Too Dope Teachers and a Mic

In this powerful conversation from the archives, recorded live at the 2019 NEA Racial and Social Justice Conference in Houston, Two Dope Teachers and a Mic sit down with the legendary Boots Riley — writer, director of Sorry to Bother You, frontman of The Coup, and lifelong revolutionary artist. Six years later, Boots’ words still feel urgent. He reminds us that art isn’t a luxury — it’s a tool for liberation. From the farmworker fields of California to classrooms and stages across the country, Boots shows how creativity, organizing, and truth-telling are all part of the same struggle for justice. Together, we explore: How art helps us imagine freedom beyond capitalism and compliance. The power of educators as organizers, disruptors, and culture builders. Why movements need artists — and why artists need movements. The difference between success and liberation, and why the latter demands community. What it means to find your own role in the fight for a better world. As we face new waves of censorship, economic inequality, and attacks on public education, this conversation hits harder than ever. Boots reminds us that every one of us has a place in the struggle — whether we teach, create, organize, or simply refuse to be silent. Tune in, reflect, and ask yourself: What is the art I bring to the movement for liberation? Featuring: Boots Riley (@BootsRiley) Hosts: Gerardo Muñoz (@gmunoz) & Kevin Adams Originally recorded: NEA Racial & Social Justice Conference, Houston, TX, Summer 2019 Subscribe & Follow: Too Dope Teachers and a Mic Follow @toodopeteachers on all platforms Support the show and our work for educational liberation at patreon.com/toodopeteachers

🎙️ Episode 102 (Throwback): “Artist in the Industry” with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad Originally aired in 2021 — Revisited in 2025 In this powerful conversation, Gerardo Muñoz and Kevin Adams sit down with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, author of Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. Together, they explore how teaching rooted in Black literary history, collectivism, and joy can transform classrooms into spaces of liberation, not compliance. Dr. Muhammad breaks down her five pursuits of learning — identity, skills, intellectualism, criticality, and joy — and explains how these pursuits emerged from 19th-century Black literary societies that defined learning as a communal and purposeful act. The conversation bridges theory and practice, showing educators how to design lessons that humanize, empower, and center students of color. From joyful pedagogy to abolitionist teaching, from curriculum design to hip-hop as literacy — this episode remains as relevant now as it was when first released. 🔄 2025 Update Since our original conversation, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad has continued to shape the field of equity-centered education. Now a nationally recognized keynote speaker and professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has expanded her work through Unearthing Joy and new initiatives that help schools move beyond trauma-informed practices to healing-centered, joy-based learning. In 2025, as many schools continue to navigate political attacks on culturally responsive education and Black Studies curricula, Dr. Muhammad’s message — that children of color deserve brilliance, joy, and excellence — resonates even louder. Her framework remains a beacon for educators seeking to humanize instruction in a time when educational equity is under threat. 🎧 Listen for: The roots of culturally and historically responsive literacy Why joy is an act of resistance What “abolitionist teaching” looks like in real classrooms How to center identity and genius in every lesson Dr. Muhammad’s Top 5 MCs (you won’t want to miss it) 📚 Learn more about Dr. Muhammad’s work: www.hillpedagogies.com Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @GholdyM

Award-winning educator and author Bryan Christopher joins Gerardo Muñoz to share the incredible story behind his new book Stopping the Deportation Machine. From Durham, NC classrooms to the halls of Congress, students mobilized to defend a classmate from deportation — proving that student voice can stop even the biggest machine. 0:00 – Welcome 2:40 – Immigration and Identity 7:36 – Meet Bryan Christopher 9:26 – The Book: Stopping the Deportation Machine 12:38 – Durham’s Changing Landscape 19:51 – A Student Arrest Sparks Action 27:05 – Why Can’t He Graduate? 33:48 – Stopping the Machine 38:41 – Impact on Community & Students 47:12 – Lessons for Educators 51:54 – The Power of Student Voice 54:59 – Closing Thoughts Resources Mentioned: Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario Bryan’s blog post: When Learning Gets Personal (NCTE) Walking Undocumented (Learning for Justice) Support Bryan’s work: 📘 Book: Stopping the Deportation Machine (Bloomsbury)📰 Student Newspaper: The Pirates’ Hook 📱 Follow Bryan: @BryanChristo4 (X) | @bchristo4 (IG) Support the pod: 💡 Patreon: patreon.com/toodopeteachers  🌐 Website: toodopeteachers.com  📲 Socials: @toodopeteachers

In this solo episode, Gerardo processes the shooting death of right wing influencer Charlie Kirk by exploring the hidden dangers of teaching debate the traditional way. Drawing on previously published writing that draws a line between traditional debate and the "own-the-libs" take-no-prisoners style of Kirk, Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson and others, as well as personal experience as a debate coach, he argues that when debate rewards domination over empathy, it doesn’t just distort classrooms—it fuels toxic politics and real-world violence.

In this episode of Too Dope Teachers and a Mic, Gerardo is joined by Sahba Rohani, Executive Director of Roots Connected, to dive into what it means to center belonging in schools. From her TED Talk on the power of names to her decades of work in intentionally diverse communities, Sahba shares how small shifts in mindset and practice can transform classrooms, staff culture, and whole school communities. Together, Gerardo and Sahba unpack anti-bias education as more than a curriculum add-on—it’s a lens, a practice, and a path toward joy and justice. Show Notes In this powerful conversation, Gerardo and Sahba explore: The story behind Sahba’s TED Talk on names, identity, and belonging. Why belonging isn’t “soft work”—it’s the foundation of learning and thriving. How small shifts in practice (like reframing a simple classroom question) can have big impact. Roots Connected’s dual process for change: internal transformation + practice shifts. Building intentional community with students, families, and staff. Staying grounded and persistent in the face of DEI pushback. The radical power of joy in justice-centered education. And of course… Sahba’s Top 5 hip hop & R&B legends (spoiler: GenX R&B family, this one’s for you). Resources & Links: Roots Connected Sahba’s TED Talk EmbraceRace Follow Roots Connected on Instagram and LinkedIn Listen in for practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and a reminder that joy itself is radical.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jamila Sams—educator, visionary, and founder of We Do It 4 the Culture—to talk about the movement that’s transforming school culture through hip hop, empowerment, and equity. From classrooms to district offices, Jamila’s work helps educators center student voice, cultural relevance, and joy in learning. We dive into her journey as the founder of this unique resource, what it means to lead with authenticity, what it means to think critically, dialogically, and with joy, and how hip hop continues to serve as a cross-generational universe of healing and liberation. Jamila shares the origin story of We Do It 4 the Culture, the real meaning of culturally responsive action, and what schools must do if they’re serious about social emotional wellness, critical thinking, and liberation. If you’re about that life—about students, about joy, about liberation—this conversation is for you. Plus an absolutely fire top five RIGHT HERE. 💥 Tap in. Turn it up. Take notes.🎙️ www.wedoit4theculture.com📲 Follow @SEL4theculture on socials🔗 Subscribe, share, SUPPORT and stay dope.

One of my favorite quotes about problem-solving on a systems and institutional level is that "the answer is in the room." This means that when there are problems that need to be solved, even big ones, the person, perspective, or idea that will solve it doesn't need to be sought outside of those who know the work best. As teacher recruitment, training, and retention remain persistent challenges to districts big and small, Grow-Your-Own programs have been developed and launched, especially in districts serving highly impacted and very diverse populations. GYO takes many forms, including but not limited to cadet programs and para-to-teacher efforts. Enter Dr. Jeff Geihs, longtime educator, leader, and thought leader. Working with the Silver State Education Foundation as Executive Director, Dr. Giehs and team have brought together GYO and concurrent enrollment opportunities for the next generation of teachers, especially students of color. Dr. Geihs joined Gerardo for an exciting and motivational conversation. To learn more, follow us on Patreon! Follow us on all platforms! @toodopeteachers Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/toodopeteachers

Back in October, Sofia González, teacher, thinker, writer, speaker and activist and Gerardo finally found time for this interview. This was prior to the 2024 election and all that followed. What ensued was a great conversation--provocative, humorous, and energetic. As we brace ourselves to face another four years of anxiety, frustration, fear, and state-encouraged violence, this conversation remains a reminder that the struggle is truly beautiful, and full of opportunities for all of us to engage differently, as the people we are. To quote the great poet Audre Lorde, “We are the ones we have been waiting for,” exemplified by Ms. G. Sofia is 2019 teacher of the year with the National Society of High School Scholars, nonprofit leader for organization Project 214, and education activist from the Chicagoland area. She is a sought-after public speaker regarding the state of education who is known for her cutting-edge presentations and dynamic illustrations with a passion that’s infectious. A High School teacher, 15-year veteran, teacher leader, and alum in a variety of spaces like Fulbright, Latinos for Education, Latinx Education Collaborative-Storytellers for Change, and Urban Leaders Fellowship, Sofia's passion and energy towards education equity remains a leading voice for the 21st-century classroom and beyond.

About two years ago, Kevin and Gerardo’s paths diverged. Facing burnout, Gerardo left the classroom to manage aspiring and new educator programs at the central office level, and Kevin became an assistant principal. The last two years have been challenging for us both. Questions arose as to whether the podcast would last. What would happen now that Too Dope Teachers were no longer in the classroom? Could the fellas ever ever ever coordinate calendars? It has been a challenge, but this season, we bring to you “OG Episodes” that bring us back to our roots: no guests, nothing flashy, just a couple of educators remixing the conversation on race, power, and education. This episode was supposed to be out prior to the announcement of school closures, but instead we are bringing it after. Check out our emergency episode, a conversation with two students from one of the closing schools for an in-depth look. We hope you enjoy this episode, whether to get needed affirmation and levity as you continue your important classroom work, or if you are considering other options, while still wanting to remain in education. About two years ago, Kevin and Gerardo’s paths diverged. Facing burnout, Gerardo left the classroom to manage aspiring and new educator programs at the central office level, and Kevin became an assistant principal. The last two years have been challenging for us both. Questions arose as to whether the podcast would last. What would happen now that Too Dope Teachers were no longer in the classroom? Could the fellas ever ever ever coordinate calendars? It has been a challenge, but this season, we bring to you “OG Episodes” that bring us back to our roots: no guests, nothing flashy, just a couple of educators remixing the conversation on race, power, and education. This episode was supposed to be out prior to the announcement of school closures, but instead we are bringing it after. Check out our emergency episode, a conversation with two students from one of the closing schools for an in-depth look. We hope you enjoy this episode, whether to get needed affirmation and levity as you continue your important classroom work, or if you are considering other options, while still wanting to remain in education. Visit our sponsors! Support the pod!

Citing declining enrollment, demographic shifts, and building under-use as primary factors, Denver Public Schools superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero announced his proposal to close or consolidate a number of schools. On school that is proposed for consolidation is the Denver Center for International Studies at Baker, where we met. It is a school that we feel profound affection for and belief in. In this emergency episode, we speak with DCIS students Sophia and Camila, who are helping to organize their peers and families to protest the re-structuring of their school. Very frequently, students are the last to know about decisions and policies that directly impact them. Oftentimes, across American public education, "student voice" is trivialized, downplayed, dismissed, and disrespected. If you go back to our emergency episode with students in the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic, you will see that students were not included in that discussion either. This is, unfortunately, not a problem unique to this district, it is everywhere. Student voice matters. Yesterday, today, and always.

When Fatimah Basir reached out to the podcast to promote her book, I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy, we had to know more. Not only is this energetic and motivating educator imaginative, creative, and joyful, she also sets a powerful example for how to take on important work for youth and communities. Miss B knows her purpose, knows what she is up against, but more importantly, she draws strength from her family, friends and beloved NYC community. Miss B has a captivating story, contagious energy, and a powerful message. Listen and enjoy! Buy the book!  Follow Miss Bee! Plan your future by visiting our sponsors, Tori and Alex!  Support the Podcast on Patreon!

John "Sunshine" Arthur is really like this. Always smiling, always joyful, this passionate and dedicated teacher has continued to push forward for students and communities from which they come. A veteran teacher, John has always sought ways to elevate educational opportunities and equity in his community and beyond. Even as he runs for the Utah state board of education, John humanizes his opponent and the people of his state. This despite a ballot initiative pushing for increased privatization,  which presents a threat to young people who would MOST benefit from a powerful and uplifting educational experience. In this episode, John will share with you his journey, his commitment to students, and ways you can support public education for ALL. support the podcast! Visit our sponsors!

Vouchers are violence. Privatization is violence. Failure to see that school privatization is a tool of Christian Nationalism and White Supremacy is deadly. To the future prospects of the students they exploit for flash-in-the-pan snake oil pedagogies. To the very possibility  of civil society. Dr. Josh Cowen joins me for episode 132 of Too Dope Teachers and a Mic to discuss the peril of school vouchers and the destruction they have wrought upon education and society. He discusses his new book, The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers. Whatever you believe about vouchers, let me assure you, after reading this book, and talking with Dr. Cowen…it’s worse. Worse than you can imagine. The outcomes are awful, and the deception is dystopian. You’ll see why so many of us see privatization and all it’s cousins as a slippery slope that ultimately will destroy public education. And while there are abstract and unproven arguments about the unfulfilled promise of public education, there is still a promise. It is now October. Many of you in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska have this choice to make, and those of you in fourteen other states have a lot of work to get these repealed. This episode is a hard listen, but essential for anyone who wants to see systemic justice in education. Visit our sponsors! Support the podcast! Buy The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers ProPublica Report Cited during interview

This week, Gerardo is joined by the eminent and brilliant Elena Aguilar, scholar of professional development and leadership! In this, Elena’s second visit to the show, she discusses her most recent coaching book Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. Elena shares her purpose, identities, and processes of writing, shedding a bright light on both the art of coaching, but also the art of writing itself. She shares her perspectives on both the value of writing that comes from academia as well as from the people. In this episode, Elena also shows us why her intuitive and human-centered approach is so powerful. An unexpected moment of vulnerability arises, and she receives it with heart and profound empathy. And. Stay tuned. An in-person conversation may be in the future. Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, if you sign up for Patreon at the $10/month level, you will receive our series of Hispanic Heritage stickers! Subscribe to Elena’s Bright Morning podcast! Sign up to get updates from Elena and Bright Morning team! Purchase the book, Arise: The Art of  Transformational Coaching and other powerful writings of Elena Aguilar. Visit our sponsors, Tori and Alex, and plan your financial future no matter your income!

As the 2024-25 school year kicks off across the nation, math teachers, students, and parents of the students face a familiar foe: self-confidence in mathematics. According to a Gallup poll before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 40% of students aged 13-17 reported that they were "struggling" or "not proficient" in math. But no one knows this reality more than math teachers themselves. Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, herself a mathematician and data analyst, has spent her career teaching adults to tell impactful and motivational stories using data. She has published professional books on the subject, but comes on the TooDope Teachers and a Mic podcast to share her latest book, which could change the tide for young people in our classrooms. Daphne Draws Data is a wonderful book on using data to tell stories. Cole joins Gerardo to kick off SEASON 10 of the podcast. Visit our sponsors, Alex and Tori! Support. the podcast on Patreon! Check out and order Daphne Draws Data! Find old episodes of Too Dope Teachers and a Mic!

Dr. Richard Charles has probably forgotten more about mathematics and technology than most of us will ever know. This brilliant scholar and change-maker of Trinidadian and Venezuelan heritage joined Gerardo for a conversation that is only the tip of the iceberg. An authentically intellectual and curious learner, Dr. Charles represents most what what we dream of being in school district leadership. He is philosophical and a problem-solver, and his passion for prime numbers is only out-matched by his determination that ALL DPS students have access to the best education available to them. Dr. Charles shares his passion for ways in which generative AI can support us at all levels of education. You will feel a little out of your depth on this episode, but stick with it. There is much to glean from this conversation. Support the podcast! Visit out sponsors at Cetera Investors, where Tori and Alex can help. you plan for the future!

The state of public education is...tough right now. But it isn't because of teachers or students. It's because our systems have spent too much time overthinking the challenges we face, when in reality, it's all about respect, resources, and professionalism. Colorado Education Association present Amie Baca-Oehlert joins Gerardo and Kev to discuss the state of education. She names the harsh realities but also demonstrates the simple ways that we can right this ship for ALL kids. Read the state of education report here! Plan your financial future with our sponsors, Cetera Investors! Support the podcast on Patreon! www.patreon.com/toodopeteachers

Zandra Jo Galván joins me for a fun and inspirational conversation on this week's Chicanologues! Celebrated by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), Zandra Jo now leads the school district that raised her, Greenfield Union in the Central Coast region of California. Growing up the youngest child of Mexican immigrants, Zandra Jo was inspired to become a teacher by her older sister. At just 10 years old, Zandra Jo knew she wanted to take this journey. When she was elevated to serve as superintendent of the district that educated her, 90% raza, she became everything that a leader should be: joyous, engaged, motivational, and creative. But she is not simply a "big energy" leader. She is a problem-solver who acts on data in meaningful ways. She shares with us her biggest successes, and reminds us that educational justice that is culturally sustaining and empowering is possible from the superintendent's office. Oh, and her top five is absolutely next-level. Support the podcast at patreon.com/toodopeteachers (money is helpful in navigating capitalism). Visit our sponsors, Tori and Alex! https://toriandalex.ceterainvestors.com/toodope.

Leticia Ordaz is a Publisher, Award-Winning Bilingual Children’s Book Author, Literacy Advocate, and Television News Anchor/Reporter. Leticia is the founder of the bilingual publishing house Cielito Lindo Books and a ten-time award-winning children’s book author at the International Latino Book Awards, the largest Latino Book Awards in the world.  A proud Mexican-American, Leticia is an Emmy Award-winning anchor/reporter in Sacramento, California, where she’s covered some of the biggest stories in the country.  Leticia is the author of The Adventures of Mr. Macaw, That Girl on TV Could Be Me! The Journey of a Latina News Anchor, Mr. Macaw’s Paleta Adventure, The Carousel King and the Space Mission, Mr. Macaw Lost in the Big City, and 2024 release Super Peanut and the Big Bully: The Power of Kindness.  As a literacy ambassador, she is excited to share bilingual stories with children around the world. The mother of two young Latino boys is working hard to break barriers and change statistics that currently show only 7 percent of American children’s books feature Latinx characters or subjects, and only 10 percent of authors and illustrators in the US are Latinx.  She recently teamed up with the Antelope Valley Union High School District to publish the Anthology, We Come From Greatness. The heartfelt project shared the stories of 88 migrant youth from Los Angeles County and transformed students into published authors. All of the proceeds benefit a scholarship program for the district.  When Leticia is not on the news being a voice for her community, she is busy visiting schools, hospitals, and orphanages to spread the love of reading in English and Spanish.  Reach out to bring her to your school for a dynamic assembly. CielitoLindoBooks.com, [email protected] Twitter: @LeticiaOrdazTV, @CielitoLindoBks LinkedIn: Leticia Ordaz  Facebook: @CielitoLindoBooks.  Instagram: @LeticiaOrdazTV, @CielitoLindoBooks

We are partnering with Carney, Sandoe & Associates to bring you cutting-edge insights and opportunities to learn from and with members of their communities. In today's episode, Kim Garner and Brandon Jacobs join us to discuss DEIB (the B stands for Belonging), the importance of DEIB work across all educational spaces, and the chance for folx in the Philly area to attend their Hiring Forum DEIB event this coming Friday! Kim graduated from Suffolk University with a B.A. in International Business. She began working at Carney, Sandoe & Associates in 2000 as an Operations Associate, and became Associate Director of Operations in 2005, Director of Operations in 2006, and Director of Operations and Conferences in 2010. Kim was promoted to Managing Associate in 2012. As Chief Operating Officer, Placement Group, Kim manages operational budget, oversees operations staff, and explores new technologies to optimize efficiency within the Placement Group. She coordinates hiring, training, and onboarding for new employees, and plans and coordinates all aspects of faculty recruitment conferences, located in cities each year across the country. Kim has also spearheaded the development of CS&A's Women's* Institute (which held its inaugural event in 2017) which focuses on empowerment, professional and personal development, and mentorship of women in education at all stages of their careers. Kim is extremely passionate about the importance of women supporting other women and providing safe space to learn from one another. Brandon is Practice Leader, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Consulting Practice, Search & Consulting Services and also supports our Head of School, Key Administrator, Catholic Schools, and Diversity Leadership Search Practices. Brandon has been instrumental in growing our DEIB Search and Consulting Practices. He has worked with dozens of independent schools, colleges and universities, and education organizations, running retained searches for DEIB practitioners and leading consulting engagements around implicit bias, equitable hiring, BIPOC faculty and staff retention, and other topics. Thanks to financial assistance from New Jersey SEEDS, a nonprofit organization that places high-achieving students from low-income families at selective day and boarding schools across the country, Brandon and his three younger brothers were able to attend The Hill School (PA). At the predominantly white boarding school, Brandon served as the first Black All-School President and, seven years following his high school graduation, would return to his alma mater to assume the dual roles of Director of Inclusion and Diversity and Student Activities Coordinator. While at The Hill School, Brandon was also Director of Student Activities, Class Dean, and Assistant Director of College Advising. Before joining CS&A, Brandon served as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at The Shipley School (PA) where he led the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs that sustained an inclusive school community and curriculum and fulfilled the School’s diversity and inclusion goals. Working closely with school administrators, he directed recruitment and retention initiatives to broaden the diversity of the student body and among faculty and staff. To learn more, visit www.carneysandoe.com/toodope. Visit our sponsors and friends of the podcast, Tori and Alex of Cetera Investors and enter code TOODOPE for a discount. Support the podcast on PATREON.