Videos

What do you think schools, districts, and unions can do to keep Black educators? Building safe, supportive communities where Black educators feel heard, seen, and valued is essential. From addressing concerns with action to ensuring administrators and leaders back educators against challenges, true support makes a difference. Discover what’s needed to retain Black educators and foster wellness in their schools. Let’s explore solutions together—because thriving educators lead to thriving students. #BlackEducators #TeacherWellness #Retention

What does it take to retain Black educators and create inclusive schools? This video honors a Black math teacher who inspired generations and explores key strategies for educator retention. Highlighting the importance of wellness, diversity in leadership, and inclusive professional development, it offers actionable solutions for schools, unions, and districts. Join the movement to support and empower Black educators. #BlackEducatorsMatter #TeacherRetention #DiversityInEducation

How can mentorship and sponsorship transform the careers of Black and Brown educators? This video tells the story of Lois Annie Collins, a teacher and youth ministry leader who shaped a young educator’s path. Her advocacy ensured an opportunity to work in the same district she dedicated her career to. This narrative underscores the importance of supporting Black educators, addressing burnout, and creating inclusive teaching spaces to promote equity in education and empower educators of color.

Are we truly supporting Black and Brown educators when we invite them to the table? This video explores the importance of amplifying their voices, addressing compassion fatigue, burnout, and the unique challenges they face. Learn why mentorship, sponsorship, and safe spaces are essential for their success. Let’s create inclusive environments where educators of color can thrive, share their truths, and transform education for the better.

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing with racial battle fatigue and systemic oppression. Emphasizing the need for self-care and community healing, he shares insights from his acclaimed book, 'The Four Pivots.' He highlights practical steps leaders can take to foster wellness in educational spaces. Dr. Ginwright also underscores the vital role of Black women in caregiving, the necessity of establishing sanctuary spaces, and the importance of giving from one's excess rather than essence. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into personal narratives, systemic challenges, and actionable strategies for integrating wellness practices into everyday life and professional setti…

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons  (https://www.instagram.com/hellodrasia/) and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-taylor-brandon-msw-47b927263/)  welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwrigh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-ginwright-26499a82/) t, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing with racial battle fatigue and systemic oppression. Emphasizing the need for self-care and community healing, he shares insights from his acclaimed book, 'The Four Pivots. (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Four_Pivots/ejErEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0) ' He highlights practical steps leaders can take to foster wellness in educational spaces. Dr. Ginwright also underscores the vital role of Black women in caregiving, the necessity of establishing sanctuary spaces, and the importan…

Our first guest for Season Five is Dr. Shawn Ginwright. Take a listen to a clip where we discuss #racialbattlefatigue.

There are lots of folks who leave education and become a consultant. Here are a few tips from someone consulting for a few years!

How many Black educators have you had in your time in school?

I think it's time for more Black educators to start asking, what if....

In season four, Jalisa Evans joined Dr. Asia on The Exit Interview to share her education journey and what she is doing as a community member and advocate for Black educators.

When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined her work. Amidst these achievements, she opens up about the health crises and systemic challenges that led her to leave formal education. Our discussion touches on the critical support from women in her professional community, her experiences with racial battle fatigue, and the vital importance of therapy and self-care for Black educators. We delve into the significance of culturally responsive teaching environments and Dr. Stitt's current consulting work, emphasizing the broad, impactful ways educators can contribute to their communities beyond traditional classroom roles.

When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined her work. Amidst these achievements, she opens up about the health crises and systemic challenges that led her to leave formal education. Our discussion touches on the critical support from women in her professional community, her experiences with racial battle fatigue, and the vital importance of therapy and self-care for Black educators. We delve into the significance of culturally responsive teaching environments and Dr. Stitt's current consulting work, emphasizing the broad, impactful ways educators can contribute to their communities beyond traditional classroom roles. 00:00 Welcome and Milestones 00:57 Introducing Dr. LaShaune St…

In this episode of The Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons (https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/) engages in a deep conversation with Octavia Raheem (https://www.octaviaraheem.com/) about the transformative power of rest. Octavia Raheem, an accomplished author, rest restorative coach, and former public school teacher, shares her journey from traditional education to becoming a leader in wellness and restorative practices. The discussion explores the importance of rest for Black educators, the systemic challenges they face, and the necessity of self-care. Raheem passionately discusses the interplay between creativity, rest, and holistic well-being, offering practical steps for educators to integrate rest into their lives. Make sure to order her new book, Rest Is Sacred: Reclaiming Our Brilliance Through the Practice of Stillness. (https://www.amazon.com/Rest-Sacred-Reclaiming-Brilliance-Stillness/dp/B0DK281L1J/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.U1AibqzvrCa5rIKDnFZkaOd9hsymTjJyKpdxlm3wW1…

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah/) and discusses his transformative journey from aspiring professional athlete to dedicated educator. Kwame discusses his initial pivot to becoming a math teacher and the various challenges he faced in his early teaching years, including a lack of support and job security in Philadelphia charter schools. Moving to Boston, he navigated the complexities of unionized school districts, ultimately learning the importance of self-care to avoid burnout and racial battle fatigue. This episode highlights systemic issues in education, such as the exploitation of committed Black educators and the importance of acknowledging their experiences. Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, Kwame emphasizes the need for better support systems and career pathways for Black educators. His journey extends internationally as he moves to Sierra Leo…

The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview, a podcast for Black educators,' Dr. Asia Lyons hosts Shatiera Porte'e, a school counselor, author, coach and education consultant. Shatiera shares her experiences working tirelessly in education during the COVID pandemic, reflecting on the challenging conditions that led to burnout and her decision to leave traditional education spaces. The discussion highlights the systemic issues Black educators face, such as overwork and lack of compensation, and underscores the need for mental health support within the education system. Shatiera talks about her current role as the founder of 'School Counselors on Wheels,' where she mentors students and educators, emphasizing mental wellness in education. She also introduces her self-help book 'I Forgive Myself for Forgetting Myself,' which aims to promote self-care among service professionals. Throughout the episode, Shatiera pays tribute to influential Black educators who impacted her life, expressing grati…

It seems like the best scenario is to leave education and start working for a National DEI organization. However, we should consider a few things before taking that next step.

"And it was just so disheartening to see the system work exactly the way that it was built to work." -Sarah Graham