Episodes

In this episode of "Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Vanity Jenkins, an accomplished educator, DEI consultant, and former executive director of a charter school. Vanity shares her journey from aspiring sports manager to passionate educator, inspired by a college course that revealed the deep systemic challenges facing Black and Latino students. She recounts her experiences teaching in the Mississippi Delta, emphasizing the importance of understanding local context and history, and the unique challenges Black educators face—even in predominantly Black communities. Vanity discusses her transition from classroom teaching to leadership roles, including coaching, recruitment, and eventually founding a charter school focused on restorative justice and community engagement. She candidly addresses the difficulties of sustaining such schools amid funding inequities and the broader politics of education. The conversation delves into the historical loss of Black educator…

In this episode, of the Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons speaks with Sherinda Bryant, a former educator, about her journey and experiences in the field and love for Afrofuturism. They delve into the challenges faced by Black educators, the need for supporting Black students, and the creation of Bryant's Afrofuturism Discovery Academy. The conversation highlights the emotional and systemic hurdles in education, as well as innovative approaches to culturally responsive teaching and identity development.

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast, Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Jalisa Evans, an educator and organizer, to discuss her journey and advocacy for Black educators. Jalisa shares her unconventional path into teaching, initially aspiring to be a doctor before joining Teach for America and discovering her passion for education. She recounts her experiences teaching in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, highlighting the systemic challenges Black students and educators face, including literacy gaps, under-resourced schools, and anti-Blackness within educational institutions. Jalisa describes her transition from classroom teaching to organizing, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding for neglected schools and advocating for better conditions. She emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and collective action in driving change. The conversation delves into the retention crisis among Black educators, the need for school districts and unions to address …

In this heartfelt episode of The Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Stacey Taylor-Brandon, a seasoned former school district social worker and passionate advocate for Black women’s wellness. They focus on the unique experiences of mature Black women in education, the importance of rest and joy, and building supportive communities. Dr. Lyons begins by acknowledging the challenges Black women face in educational systems and introduces the podcast’s goal: to preserve the stories of Black educators who have left traditional education roles. During Mental Health Month, the discussion centers on wellness, with Stacey sharing her transition from a 28-year career in education to supporting mature Black women. Stacey shares her experience of “racial battle fatigue” and her decision to leave her district. She talks about the emotional aftermath, including time for rest and self-reflection, which inspired her to create spaces—both virtual and in person—for Black women to connect,…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," hosts Dr. Asia and Kev welcome Benita Gordon, an experienced educator and founder of Global Education Concierge. Benita shares her journey from a family of educators, her initial reluctance to teach, and her eventual calling to the profession. She discusses her early teaching experiences in rural Virginia, the importance of community support, and the unique challenges and joys of teaching both elementary and middle school students. Benita reflects on her leadership roles, the significance of mentorship, and the need for Black students to see themselves represented in their teachers. She addresses systemic issues affecting Black educator retention, such as workplace microaggressions, financial hardships, and lack of respect for the teaching profession. The conversation also explores the broader teacher shortage and the importance of school culture, climate, and genuine support for educators. In the second half, Benita highlights her curren…

In this episode of "The Exit Interview," Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Brittany Dawson, a former educator who transitioned from teaching to leadership coaching and entrepreneurship. Brittany shares her journey from aspiring doctor to passionate English teacher, describing how volunteering with young students inspired her to change her career path. She discusses the challenges she faced as a Black educator, including the emotional labor, financial struggles, and moments of self-doubt—especially when dealing with unsupportive parents and systemic barriers in education. Brittany explains her decision to leave the classroom after four years, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when it's time to move on and how to leverage teaching experience for new opportunities. She highlights the value of mentorship, building leadership skills, and not being limited by traditional career paths in education. Now the founder and CEO of Brittany Dawson Coaching, she supports individuals and organizat…

In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting youth and families, mostly in Black communities. She discusses the challenges and motivations behind her career shifts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the impact of leadership changes, and the quest for better opportunities. Elia also delves into her current pursuits, including her work in grant management and her passion project, the Mommyana podcast, dedicated to the experiences of Black motherhood. Join us as we explore Elia's journey, her insights on Black educator retention, and her valuable advice for those contemplating a career transition.

In this episode of "Exit Interview," host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Jailyn Jenkins, an educator and advocate dedicated to equity, belonging, and joy in STEM education. Jailyn shares her journey from teaching math and science in Phoenix and Denver to becoming an instructional coach, district facilitator, and manager at the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). She discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in education, the emotional toll of burnout, and the difficult decision to step away from the classroom for her own well-being. Jailyn opens up about the grief and anxiety she experienced while leaving teaching, the importance of prioritizing mental health, and the healing power of taking a sabbatical. She describes her solo travels, including a transformative visit to a lavender farm and time spent in Hawaii, which helped her rediscover joy and clarity before starting her next role. The conversation also addresses systemic issues in retaining Black educators, emph…

In this episode of the Exit Interview podcast, host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Cletis Allen, an educational thought leader with over 13 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and educational consulting. Dr. Allen shares her unique journey into education, starting with an initial interest in nursing before discovering her passion for teaching and advocacy. Dr. Allen discusses her teaching career in Georgia, working with early elementary students and high ESOL populations, and her transition into curriculum writing and professional development. She highlights the importance of culturally responsive literacy instruction and her doctoral research on the interconnectedness of content, teachers, learners, and learning spaces. The conversation explores Dr. Allen’s decision to leave the classroom and pursue consulting, the challenges and support she encountered from family and colleagues, and the broader context of Black educators navigating career transitions. Dr. Al…

In this episode, of the Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators Yasha Chapman, an accomplished Black educator and CEO of Elementary Education Evolved, shares her experiences and insights about the challenges faced by Black educators and the importance of retaining them in the field of teaching. Yasha discusses her journey in education, from initially wanting to be a pharmacist to becoming a classroom teacher and eventually an instructional coach. She emphasizes the need to amplify the voices of Black educators, involve them in decision-making processes, and compensate them for their expertise. Yasha's consultancy, Elementary Education Evolved, focuses on providing professional development and coaching for new teachers and aims to close the academic achievement gap for Black and Brown students in the K-5 setting. This episode offers valuable insights and strategies for school districts, human resources departments, and school unions to better retain Black educators and create a m…

In this weeks compelling episode, we speak with Dr. Asia Lyons, CEO of Lyons Educational Consulting, co-facilitator of the Black Educator Wellness Cohort, and co-host of The Exit Interview Podcast. With experiences spanning Detroit to Denver, Dr. Lyons shares her journey, from attending a gifted high school and navigating failure in college, to shedding light on the critical role of community colleges and nontraditional pathways into education (#shoutout to those bus routes!).

After teaching in Atlanta's public schools, Brittni Joy had to make a choice, quit teaching or try her hand at teaching in the Middle East. Take a listen as she shares her experience as an educator both here and abroad, what she feels would improve schools in the United States and what she is up to now that she is back state side. In this enlightening episode of 'The Exit Interview', Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams talk with Brittni Joy about her vast teaching experience both domestically and internationally. Brittni Joy embraces the paradoxes of her journey and as a black educator, she covers the unique challenges that have shaped her career. Brittni shares captivating stories about her different teaching stints in the US and abroad, impressing with her vast insights about the teaching field. She sheds light on the structural issues deep-rooted in the American educational system, contrasting it with how she felt as a black woman teaching overseas, who was seen first and foremost a…

In this episode, host Dr. Asia Lyons and fellow educator Kevin Adams have an insightful conversation with former educator turned full-time entrepreneur, Deidra Fogarty. Deidra shares her journey, beginning as a teacher, and transitioning into leadership roles within the education system, only to later face toxic environments and bias. As a response to these challenges, she eventually left traditional educational settings and founded an organisation, 'Black Girls Teach', to foster and support black women educators personally and professionally. Along with highlighting issues concerning black educators within the system, she also emphasizes shifting from bias and focusing on the empowerment and development of black women educators. The importance of listening, reassessing oneself, building confidence, and giving space to black women educators forms the core of Deidra's discussion during this insightful and candid conversation.

In this compelling episode of the 'Exit Interview', our hosts, Dr. Asia Lyons and Michelle Emmanuelle, hold a deep and earnest conversation about the experiences of black educators and the burnout they face, as reflected through Michelle's own journey. The episode starts with an introduction to Michelle Emmanuelle, a wellness consultant, changemaker, and professional speaker passionate about combating burnout. The discussion soon shifts to Michelle's educational journey, where she highlights her experiences as a French teacher and the inequalities present in the educational system. This issue particularly affected her as a black teacher in a predominantly white, private school environment. Michelle opens up about her frustrating experiences, shedding light on the discomfort, inequality, systemic oppression she faced, and the eventual burnout that led to her leaving the teaching sector. The hosts then discuss solutions to retain black teachers in schools, highlighting the importance of…

In this enlightening episode of The Exit Interview podcast, co-hosts Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams welcome guest Lacey Robinson, president and CEO of UnboundEd. Lacey shares her profound experiences and insights on the education system, particularly focusing on Brown and Black students. Starting as a struggling reader who transformed into a strengthened one, Lacey discusses her journey towards becoming an educator, school leader, and now the head of an organization that centers around equity in education. She recounts her tenure as a turnaround principal, which she identifies as a life-altering period that led her to question her beliefs and tactics in managing a school. Lacey advocates for creating a non-oppressive, high-expectation, fully supportive learning environment where Brown and Black students can thrive. Furthermore, she highlights the power of educators' freedom, alongside the need for systemic reform to recruit and retain black educators. Delving into her current work at …

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Ronda Haynes-Belen, a former community engagement specialist. Ronda shares her experiences working in Denver Public Schools (DPS), discussing the anti-Blackness and oppressive structures she encountered. After yearning for a work environment that validates and caters to the unique needs of Black families, Ronda decides to exit from her position. Ronda underscores the importance of refusing to 'muscle through' oppressive situations at work and prioritizing personal health and well-being. The discussion also explores how such unfair work environments can impact personal life and how critical self-advocacy is in these circumstances. The episode concludes with Ronda emphasizing the need for healing, self-care, and pursuing joy post-exit.

In this stirring episode of 'The Exit Interview,' Dr. Asia Lyons talks to Mia Street, a former educator who shares her challenging journey through the education system and her decision to leave due to institutional racism. Mia recounts multiple incidents where she faced racialized trauma and was placed in a system that devalued both her and her students. Despite the adversities, Mia’s spirit wasn't dampened. She transitioned to working with organizations committed to equity in education and supporting the displaced youth. The episode concludes with a poignant conversation about the systemic mistreatment of Black teachers and students, and the necessity for change within the educational landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Siobhan Flowers, a licensed psychotherapist and educator wellness strategist, joins Dr. Asia Lyons and Kevin Adams on the 'Exit Interview' podcast. They discuss burnout and mental health in black educators, dissecting the systemic and institutional barriers contributing to dissatisfaction and fatigue. Dr. Flowers shares her unique approach towards wellness, stressing the importance of mind-body connection, self-regulation strategies, and mindfulness. She provides pragmatic steps for educators to integrate self-care processes into their daily routines. Additionally, they examine the implications of shifting DEI efforts in Texas and ways educators have adapted to these constraints. The episode is peppered with personal experiences, a deep focus on values, and practical advice, making a compelling conversation about the importance of wellness and self-comprehension in the challenging realm of education.

In this thoughtful and insightful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Dedrick Sims discusses the importance of Black and Brown male educators, the challenges they face, and the steps needed to support them more effectively. He also shares his personal journey in education and his ongoing work to improve the lives of young men and boys of color through his organization, the Sims-Felder Foundation. In a candid conversation, Sims talks about the role of counseling in addressing personal and systemic issues, shares the impactful results his foundation's programs have achieved, and explores the need for societal-level changes to genuinely support Black educators and students. The episode concludes with lively audience interaction, ending on a note of collective inspiration and motivation. Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply invested in promoting better educational outcomes for all, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the Exit Interview podcast, co-host Kevin Adams reflects on his 18-year teaching career in Denver Public Schools and his transition from classroom teacher to assistant principal. Kevin discusses the unique challenges and experiences faced by Black educators, including feelings of isolation, the importance of representation, and the need for supportive leadership that values equity and creates safe spaces for open dialogue. He emphasizes the importance of honoring Black educators' full identities, including their cultural expressions and intellectual contributions, rather than limiting them to roles such as disciplinarians or relationship-builders. Kevin also highlights the importance of culturally responsive mental health support and the value of spirituality and family traditions in sustaining Black educators. The episode calls for school leaders and colleagues to be more responsive, supportive, and proactive in retaining Black educators, and encourages listeners t…

In this special episode, Dr. Desa Daniel welcomes Dr. Asia Lyons, an educator, consultant, and co-host of The Exit Interview podcast, for an in-depth discussion about racial battle fatigue among Black educators. Dr. Lyons shares her personal journey from teaching in Denver to founding her own consulting firm and talks about how her experiences with racism-related stress prompted her to research and advocate for Black educators’ wellness. The conversation examines the concept of racial battle fatigue—its psychological, emotional, and physical effects—and the unique challenges faced by Black educators in predominantly white educational settings. Dr. Lyons and Dr. Daniel reflect on generational trauma, the invisible labor of educators of color, and the importance of community, self-care, and intentionality in coping with and healing from these experiences. The episode also discusses strategies for supporting Black educators, the role of counselors and mental health professionals, a…

In this episode of the Exit Interview podcast, Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes back Janet Stickmon to discuss the concept of racial battle fatigue, its impact on educators of color, and the journey toward healing and joy. Janet shares her personal experiences with the physical and emotional toll of racial battle fatigue, including health scares and the challenges of advocating for her child in educational spaces. She explains how naming and understanding these experiences is a crucial first step toward healing. Janet emphasizes the importance of integrating joy into daily life, treating it as essential as a daily vitamin. She describes her healing practices, such as therapy, self-care routines, and engaging in activities that bring her happiness, like swimming and painting. The conversation also explores the idea of abundance—not as material excess, but as having the health, wealth, and love needed for a joyful life. Janet introduces her Center Joy Power program, designed to help profes…

This brief episode highlights the crucial importance for school districts to acknowledge and address the influence of family support on the departure of Black educators from the education field. The departure is being triggered by various factors, such as policies, colleagues, administrators, and others who are contributing to pushing Black educators out. Simultaneously, family members of Black educators are also playing a significant role in pulling them out of the classroom, driven by their weariness of witnessing vicarious racial battle fatigue. As conversations arise about retention and recruitment during summer professional development sessions within the education sector, it is imperative to include the impact of family support in these discussions. Recognizing and understanding the role of family dynamics in the decisions of Black educators to remain or leave the profession can lead to more effective strategies for addressing the issue and fostering a supportive and inclusiv…

Janet Stickmon received the McPherson Distinguished Teaching Award at Napa Valley College. She takes great pride in working with her students.  She has created CenterJoyPWR®: Strategies for Healing Racial Battle Fatigue—an online experience for professionals of color who want to center joy in their lives. But before this Janet was a Catholic school educator with a strong desire to teach ethnic studies.  Listen as Janet shares her story along with fantastic strategies that school districts and universities should implement to retain Black educators.