The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Joyce Abbott, a retired educator and combat veteran, shares her insights on the importance of authenticity, high expectations, and the impact of military discipline on her teaching career. She emphasizes the need for educators to focus on student success, address barriers to learning, and maintain a commitment to their profession without seeking constant validation. Abbott's experiences highlight the challenges and rewards of teaching in Title I schools, advocating for a supportive and high-expectation environment for all students. In this conversation, Ms. Abbott shares her journey as an educator, emphasizing the importance of resilience, connection with students, and the impact of a supportive learning environment. She reflects on her challenging first year of teaching, the lessons learned from her experiences, and the significance of maintaining passion and self-care in the teaching profession. Ms. Abbott also discusses her book, 'Teaching the Abbott Way,' highlighting key lessons on leadership and student engagement.About My Guest: Joyce AbbottJOYCE M. ABBOTT was born and raised in Philadelphia, and is a dynamic educator who has enthusiastically served the district since 1996. Ms. Abbott enjoys being part of positive and productive change, particularly as it relates to the students she serves. She has been nominated for several teaching awards due to her exemplary instructional practices and classroom management, recognized three times as a “Who’s Who Among America’s Finest Teachers”, and named an “Everyday Hero” by the Philadelphia Daily News. Ms. Abbott has served in many leadership capacities, including as a mentor for other teachers, and she retired as the Climate Manager at Andrew Hamilton School. In 2022, Joyce learned that she was the inspiration behind the name for the hit TV show Abbott Elementary, which was created by her former student, Quinta Brunson. A major street, 59th at Lancaster Avenue, where her alma mater – Overbrook High School – is located, was renamed “Joyce Abbott Way” in her honor, and she was recently inducted into the Overbrook High School Hall of Fame. Ms. Abbott came to teaching via the United States Army’s Troops to Teachers program, where she served as a soldier for ten years and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joyce attributes her effective disciplinary practices to her military experience. Connect with Ms. Abbott:Website: Click hereInstagram: @therealmsabbott

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Crystal M. Watson, a first-year principal in Cincinnati, shares her experiences and challenges in leading a school through a significant transition. The conversation explores the importance of community, the shift from a teacher-centered to a student-centered approach, and the complexities of managing discipline and school culture. Crystal emphasizes the need for collaboration, strategic planning, and the redistribution of power within the school to better serve students and foster a positive learning environment. In this conversation, Bobby and Crystal M. Watson explore the complexities of education, focusing on respect, understanding student perspectives, the impact of technology, and the need for better preparation of future educational leaders. They discuss the importance of compassion in discipline, the challenges posed by modern technology, and the necessity for practical training in leadership roles. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between professional identity and personal life, advocating for a more empathetic approach to education.About My Guest: Crystal WatsonCrystal Watson is an innovative, passionate educator and leader who always asks “What do the students think?” She is also one of the co-authors of Pedagogies of Voice: Street Data and the Path to Student Agency to be published via Corwin in July 2025.Crystal obtained a Masters of Education at Teachers College at Columbia University and is currently a doctoral candidate at Miami University, OH. Her work is centered around providing space for student voice and identity development in order for all to experience high quality, deep, and personal mathematics.Connect with Crystal:Social Media: @CrystalMWatson

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby and Daman Harris discuss the critical role of anti-racism in education, the mission of the Bond Project, and the importance of creating equitable learning environments. Daman shares insights from his book, 'The Anti-Racist School Leader,' emphasizing the need for educators to engage in dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity actively. The conversation highlights the power of language, the impact of representation in educational materials, and the necessity of accountability in addressing disparities in student outcomes.About My Guest: Dr. Daman HarrisDr. Daman Harris is the Senior Manager of Educator Advancement and Institutions of Higher Education Partnerships in a Mid-Atlantic school district. He is also the co-founder and co-director of the Building Our Network of Diversity (BOND) Project, a nonprofit that supports the recruitment, development, retention, and empowerment of male educators of color. During his 29 years as an educator, Dr. Harris has had a wide range of experiences as a teacher, coach, principal, district administrator, adjunct professor, speaker, writer, and consultant. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland College Park, McDaniel College, and University of Maryland Global Campus, where he leads graduate courses relating to teaching strategies, research methods, and antiracist education. Dr. Harris’ first book, The Antiracist School Leader: What to Know, Say, and Do, is on sale now.Connect with Dr. Harris:LinkedIn: Daman Harriswww.damanharris.com

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.___About This Episode: In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby discusses the importance of joy in leadership within the educational sphere. He emphasizes that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a discipline and a strategy that leaders must cultivate to create a positive school culture. Bobby contrasts transformational leadership with transactional leadership, highlighting the need for connection over compliance. He encourages leaders to redefine their wins, set boundaries, and focus on intentional leadership to foster joy among staff and students. Ultimately, joy is presented as a form of resistance against burnout and a means to lead with purpose and clarity.

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this enlightening conversation, Bobby Morgan and Ms. Marianna delve into the concept of emotional hygiene, exploring its significance in personal and professional realms. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and the role of educators in modeling emotional regulation for students. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional hygiene practices to foster a healthier environment in schools and communities, while also addressing the systemic issues within educational institutions that contribute to emotional dysfunction. About My Guest: Miss MariannaFor over 20 years, her commitment to "edutainment" has served as a culturally responsive and highly engaging approach to inspire personal, professional, and institutional transformation. Founder of Mariworks Productions, a multimedia healing arts and education organization, her mission is to boost self-awareness and restorative practices, emphasizing mental health and emotional hygiene. Through the scope of public health, safety, and crisis prevention, her impact on social wellness ushers in motivation and guidance essential for global change. Miss Marianna's refreshing keynotes, workshops, and coaching sessions continue to agitate greatness in the home, school, neighborhood, and workplace.Connect with Ms. Marianna: Website: www.MissMarianna.todayInstagram: @missmarianna365

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Shauna Brown and Bobby Morgan explore the critical role of joy in education. Shauna, an experienced educator and founder of Teach for the Culture, emphasizes that joy and learning must coexist, arguing that joy is an essential part of humanity that fuels engagement and retention in learning. They discuss the dehumanizing aspects of educational systems, the importance of cultural context in experiencing joy, and the need to shift policies that prioritize control over student well-being. Shauna shares her journey of preserving joy in her educational practice and highlights the necessity of decolonizing education to foster a joyful learning environment.About My Guest: Shauna BrownShauna Brown is an educator, speaker, and consultant dedicated to creating inclusive and affirming learning environments for all students. With over two decades in education, she has become a powerful advocate for culturally responsive teaching and educational equity. As the founder of Teach for the Culture, Shauna empowers teachers to embrace student identity, prioritize cultural competence, and center joy in the classroom.Her work extends beyond the classroom, engaging in professional development and thought leadership to equip educators with the tools to serve diverse populations effectively. Shauna’s impact has been recognized widely, as she continues to challenge traditional approaches and push for transformative change in schools.Connect with Shauna:📌 Instagram: ⁠@teachfortheculture⁠📌 Website: ⁠Teach for the Culture⁠

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby and Sharif El-Mekki discuss the critical importance of Black educators and the unique pedagogical traditions that have emerged from Black communities. They explore the role of joy in education, the necessity of creating safe learning environments, and the impact of biases on teaching practices. El-Mekki emphasizes the need for educators to examine their mindsets and biases while providing practical steps to improve Black students' educational outcomes. The conversation also touches on education's current challenges and the importance of critical thinking in navigating these issues. In this conversation, Sharif and Bobby discuss the critical role of black educators in shaping the future of education. They explore the ethics of care, community responsibility, and the need for a transformative approach to teacher preparation.About My Guest:Before establishing the Center, Sharif served as the U.S. Department of Education Principal Ambassador Fellow under the Obama Administration and principal of Mastery Charter Shoemaker. During his principalship, Shoemaker received the prestigious EPIC award for three consecutive years as one of the top three schools in the country for accelerating student achievement levels. In 2014, Sharif founded The Fellowship: Black Male Educators for Social Justice, an organization dedicated to recruiting, retaining and developing Black male teachers. In 2019, he left his principal post to devote his full time to rebuilding the national Black teacher pipeline.  Sharif blogs on ⁠Phillys7thWard⁠ and is a founding member of the ⁠8 Black Hands⁠ and ⁠Freedom Friday⁠ podcasts. He also serves on several boards and committees focused on racial justice and educational equity.Connect with Sharif:Instagram: @centerblackedWebsite: https://linktr.ee/centerblacked

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.About This Episode:In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby and Sharif El-Mekki discuss the critical importance of Black educators and the unique pedagogical traditions that have emerged from Black communities. They explore the role of joy in education, the necessity of creating safe learning environments, and the impact of biases on teaching practices. El-Mekki emphasizes the need for educators to examine their mindsets and biases while providing practical steps to improve Black students' educational outcomes. The conversation also touches on education's current challenges and the importance of critical thinking in navigating these issues. In this conversation, Sharif and Bobby discuss the critical role of black educators in shaping the future of education. They explore the ethics of care, community responsibility, and the need for a transformative approach to teacher preparation.About My Guest:Before establishing the Center, Sharif served as the U.S. Department of Education Principal Ambassador Fellow under the Obama Administration and principal of Mastery Charter Shoemaker. During his principalship, Shoemaker received the prestigious EPIC award for three consecutive years as one of the top three schools in the country for accelerating student achievement levels. In 2014, Sharif founded The Fellowship: Black Male Educators for Social Justice, an organization dedicated to recruiting, retaining and developing Black male teachers. In 2019, he left his principal post to devote his full time to rebuilding the national Black teacher pipeline.  Sharif blogs on Phillys7thWard and is a founding member of the 8 Black Hands and Freedom Friday podcasts. He also serves on several boards and committees focused on racial justice and educational equity.Connect with Sharif:Instagram: @centerblackedWebsite: https://linktr.ee/centerblacked

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.___ About This Episode: In this episode, Bobby discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in educational leadership. He highlights the need for educators to develop their emotional intelligence skills and how it can positively impact their relationships with students, colleagues, and themselves. The host explains the five components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social skill, empathy, and motivation. He emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in creating a positive school culture and climate. The episode concludes with a call to reflect on personal growth and take action to cultivate emotional intelligence in the education field.

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging.🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights.___About This Episode: In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Dr. Andrea Terrero Gabbadon discusses her work in supporting and retaining a racially diverse workforce in education. She emphasizes the importance of data and storytelling in understanding the disparities faced by educators of color. Dr. Gabbadon outlines six principles for creating a supportive environment for these educators, highlighting the need for curiosity, reflection, and systemic change. The conversation also touches on the challenges of educational leadership, the balance between supporting students and educators, and the necessity of fostering a culture of care and wellness within schools.About My Guest: Dr. Andrea Terrero Gabbadon is a sought-after speaker, author, and the founder/principal consultant of ILM Consulting Group. Dr. Gabbadon's work touches on culturally responsive and sustaining education, school racial climate, and educator diversity. Previously, she was a high school teacher and assistant principal/director of curriculum and instruction. Dr. Gabbadon has also served as a professor and teacher educator at several institutions of higher education, including Temple University and Swarthmore College. She is also the author of "Support and Retain Educators of Color: 6 Principles for Culturally Affirming Leadership," which was published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). She lives in Philadelphia with her partner and their two beautiful children.Connect with Dr. Andrea: Instgram: @ATGabbadonWebsite: www.ATGabbadon.com

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this discussion, Bobby welcomes Mike and Nita Creekmore to explore the vital role of connections and relationships in learning environments. They examine the intricate dynamics of administrative visibility in education, the importance of staying true to oneself despite political obstacles, and educators' need to nurture supportive communities. Ultimately, they underscore the importance of trust, emotional well-being, and relationships within the educational ecosystem, promoting a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning. About My Guest: Mike and Nita Creekmore Michael and Nita Creekmore are married and have spent more than 40 years in the field of education. Michael has been in professional counseling for 17 years and school counseling for 7 years. Nita has been in education for 21 years. She has been an Instructional Coach for 7 years, facilitates learning experiences for educators, and is a literacy educator. Through Creekmore Conversations, they facilitate learning experiences about the importance of relationships in education. They wrote, "Every Connection Matters: Building, Maintaining, and Restoring Relationships Inside the School and Out" (2024). Nita and Michael have four children. Connect with Mike and Nita: Instagram: @CreekmoreConvos

Welcome to The Liberation Lab Podcast, the space where we disrupt and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan—speaker, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore how I can support your journey as an educator committed to change.⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. About This Episode: IIn this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby Morgan explores the complexities of change within the education system. He discusses why change is often resisted, the importance of personal reflection, and the need for intentional discomfort in the process of transformation. Bobby emphasizes redefining success, fostering community accountability, and understanding that true change is incremental and requires consistent effort. He encourages educators to embrace discomfort and commit to personal and systemic transformation for the benefit of students. ✨ Season Three Theme: Teaching for Justice, Genius, and Belonging. Each episode this season is crafted to inspire you to reflect, reimagine, and take actionable steps in your practice. If you believe in this work, please help extend its reach by rating and reviewing The Liberation Lab Podcast. Your feedback will amplify our mission and expose the message to more listeners.

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Yari Mercedes, an educator and researcher, and discuss the importance of anti-racist solidarity in educational leadership. She co-authored an article titled 'All We Need is One Mic' that calls for deconstructing anti-Black racism in educational leadership. Yari emphasizes the need for leaders to develop critical race consciousness and actively work against racist practices and policies. She encourages leaders to be curious, unlearn and decolonize their thinking, and actively make changes within their communities. Yari also highlights the importance of self-care and cultivating joy and collective thriving spaces. About My Guest: In this episode, I’m honored to host Dr. Yari Mercedes. Yaribel Mercedes is a writer, scholar, practitioner, advocate, and educator leading with a focus on social, racial, and moral justice. Through her work, she advances racial equity and access in education, particularly through her platform Live Brunch Sundays, which amplifies the voices and work of Black scholars and practitioners, with a special emphasis on Black women. She has interviewed notable figures such as Bettina L. Love, Marc Lamont Hill, Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Dhayana Alejandria, and many others. Yaribel is a daily contributor to HipHopEd, a community exploring and redefining the intersection of hip-hop and education. In 2023, she was inducted into the Barbara Jackson Scholars network by the University Council for Educational Administrators. As a Black woman, mother, and daughter, Yaribel understands the profound impact of race in education. She is committed to dismantling racist systems, structures, and policies that hinder the success of Black, Indigenous, and other students of color. Her work centers on fostering curiosity, knowledge, and skills within school communities to help all students excel. Yaribel earned her doctorate in Organization and Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her dissertation examined Critically Race-Conscious and Responsive Leadership as a Site of Resistance, reflecting her dedication to transformative leadership in education. Connect with Dr. Yari: Instagram: @yari.mercedes

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, insights and interviews for the disruptive educator. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this conversation, Bobby and Akil Parker discuss the importance of developing a positive math identity for Black and Brown youth. They highlight the negative beliefs and stereotypes that often surround math and how it affects students' perception of their own abilities. They emphasize the need for educators to understand and appreciate the cultural backgrounds of their students and to provide examples of Black mathematicians throughout history. They also discuss the importance of connecting math to real-life situations and teaching students the practical applications of mathematical concepts. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the qualities and mindset of a mathematician and how educators can foster these qualities in their students.their students' cultural backgrounds and About My Guest: Akil Parker In this episode, I’m honored to host Akil Parker. Akil Parker founded All This Math, an educational services company aiming to improve the relationship between mathematics and the Black Community. He is a veteran high school math teacher and adjunct professor at Cheyney University. He has created multiple resources (YouTube channel, math tutoring, resource guidebook for parents, etc.) to increase math confidence and math proficiency in the community. Connect with Akil: Instagram: @allthismath Facebook: @allthismath TikTok: @allthismath

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, where we discuss how to disrupt and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠⁠⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this episode, Bobby interviews Tracey Battle, a district restorative justice specialist, about the importance of healing in schools. Tracey explains that healing is necessary because Black students have endured generational trauma in schools, and many educators fail to understand the impact of this trauma. They discuss the need for restorative practices and restorative justice in schools, debunking the myth that these approaches lack consequences. Tracey emphasizes the importance of building relationships, addressing biases, and creating interventions that support students' growth and development. They also highlight the need for educators to engage in self-reflection and prioritize their own healing. About My Guest: Tracey Battle In this episode, I’m honored to host Tracey Battle, a transformative force in education and leadership. Tracey holds a B.S. in Electronic Media Journalism from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master’s in Urban Education from UNC Charlotte. With experience as a teacher, school leader, and consultant, she’s impacted school culture and achievement nationwide. Tracey’s leadership over the past five years has focused on addressing students’ social-emotional needs, advocating for trauma-sensitive practices, and pioneering restorative justice to reshape student success. Her work extends to higher education, where she co-created restorative practice frameworks at Bowie State University. As the founder of Restore2Rebuild, LLC, Tracey continues to champion restorative justice and healing in educational spaces. Connect with Tracey: ⁠Instagram⁠

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, where we disrupt and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this conversation, Bobby and Rann Miller discuss the paradoxical effects of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the ongoing challenges of achieving true integration in schools. They explore the impact of the decision on black educators and the choices they face in navigating the education system. They also discuss the importance of teaching history and resistance stories to empower future generations. Rann Miller shares his own experience of resistance in writing his book, 'Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids,' and emphasizes the need for black educators to stay true to their mission of liberation. About My Guest: Rann Miller On this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Rann Miller—a powerful voice in education, writing, and advocacy. Rann is a published author and former teacher whose work spans scholarly journals, textbooks, and numerous platforms, where he delves into the intersections of race, education, and the African American experience. Beyond his writing, Rann serves as a program director for a school district, a professional development facilitator, and a dynamic public speaker. With a passion for equity and a commitment to uplifting educators, Rann’s insights challenge us to rethink the systems that shape our schools and communities. Connect with Rann: www.rannmiller.com

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, where we disrupt and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab⁠ 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby reflects on the challenges educators and school leaders face, particularly the struggle to maintain passion and purpose in the face of overwhelming pressures. He discusses the importance of community, adaptive leadership, and personal accountability in driving meaningful change within educational settings. Bobby emphasizes that authentic leadership requires understanding the complexities of adaptive challenges and the necessity of building supportive relationships within the school community.

Welcome to The Liberation Lab©️ Podcast, where we disrupt and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan - speaker, principal, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hopp.bio/liberationlab 🌐 Learn More: Visit ⁠www.myliberationlab.com⁠ for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this conversation, Bobby and Chris Stewart discuss the intersection of education and politics. They explore the importance of teaching political awareness and civic engagement in schools, particularly for black students. They also discuss the divide between traditional public schools and charter schools, with Citizen Stewart highlighting the importance of community-rooted charter schools. They emphasize the need for educators to reflect on their practices and policies and work towards a future of public education that prioritizes student empowerment and prepares them for the challenges of the world. About My Guest: An award-winning writer, speaker, and blogger, Chris Stewart is a relentless advocate for children and families. Chris is CEO of brightbeam, a nonprofit media group that runs campaigns to highlight policies and practices that support thriving kids. He was the founding Director of the African American Leadership Forum, was an elected member of the Minneapolis Board of Education, and founded and served as the CEO of Wayfinder Foundation. Chris co-founded the 8 Black Hands podcast which has grown into a network of education-focused shows hosted by parents and educators. Stewart blogs and tweets under the name Citizen Stewart and publishes www.citizenstewart.com. Youtube:  @EdPostVideo 

Welcome to The Liberation Lab Podcast, the space where we disrupt, dismantle, and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan—speaker, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠Explore how I can support your journey as an educator committed to change. 🌐 Learn More: Visit www.myliberationlab.com for more resources, tools, and insights. ___ About This Episode: In this episode of the Liberation Lab©️ podcast, host Bobby interviews Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, founder of Identity Talk Consulting and author of 'Learn to Relearn.' They discuss the importance of centering humanity in education, writing the book, and the significance of curiosity and critical humility in teaching. Kwame shares insights on overcoming professional plateaus, the role of self-reflection, and the impact of personal experiences on teaching practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to interrogate their own biases and experiences to foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment. About My Guest: Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is a powerhouse in education and a champion for identity-affirming teaching. With degrees in Mathematics and Elementary Education from Temple University, Kwame brings over 17 years of experience as a classroom teacher, author, and consultant. He's the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, a global firm dedicated to empowering K-12 teachers to create culturally affirming spaces. Recognized as a Top Education Influencer by brightbeam, Inc., and a 2019 National Member of the Year by Black Educators Rock, Kwame continues to push boundaries. Look out for his new book, "Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom," coming Fall 2024. Connect with Kwame: Instagram: @kwam_the_identity_shaper Twitter: @identityshaper LinkedIn: Kwame Sarfo-Mensah Patreon: Kwame Sarfo-Mensah YouTube: Kwame Sarfo-Mensah Website: Identity Talk Consulting Podcast: Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE

Welcome to The Liberation Lab Podcast, the space where we disrupt and reimagine education. I’m your host, Bobby Morgan—speaker, consultant, and lifelong disruptor committed to building schools that center justice, genius, and belonging. 🔗 Connect with Bobby: ⁠⁠⁠Explore how I can support your journey as an educator committed to change. 🌐 Learn More: Visit www.myliberationlab.com for more resources, tools, and insights. About This Episode: In this episode of the Liberation Lab podcast, Bobby reflects on the journey of the podcast and the importance of teaching for justice and resistance. He emphasizes the role of educators in fostering critical thought, community, and hope in the face of societal challenges. Bobby discusses the need for educators to create equitable environments, prioritize healing, and engage in meaningful action to address social injustices. The conversation culminates in a call to action for educators to embrace critical hope and work towards a better future for their students and communities. ✨ Season Three Theme: Teaching for Justice, Genius, and Belonging. Each episode this season is crafted to inspire you to reflect, reimagine, and take actionable steps in your practice. If you believe in this work, help extend the reach by rating and reviewing The Liberation Lab Podcast. Your feedback amplifies our mission and puts the message in front of more listeners.