Talks With Tia

Rachael McDonald

🗣🚸Talks with me, Rachael McDonald, about children, 👶🏼👧🏽their development, issues affecting teachers and ways to support educators in and beyond the local educational landscape. 🇯🇲

Last refreshed: July 18th, 2025 at 5:23 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

You Don’t Have To Dread To Be Rasta

Where I was, what I was doing and your reminder that “you don’t have to dread to be Rasta.” Start where you are, with what you have. But just remember to start.

Jun 22, 2023•14 min•Season 3Ep. 2

Earth A Run Red

Acknowledging the harsh realities that we’ve seen in this the 2022-2023 school year as dread(full) bcan become the foundation on which we move forward with the idea of a better world for all. Take a listen!

Jun 06, 2023•10 min•Season 3Ep. 1

Reflecting on the SDGs

The time is now for you to be aware of what the Sustainable Development Goals are and for you to introduce them to your students. Hear my thoughts on my journey so far …

Oct 28, 2022•17 min•Season 2022Ep. 7

Teachers rock it when they are…

In this episode I acknowledge that teachers are at the core of #TransformingEducation and offer their thoughts and my ideas, activities and experiences in creating environments that teachers want.

Oct 21, 2022•17 min•Season 2022Ep. 6

Mid Term = Reflections

Happy Mid Term! This is the perfect time to redirect our energies and understandings towards a Growth Mindset. Take a listen and talk to me.

Oct 14, 2022•9 min•Season 2022Ep. 5

Student Realities 1

Perspective is everything. In this episode I share insight about how our recent bad weather has affected two students and of course reiterate the importance of educators PAYING ATTENTION to what is in front of them.

Oct 07, 2022•12 min•Season 2022Ep. 4

September Wrap Up

My thoughts on the first few weeks of the new school year in Jamaica. Loss, disruptions to learning, climate anxiety and the need for inclusive conversations.

Sep 28, 2022•13 min•Season 2022Ep. 3

Culture is everything

Culture … our educational culture … has shown us many harsh realities and in so doing can move us towards real action.

Sep 02, 2022•13 min•Season 2022Ep. 2

Happy Back To School

My former colleague used to say when I extended wishes of a good morning, “what’s so bloody good about it?” Many stakeholders in education are sharing her sentiments in light of teacher shortages and the seeming 💩 show that the current landscape is. But remember the soft skills… show up and show off (not in a vulgar way but in your own way).

Aug 26, 2022•8 min•Season 2022Ep. 1

Finishing the school year with FUN

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Take a listen for tips on being in an optimal state of mind and finishing the academic year strong 💪🏽

May 13, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 4

Out To ... Sea

A chat with Rayon Carruthers, founder and chairman of Oceans For Everyone Incorporated about his commitment to taking Jamaican children out to the sea and the vast opportunities that exist from this.

May 02, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 3

Pinterest Perfect Earth Day Activities

In this very short episode I rant (unapologetically) about the perfectly curated Pinterest perfect Earth Day Activities that were all over social media. SMH. Le sigh.

Apr 23, 2022•7 min•Season 2Ep. 2

WIFLE

An acronym for What I Feel Like Expressing (a tool you can use too). Take a listen as I share what what I’ve been up to for the last few months and why it can’t be business as usual moving forward with our children and in education.

Apr 18, 2022•15 min•Season 2Ep. 1

World Teachers’ Day (WTD)

Happy World Teachers’ Day! You rock. Listen to my message that talks a little about the history of WTD and teacher advocacy. Email lovetalkswithtia@gmail.com

Oct 05, 2021•4 min

Conversations with Principal, Suelyn Ward Brown

Suelyn is the Principal of the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant School located in Olympic Gardens, St. Andrew. In this episode she shares insight on community engagement as critical to school success and child development. Enjoy!

Jul 02, 2021•38 min

Acknowledge A Teacher

End the school year by supporting, cheering on, “bigging up,” honouring and thanking a teacher today.

Jun 19, 2021•5 min

STEAMing Conversations with Godiva Golding

STEAM for Jamaica’s youth: insight into the work of Steam House. For more information check out www.steamhouse.io and @steamhouse.io on social media platforms.

Apr 09, 2021•39 min

What Matters?

Are we really preparing our children for the future? Or is it a return to the idea of business as usual? Now is the time to talk about what schools should teach.

Mar 29, 2021•6 min

From Boardhouse to Own House

The Renee Barrett story of conquering fear through her journey as a teacher in Jamaica, then onto Oman, and now in Kuwait.

Mar 18, 2021•40 min

PARTICIPATING with Kerensa Smith

Jamaican educator, Kerensa Smith, shares her journey in education as she PARTICIPATES in FarmVille, Virginia

Jan 26, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 3

Embracing Our (Jamaican) Culture

Talks with Jean Marie Hawthorn, educator, mummy & author. Jean shares the story behind her writing the books “Jamaica In My Tummy” & “My Toilet Is Bigger Than Yours” along with simple advice for teachers.

Jan 20, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 2

Access to Education

In honour of Human Rights Day. How will we bridge the inequality gap that has widened since the pandemic?

Dec 11, 2020•3 min

Measuring what matters

Reflections on assessments.

Nov 12, 2020•4 min

Endings

It’s the end of Halloween, the pumpkin spice latte, another lunar cycle & hopefully 4 years of terrible leadership in the US. It’s the perfect time to reflect on how you end topics, units and situations in your classroom.

Nov 06, 2020•4 min