Our Classroom

May 16 2024
Our Classroom Podcast artwork

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space we talk about education, which is inclusive of, but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn. In Our Classroom, we explore educational journeys, discuss instructional strategies, unpack books, speak with authors, and we think about how all of this is connected to education. Subscribe, rate the show and write a review! For resources to help you understand the intersection of race, bias, education, and society go to multiculturalclassroom.com

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Episode 95 | Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. Pt. 3 w/ Lorena Germán

May 16 2024 18 mins  
This is the third and final installment of our series on Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the significance of humanizing approaches to bilingual education and how these methods help cultivate a respectful and dignified learning environment for students and their families. We also explore the crucial role of community and family engagement in

Episode 94 | Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. Pt. 2 w/ Lorena Germán

May 08 2024 16 mins  
Today, we delve deeper into the experiences and challenges faced by multilingual speakers in the U.S., specifically focusing on students of color. Returning guest, Lorena Germán, joins host Roberto to explore the systemic undervaluing of these students within our current education system. They examine a range of dynamic strategies that schools and districts can apply to better sup

Episode 93 | Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. w/ Lorena Germán

May 01 2024 30 mins  
In this episode of Our Classroom we're diving into a critical conversation about multilingual speakers in the U.S. education system. Lorena is back as a guest. We explore the complex landscape of bilingual education, the civil rights associated with language learning, and the contentious issue of standardized testing. Together, we will unpack our personal struggles with standardize

Episode 92 | Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy w/ Lorena Germán

Apr 24 2024 19 mins  
In this episode, titled "Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy," Lorena Germán is back to unpack the rich and necessary concept of CSP, as formulated by Dr. Django Paris and Dr. Samy Alim. We'll explore what it means to move beyond culturally relevant teaching to a model that not only acknowledges but also actively supports the cultural and linguistic diversity of students. Tog

Episode 91 | Teaching Socio-Political Context w/ Lorena Germán

Apr 17 2024 20 mins  
In today's episode, we grapple with the intricate subject of Teaching Socio-Political Context in education. Lorena helps unravel the significance of incorporating the socio-political backdrop into learning and how it enriches the understanding of texts and concepts within the classroom. We'll explore why it's essential to go beyond the author's bio and publication dates to truly co

Episode 90 | A Lesson on the N-Word w/ Lorena Germán

Apr 10 2024 21 mins  
Today’s episode ventures into a highly sensitive and challenging discussion. Roberto and Lorena Germán tackle the complex and controversial topic surrounding the N-word, particularly within an educational framework. The conversation orbits around the indispensable role teachers play in addressing this term when it surfaces in literature, such as in the classic "The Adv

Episode 89 | What is the White Gaze? w/ Lorena Germán

Apr 03 2024 20 mins  
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena delve into the concept of the White gaze and its impact.  Lorena provides a comprehensive discussion on Toni Morrison's concept of the White gaze, which essentially sets a standard that assumes the audience is White, marginalizing lives that don't align with this perspective. The conversation touches upon how this

Episode 88 | Telling the Whole Story w/ Lorena Germán

Mar 27 2024 20 mins  
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena Germán discuss the workshop "Telling the Whole Story: Best Practices Using Data," which aims to challenge the way data is used in schools. Lorena explains the problematic nature of standardized testing and its impact on teachers' evaluations and students' graduation. The conversation delves into the need to humanize data and pro

Episode 87 | Should Students Have Cell Phones in Class?

Mar 20 2024 24 mins  
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto explores the hot topic of banning cell phones in schools. Drawing from his experience as a former school principal, he presents both sides of the argument and delves into the reasons behind the recent decision in Indiana to prohibit communication devices in classrooms. Germán touches on the potential impact of excessive screen time on stud

Episode 86 | Hair, Bias, and the Quest for Black Joy in Education w/ Lorena Germán

Mar 13 2024 35 mins  
In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto and Lorena Germán explore the pressing issues of conformity and resistance in education. They shared powerful insights on how discriminatory policies in schools, particularly around hair and appearance, reflect deeper systemic racism. With personal anecdotes and fiery passion, they advocate for inclusive policy-making, transparency, and co