Episode #4: Teach like your soul is on FIRE!!!

Welcome to Teaching Matters 101: a podcast for folks who are passionate about educating diverse students with compassion, care, and courage.  I am your host, Dr. Mel, lifelong learner and educator and CEO of Scholars for the Soul: An Educational Solutions Firm.  We are here to talk about all things education: from teacher identity to teaching strategies, we unpack it all and invite you to join us on this journey of discussing teaching matters that impact education and make real teaching matter.  Today's episode is a conversation from one soul scholar to another.  You will be emboldened by the passion of Dr. Mel to continue to reflect upon and examine the fuel to your fire that motivates why you do what you do in our nation's schools and classrooms.Dr. Mel breaks down the current state of education, specifically as it relates to the state of Arkansas and other southern states, with their current attack on critical race theory and "indoctrination".  She provides a refreshing insight into reframing our teacher mindset and identity work from deficit to strength based and offers solutions that center culturally responsive teaching as the way to engage diverse learners and their families and communities. Important note: Culturally responsive teaching is the solution.closes instructional equity gapprovides teachers a pathway towards transformation and its sustainability over timeprovides a clear road map for educator identity and teaching practices that integrate culture and information process as the solution to good teaching that closes the gap.Resources discussed in the podcast (click the highlighted text to access resource): FREE E-BOOK:  First Steps to Understanding and Implementing Culturally Responsive Teaching: Exploring the journey from identity to instruction. This text will guide you on a journey of understanding culturally responsive teaching as a way of being that takes identity work, building academic mindset for yourself and your students, confronting blindspots within your instruction, and advocating for support while practicing critical self-reflection.  It’s a free tool that will empower you to actualize your own personal and professional development that grows your capacity as a culturally responsive educator.   The Urgency for Cultivating Academic Mindset with Dependent Learners IG Live Series @scholars4thesoulFriday nights at 5pm CST (March 3, 10, 17, 24)Components of an academic mindset: I belong to this community.I can succeed at this.  My effort is worth the workThere is value in the work.Warm Demander Series:  The identity of a warm demander and how to cultivate that identity through culturally responsive teaching.  LinkedIN, Facebook, and YouTube series:  Saturday mornings at 8am CST (March 4, 11, 18, 25) 

Om Podcasten

On this podcast, we are dedicated to keeping it real about the state of education, current issues within our schools, and solutions on how to break the cycles of educational trauma, neglect, and instructional inequities. Listen in for episodes that break down the definition and qualities of "good" teaching. This channel is designed for educators and families who are looking for techniques and habits of mind that will cultivate the genius in our youth. From teaching strategies to unpacking educator mindset and practice, we spark enriching thoughts and conversations that will transform our educational landscape and revitalize the soul of teaching and learning.We are always looking to interview educators (current, retired, or those who have left the field) who are emboldened with a passion to discuss the real issues and discuss possible solutions to highlight and revitalize the spirit of integrity, purpose, and dedication to the field of education.You are invited and encouraged to leave a review and rate our podcast to expand the reach of our message.