FollowUp Sessions

This recent graduate provides his perspective on personal mental health struggles in high school, and he shares his truth about observing peers who struggled during the school day. He also speaks on the current severity of punishments at school, and how it differs from his mother's generation.  

I meet with a friend that began teaching through the Alternative Teacher Certification Program and left the system not long after due to the effects on her family unit, future goals, and the inability to utilize her education and knowledge as a professional. She discusses her insight and experience as an elementary special education teacher.  

I meet with recent graduates to discuss their time under this current curriculum. Both former students discuss what they expected from high school versus the reality of their experience. These incredible young adults share their insight to daily struggles with teens, and give advice to parents of high schoolers. 

This episode provides insight to the current curriculum and pupil appraisals from the teacher persepctive. This teacher taught elementary and middle school, and ultimately left her calling to pursue another career. Why is it that the teachers speaking up on behalf of the students are considered the problem?    *The Pupil Appraisal goal is to advocate for the child and evaluate any deficits in needs, and ways to compensate for those needs. It is used to enhance outcomes for the student academically and behaviorally. 

In this super sized epsiode, I meet with a colleague that became a licensed mental health professional after teaching elementary school in two states. This interviewee was born to empower and educate others. She provides both an academic and therapeutic perspective to the teaching role in schools.  

This episode is dedicated to India! Beatrice and Elle welcome India to Balcony Time, and start a conversation with listeners. Beatrice discusses her newfound spiritual journey, and how this new avenue of self-care has improved her mind, body, and soul thus far.  Follow @thegirlfriendmafia on Instagram to continue the conversation. Share your thoughts, stories, struggles, and achievements with the Girlfriend Mafia! 

Elle and a high school teacher discuss their experiences with witnessing professionalism during the school day. And the lack there of it at times. 

Elle and an elementary teacher discuss the politics behind the state's curriculum, and how those politics have affected the classroom. 

This teacher shares her observations and experiences in her new state/school system, and compares it to the previous state's system. Carrie's husband joins the session and talks about how working in the school system can seep into relationships and home life.  

Elle interviews an employee of a community after-school program. He provides a glimpse into the life, politics, and racial perspective of the education system in what is considered one of the best parishes in the state. 

Elle learns about the elementary school landscape through her second teacher interview. 

Elle Sloan dives into her first teacher interview and public school discussion. When Elle and Carrie began their careers in the school system, they truly had no idea what they were walking into....

Elle host friends to discuss mental health for school staff members. Natalie is the mother to a special needs child who is starting his school career; while Anastasia is a former employee of the Louisiana public school system. Anastasia shares her journey as a teacher, and why respecting mental health of employees is vital for a positive school atmosphere.  

Elle Sloan meets up with the Girlfriend Mafia political correspondent, Jackson. The pair chat about the controversy surrounding mask mandates, and mail-in voting.  Recorded 7/10/20  

Elle hosts teachers, Elena and Carrie. The ladies discuss their experiences with the alternative diploma track for students in Louisiana. The ladies were nervous to broach this subject. Although they believe in the alternative diploma program (with some improvements needed), they do not agree with how it is being utilized in the school system.  

The Girlfriend Mafia stands in solidarity with the black community. Elle, Tori, Darcy and Beatrice discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, white privilege, and how each mafia member will contribute to positive change. 

Every situation has a silver lining. COVID is quite the situation, yet it too possesses silver linings. Elle, Darcy, and Tori voice their perspective and opinions on positive aspects of the pandemic. 

Victoria, "Tori", returned back to work in the salon post COVID quarantine. Although she had a positive attitude towards the transition, she was surprised by her first day back....

Elle Sloan interviews the GM's unofficial political correspondent, Jackson. After leading a productive and robust career in Washington, D.C., Elle taps into his knowledge and insight to discuss the governor's handling of the pandemic, resources, and how to utilize your vote when you are unimpressed with all of your choices. 

Elle meets with young Dwight once again for a bonus episode of random topics from Harry Potter, 80s movies, school, video games, apps, and of lastly, Canadian syrup.  This episode is appropriate for all ages.