://www.prideandlessprejudice.org/events

This week Tricia brings you an espisode of a show she appreciates: The SENIA Happy Hour podcast, where host Lori Boll chats with Tricia Friedman. Tricia shares insights on how algorithms shape our interactions, particularly in education and social media. Be sure to learn more about the show and SENIA: https://www.seniainternational.org/podcast/ They discuss the importance of understanding algorithms in relation to information literacy and DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) work. Trisha emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about technology, encouraging listeners to explore how algorithms influence our identities and relationships. This engaging discussion reveals the complexities of algorithmic systems and their impact on society, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and education! As a bonus, Trisha will be a keynote speaker at SENIA Unplugged: Inclusive Insights virtual conference in November. Connect ⁠Website: Shifting Schools⁠ ⁠Website: Allyed⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ From Today’s Show: Podcast: Be a Better Ally Free Guides from Shifting Schools Replika WISE Strategy Duke career hub info on a Hireview AI interview Facebook group: role play being in an ant colony BotLove The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation, by Cathy O’Neil Bridget Todd Mozilla: IRL ACLR Free Framework Wrong - by Dannagal Goldthwaite Young Filter World: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, by Kyle Chayka Earth Species Communication Algorithms and taste-making: Exposing the Netfilx Recommender System’s operational logics When Dog’s Play, They Follow the Golden Rules of Fairness Chatbots can persuade conspiracy theorists their view might be wrong

On the show today Tricia speaks with a renowned expert in HigherED about the ways AI is already shifting the university experience. If you work in K12, what more do we need to understand about that changing landscape? Our guest this week: Dr. Claire Brady is a seasoned executive and recognized change agent and coalition builder with significant experience improving processes, leading digital transformations, building world-class teams, and achieving strategic goals. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University (BA & MA), and the University of Central Florida (EdD). Claire has served in executive VPSA roles at Lake-Sumter State College in Florida and Ana G. Mendez University in Florida and Puerto Rico. Claire also has 10+ years of undergraduate teaching experience. Claire is a nationally recognized educator and passionate advocate for AI in higher education. She is leading the charge in AI literacy as a vocal advocate across higher education. Claire is dedicated to equipping executive teams and student affairs professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to leverage the immense potential of AI in their personal and professional lives. Claire is an active member of regional and national associations and is engaged in her local communities by serving within organizations and on boards. Claire, her partner Ben, and their son Fox (13) live in Orlando. When she’s not picking up LEGO or discussing the intricacies of Minecraft, she enjoys travel, reading, exploring AI, TV, crafting, Broadway shows, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Website: www.drclairebrady.com Socials: IG @drclairebrady LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebradyedd/ Blogs: https://www.drclairebrady.com/blog Thank you to our incredible show sponsor for making this series possible: Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

On this week: Alder Van Otterloo https://aldervanotterloo.com/about We dig into their incredible book and more: https://aldervanotterloo.com/books The conversation explores the themes of empathy, understanding, and respect for others, as well as the importance of storytelling and fiction in fostering empathy. It also touches on the intersectionality of identities and the need for inclusivity and acceptance. The book, 'The Beautiful Something Else,' is praised for its relatability and its exploration of complex family dynamics and the challenges of understanding oneself and others. It highlights the significance of affirming relationships and the power of small acts of kindness. The conversation also emphasizes the role of libraries as inclusive spaces and the value of intergenerational relationships. The conversation explores the themes of body respect, autonomy, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. It emphasizes the importance of honoring children's agency and allowing them to make choices about their bodies and preferences. The conversation highlights the significance of self-regulation and the role it plays in emotional literacy and overall well-being. It concludes with a reflection on the power of connection and the comfort that animals can provide in the creative process. Reach out to tricia@shiftingschools.com to enter to win your copy of the book by Sept. 10!

Kwame Sarfo-Mensah has an incredible book hitting shelves this coming Fall, and it is one of those must read books. In this episode we talk about that book and Kwame's perspective on much more. We explore the importance of understanding one's childhood experiences and how it can help educators better connect with their students. We also discuss the concept of home and how it can be defined differently for each person. Kwame emphasizes the need for trust and vulnerability in building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. They also touch on the role of curiosity and learning in dismantling hate and promoting inclusivity. Kwame shares how his podcast has influenced his book and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. The conversation explores the power of storytelling and the importance of media literacy in building belonging in schools. It delves into the concept of counter storytelling as a way to challenge stock narratives and learn about marginalized communities. Learn more about Kwame, his podcast, book and ways to connect with him: https://www.identitytalk4educators.com/about https://www.identitytalk4educators.com/podcast Check out his post as discussed at the beginning of the episode: https://aieloc.org/how-do-we-make-our-classrooms-feel-like-home-to-each-and-every-student-aieloc/

On this week: Dr. Kat Schrier discusses the potential of games to help people better connect with themselves and others. She shares her research on using games to enhance compassion, empathy, and reduce biases, as well as her work on a game in Nigeria that teaches about different ethnicities and discrimination. Dr. Schrier also highlights the importance of understanding multiple perspectives and the complexity of games. She emphasizes the need to reframe how we think about games and the diverse uses and possibilities they offer. The conversation explores the intersection of games and empathy, the value of grief literacy, and the hope that games can bring. Dr. Kat Schrier (she/they) is Full Professor, Director of the Play Innovation Lab, and Director of the Games and Emerging Media program at Marist College. She is the author/editor of over 100 published works, such as We the Gamers: How Games Teach Ethics & Civics (Oxford University Press, 2021) and Knowledge Games (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016). She has previously edited two book series, Ethics and Game Design and Learning, Education, & Games. She was a Belfer Fellow with the ADL's Center for Technology & Society, and she is co-PI for a Templeton Grant on designing VR games for empathy. Prior to joining the Marist College faculty, she worked as a media producer at Scholastic, Nickelodeon, and BrainPOP. She is currently consulting with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a game designer. She has a doctorate from Columbia University, a master’s from MIT, and a bachelor’s from Amherst College. https://www.karenschrier.com/ https://www.karenschrier.com/publications https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/how-we-can-use-games-understand-others-better

Skateistan is an international NGO that uses skateboarding as a tool for education and empowerment. It started with a few children in Kabul who were curious about skateboarding and has now grown into a global movement. The organization focuses on providing fun and inclusive spaces for children and at-risk youth to learn, play, and shape their futures. Skateistan has also created the Good Push Alliance, a social skate network that connects over a thousand skate projects worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of play and the valuable life skills that can be learned through skateboarding. 🎙️Connect with them to learn more: https://skateistan.org/ Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

Earlier this summer we spoke with Nawal Qarooni about her book 'Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations' and the book is just so good we had to follow up....heres' more on why that book is perfect for back to school season. 🎙️Connect with our guest and check out her book: https://nqcliteracy.org/ https://x.com/nqcliteracy?lang=en Link from Nawal https://www.loc.gov/programs/library-of-congress-literacy-awards/about-this-program/advisory-board/ Want to take this episode further and map out your personal plans for having a playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

Shelly Page discusses her upcoming debut novel, Brewed with Love, and the importance of the book cover. The cover reveals hints about the story, including a heartbreak tonic and a romance between the main characters. Shelly also explores the theme of fear in her writing and how it relates to the journey of young characters. She discusses the genre of contemporary romantacy and the collaborative process of receiving feedback and making revisions. Shelly shares how her background as an attorney has influenced her approach to feedback and the creative process. She emphasizes the importance of pre-orders and word-of-mouth in supporting authors and combating book bans. Ready to learn about the book? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/753106/brewed-with-love-by-shelly-page/ Want to win a free copy? If you would like to win a copy, please email tricia(at)shiftingschools.com by August 10 to enter Connect with our guest: https://www.shellypage.com/

On the show this week: Shannon Hobbs-Beckley shares her insights and wisdom on transitioning between jobs and the psychological process of going through a transition. She discusses the distinction between change and transition and the importance of acknowledging the endings and beginnings in the process. Shannon also emphasizes the significance of leaning on one's network and having a support system during a transition. She highlights the importance of bringing one's unique identity and personal experiences into leadership roles and creating a space for others to show up authentically. Impactful leadership, according to Shannon, is about empowering individuals, making them feel safe, valued, and confident, and enabling them to take action on what matters most to them. Learn more about Shannon and collaborating with her: https://learningattheheart.com/ Shannon Beckley Coaching & Consulting Services https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zMDxiw9r_9BQ6KK-_eTV3zps_5P8OCG4/view Shannon Beckley Coaching & Consulting Transition Coaching Package https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JNonvyDoEs0GTd_luPHpGi9EMbwBoAzg/view

This week explores the theme of collaboration and inclusion in caregiving and education. Special guest, Nawal Qarooni, discusses the importance of valuing collaboration over competition and highlights the need to shift towards honoring collaboration in our communities. She emphasizes the significance of understanding the unique contributions of each individual in a collective and the impact of their absence. The conversation also delves into the role of family partnerships in education and the power of storytelling and personal anecdotes in making learning come alive. Qarooni shares practical strategies for assessing collaboration and fostering meaningful conversations in the classroom. Get your copy of Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: https://bookshop.org/p/books/import-9781625316196/20960887?ean=9781625316196 Learn more about Nawal: https://nqcliteracy.org/ Follow her online: https://x.com/NQCLiteracy?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

This week Tricia brings you a conversation from her other (other, other) podcast the Shifting Schools podcast. She speaks with an expert in the field of play. Learn more about our guest: Acey Holmes is the founder of BoredLess, this week she discusses the importance of play for adults and its impact on social connection, work culture, and personal well-being. She addresses the myth that play is only for children and emphasizes the benefits of play across the lifespan. Acey shares insights on playful work design, non-cringy icebreakers, and the concept of personal play identities. She provides practical advice for incorporating play into daily life and highlights the significance of unstructured free play for children. 🎙️Take this episode further and learn more about our guest and explore her non-cringey questions: https://playfulworkdesign.com/about https://playfulworkdesign.com/blog/non-cringey-questions-to-start-meetings Want to map out your personal plans for having a more playful summer? 🏖️ Explore our six-part planner, download it free : https://shiftingschools.lpages.co/power-of-play/ 👏🏻Thank you to our incredible sponsors for supporting this series: MackinVision: https://home.mackin.com/mackinvision/ Lebra: https://www.lebrahq.com/ 📨Tell us about your thoughts on this episode: info@shiftingschools.com

Robin Gow discusses their book 'Dear Mothman' and the power of middle grade fiction. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the value of youth literature and the unique perspective it offers. Gow discusses the exploration of monsters and cryptids in the story, drawing on their personal interest in the subject. They also address the themes of grief, friendship, and accountability in the book. Gow shares their experiences working with young people and the workshops they offer. Learn more about our guest: https://robingow.com/ Explore the LAMBDA Literary Award winning book 'Dear Mothman' https://store.abramsbooks.com/products/dear-mothman

Tricia interviews Alvina Chamberland, author of the book 'Love the World or Get Killed Trying.' They discuss the connection between writing and publishing, the difference between love and lust, and the power of representation. They also explore the stylistic choice of autofiction and the importance of place in the book. The conversation highlights the vulnerability and humanity of the protagonist and the impact of the book's rawness and authenticity. Learn more about the book: https://www.noemipress.org/catalog/prose/love-the-world-or-get-killed-trying/ Connect with the author: https://www.instagram.com/alvinachamberland/ Would you like to win a free copy of the book? email tricia(at) shiftingschools (dot com) to enter before July 7th

The conversation revolves around the importance of libraries and the challenges they face, particularly in relation to book banning. The hosts of Rogue Librarians discuss their (amazing) show, which focuses on books that have been banned or challenged, and highlight episodes that they are proud of. They also emphasize the role of libraries as community leaders and the need for advocacy to support them. The conversation touches on the importance of local politics, the rights of the child, and the value of public libraries as free public spaces. The hosts provide suggestions for how the general public can support libraries and advocate against book banning. Libraries play a crucial role in communities, providing resources, programming, and support for people of all ages. They serve as a place for families to gather, for individuals to access information, and for communities to come together. Librarians are essential in connecting people with the resources they need and providing personalized assistance. Funding for libraries is crucial to ensure their continued operation and to support the diverse needs of the community. Reading widely and engaging with books can foster empathy, understanding, and compassion for others. Ready to follow their show? https://www.theroguelibrarians.com/ Listen to the rest of the episode featured here: https://www.theroguelibrarians.com/episodes/episode/d012b098/25-flamer-part-1-why-its-banned

The conversation explores the concept of allyship and how the editors of the book 'Teaching Pride Forward' aim to help readers think critically about it. They emphasize the importance of love and critical love in building connections and doing the work of allyship. The editors discuss how they collaborated and nudged the authors to explore allyship from different perspectives. T The editors express their desire to create a safe space for readers to learn, grow, and confront their biases. The conversation explores the global perspective on LGBTQ+ allyship and the challenges faced by different communities. The speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in various cultural contexts. They discuss the need to de-center Western perspectives in queer theory and pedagogies and include diverse voices in the conversation. The chapters in the book provide different approaches to allyship globally, allowing readers to adapt and apply them to their own contexts. Get your copy of the book and learn more about this week's guests: https://bookstore.tesol.org/teaching-pride-forward-products-9781953745200.php Ethan Trinh, PhD, is an associate director of the Atlanta Global Studies Center. As a Vietnamese queer immigrant, Ethan enjoys thinking with emotions, gender, and language and explores how to embrace queerness as healing and meditative teaching and research practices. Ethan has published four edited volumes that focus on critical storytelling, teachers’ well-being, and doctoral students’ emotions, identities, and community. Ethan is the recipient of the 2022 Leadership Mentoring Program Award by TESOL International Association. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, EdD, is a professor of TESOL/literacy at Central Washington University. A licensed K–12 educator, she has taught teachers in several countries and multilingual learners of English in public school districts at elementary schools, middle schools, and universities in various contexts. James Coda, PhD, is assistant professor of ESL and World Language education, and theory and practice in teacher education in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He earned a doctorate in language and literacy education with an emphasis in TESOL and World Language education from the University of Georgia.