The code-switching conversation with my two guests continues in this episode. University students, Bradley Hutchinson and Malik McFarlane share their views and experiences including the use of African-American Vernacular English within the United States. We also explore the social structures that have been established by the majority. I encourage you to listen with an open mind and hold space for reflection on your own or others experiences. CREDITS: THEME SONG: Vocals - Shevaughn James; Music -...
May 14, 2021•30 min
In the previous episode, I shared my thoughts and experiences with code switching and settled with the fact that I code switch to celebrate my identity. I also shared 5 reasons why people code switch: 1. Inadvertent/unintentional 2. We want to fit in 3. We want to get something 4. We want to say something in secret 5. It helps us convey a thought This week, my two special guests are college students who shared insightful perspectives and brought more depth to the conversation about code switchin...
May 07, 2021•40 min
A lot has changed in 14 years. Among the noticeable changes is my speech pattern. This week’s reflective journey takes me on a nostalgic path and highlights elements of my culture and heritage from which I derive pleasant memories. Code switching is a layered concept; however, I focus on the language aspect in this episode. I also share 5 reasons that have been cited for code switching. Maybe you’ll be able to relate to at least one. I am also mindful that code switching for many people is a hea...
Apr 30, 2021•24 min
Another interesting episode has been added to the collection in the inspiring educators series for this season. In this episode, Ms. Cejuanna Morgan and I continue our conversation that was shared in part 1 last week. We talk more about her work within our school community as well as how she impacts the wider community through volunteer work. We also delve into her hobby of creating digital content and how she uses her platform to amplify voices. Ms. Morgan fits the description of the following ...
Apr 23, 2021•49 min
The spotlight is on another inspiring educator - a former elementary school teacher turned administrator. Cejuanna Morgan is currently an Assistant Principal but still finds time for nonprofit work and other interests. She is a passionate leader who prioritizes relationships, going above and beyond (sometimes outside of the norm) to inspire her students and staff. This interesting conversation embedded and flowed from life in the classroom to her interests and full time work as a school leader. ...
Apr 16, 2021•41 min
This week, I am connecting with someone across the globe on the continent of Africa. I am very excited to welcome and introduce today’s guest, an inspiring educator from South Africa! Nikita Bowes is a young, vibrant educator working to make a difference even amidst challenges. I hope that Nikita’s experience will encourage other young educators around the world to continue to inspire their students too. CREDITS: THEME SONG: Vocals - Shevaughn James; Music - Malik McFarlane; Lyrics - Shevaughn J...
Apr 09, 2021•48 min
Part 2 of the inspiring conversation with educator and school counselor, Eulanda Thorne continues in this episode. Although battling an auto-immune disease, facing other personal challenges, raising 4 children as a single parent, and pursuing a master’s degree while working two jobs, she remained undeterred. This inspiring educator strives to be an “Ambassador of Love” even when life’s circumstances could have easily created a different perspective for her. Listen to part 1 for the first part of...
Apr 02, 2021•57 min
In this episode, I share the first part of a conversation that I had with an inspiring educator. We talked about how she chose love amidst trauma and eventually transitioned into the role of supporting others who are also victims of trauma. Coupled with battling an auto-immune disease and being a single parent of four, she continues to provide emotional support for students and families as a school counselor in eastern North Carolina. Eulanda Thorne’s story is the first in the “Inspiring Educato...
Mar 26, 2021•46 min
What is your earliest childhood memory? How old were you? Have you ever wondered why you can still recall that situation and not others? Do you know what the top 10 most common first childhood memories are? In this episode, I share a recent incident that sent me into a state of reflection all the way back to my childhood. I am amazed by how simple, little things can mean so much. BLOG POST: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/its-the-little-things CREDITS: THEME SONG: Vocals - Shevaughn James; ...
Mar 21, 2021•18 min
Each month carries special designations and recognitions. Some are for serious causes while others are more whimsical. What do you associate with the month of March? March is Women’s History Month. All around the world it is evident that women play a vital role and they are celebrated during this time. It is also designated to encourage the study of women in society. In this episode I not only highlight the notable women, but I also share another perspective about the recognition of women in soc...
Mar 15, 2021•16 min
It’s all about relationships this season, and this week I explore the benefits of team relations and offer a few tips for making meaningful connections with colleagues. Now more than any time during my teaching career, it is critical for me to find and offer the kind of support that will help us to cope with the challenges of this school year. The saying, “Teamwork Makes the Dream work” has been tried, tested and proven in my neck of the woods, and I would love to share the good news with you. I...
Mar 08, 2021•18 min
As the month of February ends, I decided to share my thoughts in relation to Black History Month and my own experience as a Jamaican woman of African descent. Recent conversations with a colleague created a greater awareness of how my upbringing shaped my perspective. It’s amazing how my thoughts and responses are strikingly different in some ways from my African American friends and colleagues. Listen to this reflective journey. BLOG POST: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/my-black-history P...
Feb 26, 2021•18 min
This season will be dedicated to focusing on relationships; and in this episode, I kick it off by talking about the importance of our relationships with children. James Comer stated that, “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship”. Are you ready to be intentional about how you relate? Reflect with me, ponder how you want to show up and make deliberate plans for the legacy that you want to pass on. Remember the resonating words of Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people w...
Feb 19, 2021•15 min
It’s a new year and the official launch of season 2 of The Teachers’ Tribe Podcast. I look forward to more listeners joining me every week as we move forward in this new year (2021). Episodes are scheduled to go live every Friday at 6:00 a.m. Don’t forget to share and leave reviews to help me spread the word about this growing community of educators, parents and caregivers. Feel free to listen to season one while you await the first episode of season 2 that’s coming soon! THEME SONG: Vocals - Sh...
Jan 29, 2021•4 min
The conversation continues in this final episode of season 1 of this podcast. In part 1, my colleagues and I reflected on how we were impacted and how our experiences made us an even stronger team. Raelyn Clark, Paige Hults, April Storm and I are passionate educators who share the common goal of acting in our students’ best interest and supporting all of them to be successful. This week, we focus on the changes since March 2020 and share messages that we hope will inspire and encourage others as...
Dec 25, 2020•44 min
You may have heard the expression, “Teamwork makes the dream work”. In this first segment of the two-part episode, a few of my colleagues and I discuss and share our experiences about teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s your opportunity to gain insight about what it is like for teachers who are committed to supporting their students and their families at a time that we could not have prepared for. This conversation with Raelyn Clark, Paige Hults and April Storm is one worth sharing wit...
Dec 18, 2020•35 min
The conversation with Dr. Denise Hunter (AKA Dr. D’Nice Beaugelin) concludes in this episode. We talk about the final two keys of the acronym FOUNT and she offers tips that can help us to live optimally. The simple keys can be easily incorporated into our lives, and will certainly go a long way to help us during this time of intense anxiety and uncertainty. This is a call to focus on wellness, recognizing what we can control and developing resilience amidst the challenges. It is a message worth ...
Nov 27, 2020•32 min
This episode is a conversation with a medical doctor about a topic well-suited for these times. Our conversation focuses on Wellness and I know you will glean many valuable tips from what was shared. The first session in this two-part episode with Dr. Denise Hunter, aka Dr. D’Nice Beaugelin, will introduce her program called FOUNT. Listen as she introduces three of the 5 Keys to Wellness. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will benefit and there are tips that can also impact the children in our l...
Nov 22, 2020•37 min
There are so many Jamaican expressions that I just instinctively know how to use appropriately, but must admit find it difficult to explain to people outside of the culture. The expression that I chose this week always brings a memory that warms my heart and is one I am reinventing to keep a positive outlook amidst the challenges. Let’s explore how to adjust our lens. Poem Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-choice-is-mine BLOG POST: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/mi-glad-ba...
Nov 11, 2020•12 min
S1 Ep022 - What About the Teachers? Preparing for students’ return to our school building has been weighing heavily on my mind. There is still much uncertainty, some anxiety, a lot of questions and a feeling in the pit of my stomach that we’re getting ready for a roller coaster ride. An apt Jamaican saying is “Dawg ah sweat, but long hair covah it.” I feel angst at the thought of even a figurative roller coaster. Am I the only teacher feeling this way? I highly doubt it; and that’s why I opted t...
Oct 26, 2020•26 min
I chose the Jeopardy category (Before and After) style title because it’s time for a “Reality Check Mark”. Ready or not, it’s happening - many schools have or are returning to face-to-face instruction. Amidst the trepidation that many teachers are feeling, there are too many things in the unknown category. As I explored the CDC guidelines, I was equally concerned about the “mental health and social-emotional wellbeing considerations”. While the matter of returning to school has been debated in v...
Oct 19, 2020•19 min
S1 Ep020 - One Hand Today’s message and tips are directed at parents, caregivers and teachers. As I continue to work in a virtual environment, I know I am not alone with some of the challenges that I am facing. Supporting our children while learning during a pandemic is definitely the time to apply these saying. Let’s think about it together as I offer some tips for these times. BLOG POST: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/one-hand Story Source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-good-storie...
Oct 12, 2020•19 min
S1 Ep019 - Bend the Tree This episode is mainly for parents and caregivers and it focuses on the formative years, especially the early childhood period. Child-rearing is a tremendous blessing and responsibility. We should never take this opportunity lightly and I encourage you to give it your best shot. We will not do it perfectly, because we are practicing and learning as we go. It is worth considering Matt Walsh’s quote: “Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, bu...
Oct 04, 2020•16 min
While many things have changed, some things have remained constant. Many of my childhood experiences were night and day when compared with those of my children and students; however, we share similar social-emotional needs. If at no other time in my teaching career, this is the year to heighten my focus on SEL. Join me in exploring that today. BLOG: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/now-and-then SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theteacherstribe/ Facebook: https://www.facebook...
Sep 27, 2020•17 min
Simple day-to-day life experiences can help us to gain valuable lessons if we practice mindfulness. It is not easy to embrace the ideas that challenges are valuable and that no experience should be seen as worthless. Contemplate with me in this episode how we can create a new sense of awareness about our daily lives. Are you missing out on meaningful moments because of busy lifestyles and never-ending to-do lists? Let’s explore and find the lessons together! BLOG POST: http://www.theteacherstrib...
Sep 20, 2020•17 min
William Arthur Ward’s words should inspire us to acknowledge that the best is here every time we see our children/students. He said, “When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves”. In this episode, I share an idea that is applicable to our lives as teachers, parents and caregivers.
Sep 11, 2020•19 min
Many veteran teachers feel like first year teachers again this year. I heard someone referring to this school year as a plane that we’re building as we are flying it. That’s a strong visual; but so far, it seems appropriate. Just imagine that for a moment. How would you feel if you were zooming in the air at top speed with many passengers onboard but you had to be putting the pieces of the aircraft together at the same time? According to Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not f...
Sep 04, 2020•18 min
S1 Ep014 - What’s Your Shift? The word “shift” conjures up a few different ideas in my mind. Do you need to shift into a higher gear or work on shifts with others? Are you in need of a paradigm shift? Among the dictionary definitions for the word shift is “a slight change in position, direction or tendency”. (Oxford English Dictionary) That’s the shift I will be focusing on in this episode. BLOG POST: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/whats-your-shift SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.insta...
Aug 28, 2020•21 min
S1 Ep013 - How Will They Remember? The new school year is here for many of us. It comes with mixed emotions, challenges and new ways of teaching and learning. We can play a role in determining the outcome and the memories that our children will hold on to. The question is, “How will my students remember the 2020-2021 school year?” I invite you to join me on this intentional journey of planning to make it a cherished experience for them. Link: Wild Gilbert by Lloyd Lovindeer (https://www.youtube....
Aug 21, 2020•17 min
A person’s name is special and an important part of identity. Many children experience anxiety, ridicule and other negative emotions because of their names. Dale Carnegie said, “Names are the sweetest and most important sound in any language”. How much do you focus on the names of the children/students in your care? Is that something important to think about as we begin a new school year? Blog Post: http://www.theteacherstribe.com/blog/please-say-my-name SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.insta...
Aug 14, 2020•15 min
