The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About Education

In this conversation, Charles Williams reflects on the challenges faced in educational leadership, particularly the struggle between fostering teacher autonomy and the ingrained culture of compliance. He discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment for educators, recognizing the need for both structure and freedom in professional development. The conversation empha

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Mark Gibson Jr. about his journey in education, the importance of building resiliency in students, and the proactive strategies educators can implement to foster a supportive learning environment. Mark shares his personal experiences and insights on mentorship, accountability, and the nece

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams shares his personal journey of understanding autism through the lens of his grandson, Leo. He emphasizes that autism awareness should extend beyond a single month and highlights the importance of acceptance, support, and celebrating small victories. Charles discusses the significance of viewing behavior as communica

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Lydia McNeely, a lead professional learning specialist for Hatching Results, about her non-traditional journey in education and the vital role of school counselors. They discuss the current challenges facing school counselors, particularly regarding misconceptions about their roles, the importance of fam

In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on a transformative morning experience where he chose to listen to a baseball game instead of the usual news briefing. This decision led him to realize the importance of finding simple moments of joy and comfort in daily life, emphasizing the need to 'fill your bucket' with small, grounding experiences that can reset one's mood

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Dr. Julie Hasson about her journey in education, focusing on the importance of teacher resilience and engagement. They discuss the shift from external factors affecting teacher retention to the internal resources teachers need to thrive. Julie shares practical strategies for building resilience, the sign

In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly in the context of a recent conference he attended. He discusses the noticeable decline in engagement and attendance at DEI-related events, questioning the authenticity of allyship in a changing political climate. Williams emphasizes the importance of stand

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with David James, a dedicated seventh-grade social studies teacher and conference director for the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (NCMLE). They discuss the journey of educators, the significance of teacher leadership, and the impact of personalized professional development on stud

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Ishmael Jimenez, who shares his journey into education and the importance of understanding historical context in teaching. They discuss the significance of Black history, the role of educators in challenging dominant narratives, and the need for truth in education. Ishmael emphasizes the i

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages in a rich conversation with guests Leonard Webb and Vernon Wright. They explore the significance of Black History Month, the importance of storytelling, and the need to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding Black history. Leonard shares a personal story about his father, highlighting the comp