The Power in a Playlist
If I had not asked them about the music that was on their playlists and what spoke to them about those songs, I would have likely missed the opportunity to create a culture of care in my classroom...
Using YouTube to Twist Teaching and Learning
I am a people person. If you have interacted with me on any level, you know that I love being around people and giving to people–especially my “people”. One of the things I love about...
It’s Time to Walk It Out
Hip Hop influences a lot of the work I do as an educator and content creator. Like seriously, when I get a creative idea in mind, it is usually influenced by a song or the life of a hip hop artist. ...
In the Spirit of Love: Characteristics of a Culturally Responsive Caring Learning Environment
I am in the spirit of love this week! Not only do I love celebrating Valentine’s Day, but this week is also my birthday week so it’s extra special. When I think about LOVE, I can’t help...
If You Ask They Will Tell
I love the line from Field Dreams (1989), “if you build it they will come,” and actually find myself saying it often, or a version of it when working with teachers. “If you ask they will...
Words as Weapons
In some cases, the weapons are flung deliberately, after careful aim has been taken to enact maximum harm. Other times, people unintentionally stab each other with words whose deep wounds they cannot...
When Things Happen Around Us
From our response, students learn how to respond to their own emotions, empathize with others, critically analyze situations, and, most importantly, take action that leads to change. ...
Getting My Students to Show Up and Show Out Required These 4 Things
Why are they not submitting assignments? Why are they? Why are they? Why are THEY?...
We Need All Hands On Deck
“We might be in the same storm, but we are not in the same boat. While some are cruising through this pandemic-storm on a cruise liner, others are deep in the waters and holding on to a...
Recognizing Culturally Responsive School Leaders
I have a friend who is a high school principal in the DFW area. Often when we talk, I will always ask him, “How are the Black students?” I am never ashamed of asking campus leaders how a...
