Urban State of Mind

Two educators shoot the breeze on the joys and pains associated with teaching in an urban atmosphere.

Like, Tweet, SNAP! Rewards and repercussions of social media in school

Akia and Kharena chat about social media its impact on education.

08-22
41:06

School of Choice? Tips for choosing the best school for your child.

So many options, with so little time! How do you go about choosing the best learning community for your child? Akia and Kharena share their tips for picking a school.

08-15
36:04

4 Questions from a 4th Grader

Get to know USM co-hosts a little better. In this episode, Akia and Kharena answer four questions from a fourth grade student.

05-15
46:37

Regarding Testing...Teachers Lie

In this mini-rant, Kharena and Akia discuss an appalling situation that is too common in education.

05-15
07:29

Numbers Don't Lie

Literacy advocate, Stephanie Jordan, joins Akia and Kharena to discuss the diversity gap in children's books. Tune in to learn more about children's books that are for us and by us. Follow Stephanie on facebook, twitter and instagram @Mcbooksters to learn more about her work and find resources for the children in your life!

04-24
45:27

Boosting Self-confidence in Youth- part 2

Part two of our conversation with the president of the Kicks 4 Kids foundation, CheKeita Jones, about boosting self-confidence in youth.

04-17
29:36

Boosting Self-confidence in Youth- part 1

President of the Kicks 4 Kids foundation, CheKeita Jones, joins Akia and Kharena to chat about boosting self-confidence in youth. Stayed tuned for the second half of our conversation next week.

04-03
31:06

Tackling Testing

Akia and Kharena share their personal experiences with testing, proctoring high-stakes testing and offer tips for tackling test anxiety.

03-26
51:28

What skills should every educator instill in students?

What skills are necessary for all students to succeed? Akia and Kharena explore vital skills that educators have a responsibility to teach, regardless of subject-area expertise.

03-12
50:32

Scores are low, so the Arts must go!

Local artist and former art teacher, Jamar Lockhart, returns to chat with Akia and Kharena about unequal access to arts education in urban schools. He also offers his tips to increase the opportunities for students to engage in the arts.

02-25
43:51

Where would we be without Art Education?

Akia and Kharena welcome local artist and former art teacher, Jamar Lockhart, to discuss the skills that children learn from the arts.

02-19
42:52

Redlining in Education

Our mini-series with special guest Jon Parks continues. Tune in as we explore social reform, pulbic policies and financial systems that keep us from getting ahead.

02-06
57:24

"Im not saying you're racist but... you sound very racist right now"

Jonathan Parks joins Akia and Kharena for a candid conversation about micro-aggressions in education.

01-30
01:14:28

Conflict Resolved

Conflict is inevitable in our lives and especially the lives of young people. In this episode, Akia and Kharena delve into the research behind conflict resolution and offer concrete approaches to finding resolve.

01-23
45:27

10 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day

Akia and Kharena offer 10 ways to join your community or stay in and relax while honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

01-12
29:18

The First Year: What they don't tell you in college

This week Akia and Kharena sit down with Sandra, who is new to the profession, and learn about the challenges and joy that she is experiencing after just 1 month as a classroom teacher.

10-11
01:08:00

School is Boring

Akia and Kharena discuss what makes school boring and how to engage students in the classroom.

10-04
42:15

"Close your door and do what is best for kids"

Special Guest, Andrea Villarreal, discusses the hurdles that teachers face on a day-to-day basis and ways that we all work through it with Akia and Kharena. Learn more about our fellow educator, Andrea, on her popular blog at https://mytangledstring.com/

09-19
01:21:38

Classroom Management: Don't Smile Until December

Akia and Kharena explore this old adage in education. Is it bad or good advice for managing a classroom?

09-12
30:00

Classroom Management: Building Relationships

Akia and Kharena share their thoughts on the importance of building relationships with students and strategies that ultimately improve classroom management.

09-12
54:02

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