PD for the SOUL
Welcome to PD for the Soul, the podcast that nourishes your passion for teaching with research-driven insights, inspiring case studies, and thought-provoking conversations with special guests. Relaunching January 2025, we’re here to help you connect the dots between theory and practice, with a special focus on mathematics education. From innovative strategies to deepen math instruction to stories that bring numbers to life, PD for the Soul is your go-to resource for growth, innovation, and inspiration in education. Let’s transform classrooms—one concept, lesson, and student at a time.
PD for the SOUL
Mistakes: A Luxury for Some, A Burden for Others
Dear Educator,
What kind of space are you creating in your classroom?
In this episode of PD for the Soul, we’re challenging ourselves—and you—to take a deeper look at the unequal weight of failure in our schools. While some students are praised for “failing forward” or “learning from their mistakes,” others—particularly those from marginalized communities—face a very different reality. The same missteps that are framed as growth opportunities for some can lead to consequences, lowered expectations, or even punishment for others.
The hard truth is this: failing doesn’t mean the same thing for every student. And when race, language, and socioeconomic status come into play, the way mistakes are perceived and handled can either open doors or quietly close them.
This episode is an invitation—not just to listen, but to reflect.
- Are your students truly free to take risks in your classroom?
- Do they feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them?
- Or are there unspoken rules, reinforced by systems, that make some students’ failures feel like personal flaws?
Together, let’s reimagine what it means to create learning spaces that honor the humanity of every child—spaces where growth is encouraged, not penalized, and where failure is treated as a stepping stone, not a strike.
You have the power to shape that environment. Let’s do the work—with equity, care, and intention.
With deep respect,
Laneshia
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
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