The Teacher's Forum
Welcome to "The Teacher's Forum" hosted by David Harris, a veteran educator with 30 years of experience in private, public, and charter schools. This podcast is your platform to hear the voices of educators from the United States and around the world, with a special focus on educators of color, who are often overlooked in crucial education discussions today. Join us as we dive into important topics, and experiences of K-12 educators, and get a chance to hear from David’s former students, as they share their stories, insights, and experiences. Be sure to tune in and let's celebrate the dedication and excellence of educators together!
Follow The Teacher's Forum on X (Twitter) @thefourm1993 or email us at david@theteachersforum.org with your thoughts for future programs or if you would like to be a guest on the show.
Episodes
29 episodes
The Fight for Asian American Studies in Schools: A Conversation with Freda Lin
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris speaks with Freda Lin, co-director of the YURI Education Project, about her journey from a conflicted racial identity in a homogenous suburb to becoming an activist for Asian American stu...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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52:21
Politics, Policy, and Public Schools: A Conversation with Michael Lamb
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews former student Michael Lamb, who shares his journey from being a student at the University of Chicago Lab School to becoming a teacher in the South Side of Chicago. Michael dis...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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51:04
Teaching, Identity, and Justice: Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi on Equity in Education
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David Harris interviews Abeer Ramadan- Shinnawi, a Palestinian-American educator and equity advocate. Abeer shares her journey from being a child of Palestinian immigrants to becoming a teacher and advocat...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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58:06
Dr. Charles Branham on Black History: Brilliance, Resistance, and Agency
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David sits down with esteemed educator and historian, Dr. Charles Branham to discuss Black History Month 2025. The also discuss the ongoing backlash against African-American advancements, particularly in t...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:00:52
The Power of Art: J. Stacy Utley on Storytelling, Public Spaces, and Representation
In this episode of the Teachers Forum podcast, host David Harris interviews J. Stacy Utley, a critically acclaimed visual artist and educator from Charlotte, North Carolina. They discuss Stacy's journey into education, his evolution as an artis...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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44:50
A Note to Self: Adrian Gordon’s Journey as a Black Composer in Classical Music
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews Adrian Gordon, a distinguished music educator and composer and one of only a handful of Black composers of classical music in the nation. Adrian shares his unique journey in mu...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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57:54
The Post-Pandemic Classroom: Addressing Mental Health, Social Media, and Critical Race Theory in the Digital Age
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris engages in a deep discussion with educators Melanee Duncan Friday and Dave Stieber about the pressing issues of mental health in students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemi...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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54:18
A New Path in Education: The Rise of Black Homeschooling
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, LaQuinda Johnson shares her transformative journey in education, from her early influences and teaching experiences in Miami and Atlanta to her decision to leave the classroom and start Lady Quinn Enterpri...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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46:17
ENCORE PRESENTATION: Safe Spaces & Resilient Voices – The Legacy of the People of Color Conference
This is a rebroadcast of one of the most popular episodes from last season, timed to coincide with this week’s annual NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) in Denver, Colorado. Many listeners felt this episode should be mandatory listening for...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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55:26
Restoring Truth: Teaching the Untold Histories of Racial Injustice
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David engages with three distinguished educators—Sara Rich Merlo, Jamie Lathan, and Matt Scialdone—who are dedicated to teaching American history, particularly the often-overlooked narratives from the Jim ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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47:11
Empowering Latino Voices: A Conversation with Sofia Gonzalez
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David welcomes Sofia Gonzalez, a passionate educator and advocate for the Latino community. Sophia shares her journey from a daughter of immigrants (4:15) to becoming a teacher and nonprofit leader. She di...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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58:41
The Educational Experiences of Black and Latino Boys with Dr. Roderick Carey
In this episode of The Teacher's Forum, David is joined by Dr. Roderick Carey from the University of Delaware to explore the educational experiences of Black and Latino boys in K-12 schools. Dr. Carey shares his personal journey and di...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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57:19
James Baldwin at 100: Teaching Race, Identity, and the Power of Truth
In this special episode in honor of James Baldwin's 100th birthday we are joined by two distinguished educators, Dr. Yven Destin and Tyron Dandridge to discuss the life and works of James Baldwin and his impact on American history and fiction. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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55:29
The Teacher's Forum Season 2 Trailer
Join host David Harris for Season 2 of *The Teacher’s Forum* podcast, premiering on September 3, 2024. Building on the success of Season 1, this season brings even more insightful discussions and stories that matter most to K-12 educators. From...
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1:49
Eureka Moments: Sam Bright on the Challenges and Triumphs of Urban Teaching
In this engaging and final episode of Season I of The Teacher's Forum, David sits down with his former student, Sam Bright, an eighth-grade science teacher in East New York, Brooklyn who is in his third year of teaching. Sam shares his journey ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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47:14
Fired for Teaching Truth: Matt Hawn's Battle for Racial Equity
In this compelling episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David interviews Matt Hawn, a veteran high school teacher from Tennessee who was fired in 2021 for teaching about race and white privilege. As educational landscapes across the country face unp...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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52:03
A Principal's Perspective: A Journey to Transform Education with Charles Williams
In this engaging episode, David interviews Charles Williams, a Chicago public school assistant principal and host of The Counter Narrative Podcast, about his educational journey and career path. Charles shares his motivation for becoming an ass...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:04:15
Global Classrooms: Teaching, Learning, and Living Abroad with Justin Sheehan & Alyssa Smith
In this episode of the Teachers Forum, David sits down with Justin Sheehan and Alyssa Smith about their experiences living and teaching abroad. Justin shares his educational journey, from excelling academically but struggling with executive f...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:06:19
On the Frontlines of Change: Transforming the Educational Paradigm with Zakiyyah Ali and Stacey Gibson
In honor of Women's History Month, join David as he sits down with two extraordinary educators: Zakiyyah Ali, a former New York master Social Studies teacher and EdD student at Howard University, and Stacey Gibson, an educator, and featured&...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:12:47
Silent Echoes: Resurrecting an Enslaved Cemetery's Stories from Across the Centuries
In a special Black History Month episode of "The Teacher's Forum," join David in a powerful exploration of the forgotten enslaved cemetery at Sardis Road Presbyterian Church, just across from Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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49:59
Forging Africa's Future: A Journey with Hatim Eltayeb and the African Leadership Academy
In this captivating episode of "The Teacher’s Forum," join us as we delve into the inspiring journey and vision of Hatim Eltayeb. Hatim takes us through his incredible life story, starting with his upbringing in Oman and Cairo, leading to his u...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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41:44
Empowering Young Minds: Exploring Reggio Emilia & Dual Language Education with Giselle Sanchez-Santiago
Join David for an enlightening conversation with early childhood educator Giselle Sanchez-Santiago as she shares her journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago's south side to becoming an educator at Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center. Nestled in ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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43:11
Understanding the Journey of Black Girls in Schools: A Conversation with Dr. Charlotte Jacobs
In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, we delve into the profound insights of Dr. Charlotte Jacobs, whose journey from the integrated Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio, shaped her compelling research on the exp...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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55:31
Safe Spaces & Resilient Voices: The Pioneering Legacy of the People of Color Conference
Join David for this enlightening episode of The Teacher's Forum as we delve into the rich history and transformative impact of the National Association of Independent Schools' annual People of Color Conference (POCC). Our distinguished guests, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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55:26
A Conversation with Alicia Cepeda Maule: Championing Justice through Digital Engagement at The Innocence Project
In this compelling episode of The Teacher's Forum Podcast, David is joined by a remarkable former student turned change maker, Alicia Cepeda Maule. Alicia has embarked on an incredible journey from her college graduation to becoming the firs...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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36:52