This episode explores a powerful question posed by my six-year-old son: "When is Kid's Month?" This simple question sparks a deeper conversation about inclusion, representation, and the importance of valuing children's voices. Join me as I discuss how this question led to a critical examination of Women's History Month resources and a renewed commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that extends to everyone, regardless of age. Key takeaways from this episode: For Principals: Foster a school...
Feb 28, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we explore the power of choosing a focus word to guide your year—and how LOVE can serve as a transformative lens for educators, principals, and students in 2025. Discover how centering LOVE can help you build cultural competency, create more inclusive spaces, and cultivate deeper connections in your school community. Key takeaways from this episode: For Principals: Learn how leading with LOVE fosters a culture of care, trust, and equity in your school. Fo...
Jan 09, 2025•22 min
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Joshua Cabral, expert in intercultural communication, to explore the essential role of intercultural competence and cultural intelligence in today’s classrooms. Together, we dive into what it means to develop a culturally intelligent mindset, ways to understand cultural value dimensions, and practical strategies for educators. Joshua shares his thoughts on how to move beyond viewing one’s own culture as the “norm” and to cultivate a more inclusive, cu...
Nov 13, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this heart-centered episode of The Culture-Centered Classroom , host Jocelynn Hubbard engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Dr. Pamela Seda, co-author of Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom . Dr. Seda shares her motivation for creating the ICUCARE Framework and how it supports educators in fostering equitable math classrooms. Throughout the episode, Dr. Seda beautifully explains how her personal experiences as an educator led her to develop a framework th...
Oct 09, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In the powerful conclusion of the "Intersectionality in Education" Series, we shift our focus to empowering students with intersecting identities to become self-advocates and leaders. We'll explore strategies for fostering their unique strengths and perspectives, creating opportunities for them to share their voices, and nurturing their potential to make a positive impact on the world. Key takeaways from Episode 4 : Beyond knowledge : Discover how to empower students to understand their identiti...
Oct 02, 2024•14 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this third episode of the "Intersectionality in Education Series" we're diving into the heart of culturally responsive pedagogy and exploring how it can be adapted to meet the unique needs of students with intersecting identities. We'll discuss strategies for creating inclusive curriculum and instructional practices that honor and celebrate the diverse experiences of all learners. Key takeaways from Episode 3 : Beyond cultural backgrounds : Understanding how multiple identities intersect to s...
Sep 25, 2024•11 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In the second episode of our series "Intersectionality in Education", we're moving beyond definitions and exploring the real-world impact of intersecting identities on students' experiences in school. We'll examine both the opportunities and challenges that arise when multiple identities intersect, and how educators can create inclusive environments that support all learners. Key takeaways from Episode 2 : The complex dynamics of intersecting identities : How do they shape students' lives in and...
Sep 18, 2024•13 min
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new series on The Culture-Centered Podcast: "Intersectionality in Education: Navigating Complex Identities." In our first episode, we're laying the foundation by defining intersectionality and exploring its historical context. We'll delve into why understanding the complexities of our students' identities is crucial for creating truly inclusive and equitable learning environments. Key takeaways from Episode 1: What is intersectionality? We'll break ...
Sep 11, 2024•7 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th - October 15th. Let's ditch the stereotypes and explore meaningful ways to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx cultures in your classroom. From literature and art to music, dance, and history, I'll share ideas to foster understanding, challenge biases, and empower all students. Tune in and discover how to make Hispanic Heritage Month an unforgettable celebration of joy. Let me know if this was helpful by sending me a message on Instagram, LinkedIn or FB. If yo...
Sep 04, 2024•9 min
As we kick off a new school year, I want to share all the ways I can support you on your journey as an educator. In this special episode of The Culture-Centered Classroom podcast, I’ll be walking you through the various resources and programs I offer, including: Workshops : Engaging and interactive sessions that dive deep into key topics like cultural competency, equity, and creating inclusive classrooms. Cohorts : Collaborative learning communities where you can connect with other educators, sh...
Aug 28, 2024•13 min
This episode, "From Insight to Action: Reimagining Learning for Heartfelt, Equity-Centered Education," is all about transforming the insights we gain from student stories into meaningful actions that create a more integrated, supportive, and equitable classroom. In this episode, we cover: Developing cultural competence by deeply understanding your students’ diverse backgrounds. Centering equity to ensure every student gets the support they need to thrive. Designing liberatory learning spaces whe...
Aug 23, 2024•11 min
I’m excited to share a special episode where we combine three powerful themes into one impactful discussion. In this episode, "How Can Leveraging Student Stories Help you Center Equity?," we explore: Leveraging Student’s Stories to Center Equity : How recognizing and integrating diverse student experiences can create a more inclusive classroom. Creating safe spaces for sharing : Techniques to help students feel valued and confident in sharing their personal stories. Listening to learn : The impo...
Aug 22, 2024•15 min
The third episode of our back-to-school series is here, and it’s all about creating a classroom where students feel safe and valued enough to share their stories. We'll explore techniques for setting up storytelling activities, establishing trust with students, and building a classroom culture of openness and respect. If you want to create an environment where your students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences, this episode is for you. 🎧 Let’s make our classrooms...
Aug 21, 2024•17 min
In this episode, "Elevate Your Teaching Game: Recognizing and Managing Your Capacity Like a Pro," we tackle an important topic—understanding and acknowledging when you’ve reached your personal and professional limits. As educators, it’s crucial to recognize when we’re at capacity so we can ask for help, reassign our time, energy, and effort, and help our students understand the concept of capacity for their own learning. Join me as we explore practical strategies to manage your capacity effectiv...
Aug 20, 2024•15 min
It's BACK TO SCHOOL season! During this first episode in the BTS series we explore how storytelling can bridge the gap between teachers and students. By sharing and listening to personal stories, we can foster empathy, create stronger connections, and build a more inclusive classroom environment. Tune in to discover practical ways to incorporate storytelling into your teaching practice and make your classroom a space where every student feels valued and understood. In this episode I mention: ...
Aug 19, 2024•15 min
February is a month dedicated to the celebration of Black history, not the highlighting of American history during the time when enslavement and segregation were legal. Reenacting events connected to these time periods has continued to happen again and again. It is a problem and here's why... In this episode I mention : Charlotte Mecklenburg School - "celebrating" BHM Florida daycare reenacting the arrest of Rosa Parks Educator Cohort & Coaching Programs Grade Level Book Recommendati...
Feb 21, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 18
It is tradition to sing "The Star Spangled banner", the United States national anthem during the Super Bowl re-game show. In recent years the singing of the Black national anthem, "Lift Ev'ry Voice & Sing" has been added. Some people ask, "Why are two anthems being performed if we are one country?" Listen in for an answer to this question! In this episode I mention : Black History Month -Daily Slides/Bell Ringers Black History Month - Anthem Analysis The Star Spangled Banner Lift Every V...
Feb 07, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Black History month is right around the corner I wanted to help you get prepped and ready. In this episode I will share three questions I frequently get asked regarding teaching and celebrating Black history as well as my responses. Let me know if this was helpful by sending me a message on Instagram, LinkedIn or FB. If you have a question, you can let me know that as well. 🙂 In this episode I mention : Black History Month Teaching Resources Culturally Responsive Teaching & the Brain Carter...
Jan 31, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 15
Are you familiar with the phrase "the sandwich generation"? I wasn't either until a few years ago. In this episode I share how understanding this phrase is connected to developing cultural competency personally and professionally. In this episode I mention : Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/ Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions . Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - B...
Jan 24, 2024•7 min•Season 4Ep. 15
What does it even mean when you say "Your child is so well behaved." to a caregiver? Let's chat about the importance of reframing and elaborating on this statement in a way that supports growth for the student and clarity for caregivers. Let's expand and deepen our understanding around the concept of "well-behaved". What is the purpose of education and how is a student being "well-behaved" helping accomplish this purpose? In this episode I mention : The Equity Focused Teacher Cohort & C...
Jan 17, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Getting students back on track after break can be challenging. I invite you to think outside the box as I share a couple strategies for reengagement. In this episode I mention : The Equity Focused Teacher Cohort & Community One Word Focus Activity - Teacher Edition One Word Focus Activity - Student Edition S1.E5 - New Year - Choosing Your One Powerful Focus Word S1.E4 - The Power of Having Your Students Choose Their One Word for the year Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit...
Jan 10, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Creating a welcoming and culturally inclusive classroom requires a teacher who is aware of the power of words. A teacher who is aware of the impact certain words have and the weight certain words carry in varying contexts. A teacher who is intentional about developing awareness about the difference between the intention behind words and the impact they have. In this episode I mention : The Equity Focused Teacher Cohort & Community One Word Focus Activity - Teacher Edition One Word Focus ...
Jan 03, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 12
As a culturally responsive educator that prioritizes equity, there are two keys you need to ensure success on your journey. In this episode I mention : The Equity Focused Teacher Cohort & Community S3.E8 - Show Your Students You Love them by using the Universal Love Language Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions . Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy resources in my TEACHER SHOP Culture-Ce...
Dec 27, 2023•17 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Do students read in your class? If you answered yes to that question, then this episode is for you. To ensure you are selecting reading material that will allow for critical curiosity, questioning, and robust discussion amongst ALL your students, I am sharing three dynamic questions. Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions . Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy resources in my TEACHER SHOP Culture...
Dec 20, 2023•8 min•Season 4Ep. 10
There are two types of books that should be in every classroom library, home library, and school library. I will share about both types and provide examples of each in this episode. In this episode I mention : A Lady has the Floor: Belva Lockwood Speaks Out for Women's Rights by Kate Hannigan The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson Our Family's Doing Yoga by Sonjoria Sydnor City of Dragons: The Awakening Storm by Jaimal Yogis & Vivian Truong Federico and the Wolf b...
Dec 13, 2023•7 min•Season 4Ep. 9
'Tis the season for winter and holiday themed celebrations. If you are planning this type of fun learning at your school, check out this episode for a few best practices to consider as you plan for maximum impact. In this episode I mention : Sparkles of Joy by Aditi Wardhan Singh Picture Books to learn about different winter holidays Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions . Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy r...
Dec 06, 2023•11 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Join me in welcoming Dr. Gholdy Muhammad-Jackson to the podcast for an inspiring conversation about the intersection of joy, justice, equity, and liberation. Dr. Gholdy Muhammad-Jackson (she/her) is the author of the books " Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally & Historically Responsive Literacy " and " Unearthing Joy: A Guide to Culturally & Historically Responsive Teaching and Learning ". If you are interested in connecting with Dr. Muhammad-Jackson, you can find her:...
Nov 29, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 7
A joyful classroom environment and learning experience is not out of your reach. Listen in for some mindset shifts and practical suggestions for creating the joyful classroom your desire and your students deserve. Use this FREE Joy Reflection Sheet to map out your thoughts. In the episode I mention: United American Indians of New England FREE Joy Reflection Sheet Complete Joy Study Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions ....
Nov 22, 2023•11 min
This second episode just for students is filled with ideas for celebrating student joy all year long. Grab the FREE joy worksheets and let's get started! In the episode I mention: FREE Joy Reflection Sheet Complete Joy Study Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions . Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy resources in my TEACHER SHOP Culture-Centered Teacher WORKSHOPS - Click HERE...
Nov 15, 2023•8 min•Season 4Ep. 5
This episode is just for students! Let's talk about what brings you joy in life and at school. Connecting your joy to the classroom is going to make your learning experience so much better! Grab the FREE joy worksheets and let's get started! In the episode I mention: FREE Joy Reflection Sheet Complete Joy Study Grade Level Book Recommendations - visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CustomTeachingSolutions . Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy resource...
Nov 08, 2023•10 min•Season 4Ep. 4
