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Welcome to The GRAYAREA Podcast hosted by Gary R. Gray Jr. Gary is a teacher in Manila (Philippines). He enjoys talking with anyone who is willing to listen and share their stories with him. On this podcast you will find a talk series from Gary in which he dives deep into his childhood and current life. He takes the time to dissect his decision making and "accomplishments" up until now, and if he is truly living a full life. On his second podcast series #ItsPersonal, Gary speaks with educato ...
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#ItsPersonal III 59. Elise Bryant talks Happily Ever Afters, who does the cooking and writing!
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Elise Bryant is a gem! Her debut Novel Happily Ever After is an instant classic. She takes romance and all the "messy" that happens within it and makes it beautiful.On this podcast, we talk about being a debut author during this time and some of the challenges. We also talk about mentors and where her guidance comes from in regards to storytelling …
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#ItsPersonal III 58. Joanna Ho chats Eyes That Kiss In The Corners, family time and social justice
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25:48
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Joanna Ho is a special soul. She took the time during her busy week to chat with me about her new book Eyes That Kiss In The Corners and life being a Mom.Something I love about Joanna is her continuous love to put work into the world that holds value. Hold’s value and sticks in a way that helps society become more equitable for those in the global …
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ItsPersonal II 57 Alleanna Harris talks kid lit industry and family life doodling in church
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25:59
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Alleanna Harris is an illustrator and artist from Willingboo, New Jersy. On this episode, Alleanna goes into detail about her transition from architecture school to design and animation. Alleanna talks favorite teachers, doodling in church and her art/design inspiration. If you are looking to understand the kid lit illustration world a little more,…
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ItsPersonal II 56 Trevor MacKenzie talks educational world today, childhood and empathy work
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Trevor is an inquiry-based learning master. Today on ITSPERSONAL Trevor chats about growing up as a little boy and bullying and transitioning between schools at a young age. Trevor also gives advice for educators dealing with distance learning and the current pandemic- looking closer at empathy and how we can use this to foster a better learning ex…
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ItsPersonal II 55. Scott Bayer founder Co-Founder #APBKCHAT & #BOOKCHAT
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Scott Bayer is a busy father with an awesome family. While helping at home with an awesome kid and new puppy, Scott still manages to help educators around the world talk about books and start important conversations in their classrooms around equity and race. Listen to Scott share his story growing up, traveling the world and building a family.Twit…
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ItsPersonal II 54. Cody Miller chats garbage plates, pop culture and power rangers!
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On this podcast Cody chats with me about his favorite power rangers, family and pop culture. One thing (well I have many but) I love about Cody is his honesty. He chats about his early family life and schooling, along with his move to New York to teach! Cody's authentic voice needs to be heard, and I know you will do a lot of learning listening to …
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#ItsPersonal II 53. Dr. Erica B-Rivera chats Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer and family
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Dr. Erica B-Rivera spends time chatting about her life as a Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer with A LOT of staff members. She shares specific examples about her childhood in which she experienced racism, and deep thoughts about her identity and who she is. Dr. Erica B-Rivera talks about how parents can start the conversation around race at home. Yo…
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#ItsPersonal II 52. Candice IIoh chats new book, mentors and family!
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Candice IIoh chats being a new author during covid-19, her family household and schooling as a child growing up. Candice also goes in depth about her love for dance and the role it has played in her life thus far. She also talks about mentors who have helped her throughout the process of being a new author.instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becom…
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#ItsPersonal II 51. Sayantani DasGupta talks family inspiration, social justice and little joys
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New York Times bestselling author Sayantani takes time out of her busy schedule to chat about her childhood home, inspiration and today's world. Sayantani holds nothing back, and shares her true feelings about the state of the world.Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sayantani16?s=21Instagram: https://instagram.com/princesskiranmala?igshid=lbo0vm01ewdyWe…
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#ItsPersonal II 50. Randy Ribay chats being an activist, identity and being an educator
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Randy does it all! On this podcast Randy talks about his university undergrad/graduate schooling experiences, along with his family, and activism work in his community. Randy shares many insights on his identity and how he started to realize it was okay to be himself, and be proud of the history, background, and experiences that he came from.instag…
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#ItsPersonal II 49. Ibi Zoboi chats family, teachers that look like her and code switchin
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33:41
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Ibi Zoboi is simply amazing. On this podcast Ibi digs deep into her past and shares how her past experiences show up in her writing, the American Dream, and schooling in BX. Ibi shares what it means to "get out" and own a home in New Jersey. Ibi is the truth, nothing but the truth.Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibizoboiInstagram: https://www.instagra…
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#ItsPersonal II 48.5 LaMar Timmons-Long talks developing critical minds and current school setting
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LaMar's laughter is contagious! During this podcast, LaMar chats about the process in which he takes developing critical minds, and navigating white spaces. LaMar speaks his truths and shares something you might not know about him.LaMar, thank you for being a friend.Twitter: @teachLTLInstagram: thekinglamar__…
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#ItsPersonal II 48. LaMar Timmons-Long chats grandma, New York and connecting with students
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LaMar Timmons- Long is a New Yorker through and through. During this chat, LaMar talks specifically about his grandma, and some of her special recipes (no secrets revealed, he dives into the concept of building connections with students and how this truly allows educators to build community, and lastly, LaMar spends time talking about fashion. This…
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#ItsPersonal II 47. Padma Venkatraman chats AWARDS, family and her amazing daughter
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Padma talked with me a few months ago, as she was winning awards Walter Award 2020; SCBWI Golden Kite Award 2020; Paterson Prize and the list goes on. Padma really gets personal and opens up about family. She shares stories about her mom and dad, in which many of her stories are influenced from. You truly do not want to miss out on this beautiful s…
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#ItsPersonal II 46. Natasha Diaz talks about making burgers and being a new momma!
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Before anything, Natasha thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I loved getting into your world outside of the amazing author that you are. On this chat Natasha talks being a new mom, her love for cooking, family, and growing up a New Yorker!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashaerikadiaz/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/TashiDiaz?…
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#ItsPersonal II 45. Grace Lin talks being an illustrator and writer and editor best friend!
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Grace Lin, author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, When the Sea Turned Silver, Year of The Dog and so much more, is a spark of fire! She chats with us about her workload being an illustrator and writer, along with being a mother. Within all of that, she shares personal experiences about her childhood that have influenced why she writes for kid…
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#ItsPersonal II 44. Christie Nold chats being a white ally, childhood memories and current interest
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Christie Nold is a gem. On this podcast we spend time with Christie talking about the work she does in education around being a white ally. She dives in and shares specific examples of how this work can be done by others. She also spends time talking about the importance of equity work in itself in order to create a liberated society. This is one y…
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#ItsPersonal II 43. Jess Lifshitz chats being a mom, favorite teacher and hobbies!
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On this podcast we have Jess Lifshitz! 5th grade queer educator who consistently fighting for equity for kids in her classroom. On this episode Jess talks specifically about being a mom and what this looks like for her, the impact of her favorite teacher growing up and things she likes to do for fun. PS: Check out her twitter account for amazing re…
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#ItsPersonal II 42. Kass Minor talks being a busy mom, strong family values and education
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Kass Minor is a rockstar teacher. She is also a ROCKSTAR MOM. Kass chats how she navigates it all in the busy city of New York. She shares how she met her husband and what they do as a family to keep strong family connections and traditions.Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsKass1Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/minkasss…
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#ItsPersonal II 41. Joanne Ramos chats life growing up before Princeton and her new book The Farm !
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Joanne chats about her debut book The Farm and why it is important for all readers (people) to begin to see each other. She takes a trip down memory lane and chats about her experience before Princeton and how she develops the characters in her books.Instagram: Website: https://joanneramos.com/Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/joafarm…
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#ItsPersonal II 40. Torrey Maldonado talks What Lane, childhood inspirations and what's next!
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Torrey finishes this 3 part series talking about his new book What Lane! And how he continues to find motivation from his community to share stories that relate to kids that grow up in the very same neighborhood he was born. Torrey talks the importance of family in his life and fatherhood.Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/torreytwitterInstagram: https:/…
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#ItsPersonal II 39.5 Torrey Maldonado chats Red Hook Housing Project and his writing blueprint
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33:51
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Torrey dives head first into his life growing up in Red Hook Housing Project. He talks specifically about how he uses his books as a blueprint for kids to understand how to be successful when life continues to through you curveballs.Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/torreytwitterInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/torreyinstaWebsite: http://torreymaldonado.c…
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#ItsPersonal II 39. Torrey Maldonado talks growing up in the projects and Mommas writing influence
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Gary finally gets to chat with his homeboy! Torrey about life during covid, family influences and growing up in the projects. Gary chats with Torrey in this podcast (one of three part series) about everything. Torrey shares wisdom for anyone and everyone willing to challenge themselves and take on obstacles they maybe facing today. Twitter: https:/…
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#ItsPersonal II 38. Lilliam Rivera chats about New York living, addition and family
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We all know that Lilliam is an amazing writer of books, but on top of that, she is a wonderful person. On this podcast, Lilliam breaks down her childhood life, parenting, and addition. She goes in depth on the idea of togetherness and friendship. And spends time really looking at her past and how it has influenced her to be who she is today.Twitter…
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#ItsPersonal II 37. Shana V. White from compliant to defiant and lessons from Pops!
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40:12
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Shana V. White is one of Gary's favorite people. In this podcast Shana talks about going from compliant to defiant in school, her kids and their personalities, and important lessons from her dad.Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShanaVWhiteBy Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal II 36. Kiese Laymon talks past struggles, hip hop and strong family ties.
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Kiese Laymon talks about his favorite hip hop artist, family bonds, school, weight and current quarantine life. Gary waste no time feeling comfortable with Laymon, for he is one of Gary's favorite authors. He is a professor at University of Mississippi and currently has 3 full length books.Twitter: https://twitter.com/KieseLaymon?ref_src=twsrc%5Ego…
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#ItsPersonal II 35. Kwame Mbalia drops in and chats with us about strong family values and snacks
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Kwame chats about family roots and traditions that have shaped his upbringing. He talks specifically about how his parents have been sharing the importances of roots/traditions since day one and that is what drives his family today. Oh, and he talks about his favorite snacks! You do not want to miss it!Twitter: https://twitter.com/KSekouM?ref_src=t…
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#ItsPersonal II 34. Dr. Chad Williams talks about growing up in Preston and covid-19
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Dr. Chad Williams practices in Nova Scotia, Canada. Like Cinera States, in the last episode, Chad is family. On this episode, Chat talks about growing up in the black community, how our black community can stay safe during covid and what the future holds for our world. This is an interview you do not want to miss.…
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#ItsPersonal II 33. Dr. Cinera States chats young dreams to be a doctor and covid-19
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Dr. Cinera States practices in Nova Scotia Canada. She said she wanted to be a doctor when she was young, and she turned out to be one today. She's worked extremely hard to reach this stage in her life and she is sharing how this all happened. Within that, she is sharing more awareness around covid-19 and what we can do to stay protected.…
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#ItsPersonal II. 32. Fred Aceves talks new book, dropping out and family
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Fred Aceves talks about the pressures of completing the second book, starting late in his reading journey and family in Mexico. Fred also dives into his message for kids out there who "struggle" with reading or finding the right book. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fred.aceves/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FredAceves?s=20Website: https:/…
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#ItsPersonal II: 31. Minh Le chats being a father, how he met his amazing wife and books!
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Minh was easily one of Gary's favorite guest to date. Gary had the chance to meet Minh last year at NCTE. Minh was kind enough to speak with Gary and his wife on a number of occasions about everything. Not just books. Not just education. Life. And that is what Gary and him chat about on this podcast.Website: http://minhlebooks.com/Twitter: https://…
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#ItsPersonal II: 30.5. Pernille Ripp dives into her growth around teaching & talks about her hubby!
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Pernille talks specifically about her growth in teaching and how her work is a product of many other scholars over the years. She also talks blogging and her writing process. Lastly, Pernille gives the audience a run down of how her marriage happened and how it continues to stay strong today.Twitter: @PernilleRippWebsite: www.pernillesripp.comInsta…
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#ItsPersonal II: 30. Pernille Ripp shares stories of how she got into teaching and mothering
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Pernille shares intimate stories about her up bringing and the importances of motherhood. She dives into her past and shares stories about her mother, and the influence she's had on her. Pernille also talks about bullying and its impact on her and her family.Twitter: @pernillerippWebsite: https://pernillesripp.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.c…
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#ItsPersonal II: 29.5 Patrick talks what it means to love aloud and navigating the online world
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Patrick is back and what a special part II of this podcast. Gary talks more with Patrick about the meaning of "love aloud" and building strong bonds in relationships. They also dive into the "education celebrity" and how this culture is starting to rise online. These two sound like two close friends catching up. You don't want to miss this second p…
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#ItsPersonal II: 29. Patrick Harris talks family, relationships and amazing school lunches!
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This is part one of a two part series featuring Patrick Harris. On this episode Gary uses some of Patricks most powerful tweets to start conversation/reflection. Patrick takes us on a walk down memory lane and shares important moments in his life that led him to where he is today. You can find Patrick online at @PresidentPat and www.stayingingoodtr…
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#ItsPersonal II: 28. Veera Hiranandani shares her thoughts on motherhood, Covid-19 and writing!
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Welcome back Veera! This is Veer'as second appearance on ItsPersonal and this time she is back for a check in. Gary speaks with Veera specifically about motherhood and its ups and downs, along with Covid19 family times and duties. This is an episode you will not want to miss. You can find Veera at www.veerahiranandani.com.…
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#ItsPersonal II: 27. Wendy Shang talks family, raising kids and Asian pressures
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On this episode Gary talks with Wendy Shang, author of The Great Wall of Lucy, This Is Just A Test and The Way Home Looks Now. It does not take long for Gary and Wendy to connect. Wendy talks about the idea of Asian pressure, raising a family and her favorite teacher! You can find Wendy on twitter @WendyShang and her website www.wendyshang.com.…
gary is back with season two of itspersonal and this time around he gets even more personal with some of your favorite authors, storytellers, educational minds in the game. sit back and truly listen to the story of authors and educators behind the scenes.By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 26. Esther Brunat speaks about fun, family and mathematics!
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By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 25. Danielle Alanna talks her growing up in a predominantly white school
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By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 24. Asmahan Mashrah talks culture, Detroit living and growing up in a big family
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By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 23. Derrick Barnes a Caldecott Honor, family man and hardworking brother
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By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 22. Elizabeth Kleinrock shares her perfect date, jewish family and 80s tv shows
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By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 21. Juana Martinez-Neal talks raising mixed kids and a new book for year 2020!
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By Gary R. Gray Jr
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#ItsPersonal 20. Juana Martinez-Neal talks moving to America and a big family Part I
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Juana Martinez-Neal is easily one of my favorite authors and illustrators; Alma, Princess and the Pea, Babymoon, Fry Bread (etc). In PART I of this chat, Juana talks about family and how it has played an important part of her childhood growing up. She speaks about a large family in which her mother, grandparents, uncles and cousins all play an impo…
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#ItsPersonal 19. Colby Sharp growing up in a predominately white school, relationships and books
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27:47
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NOTE: Sorry about Audio.. Colby was kind enough to be one of the first educators to interview. This was done on an iphone :-)From author, to youtube expert, podcaster, educator, father, friend, etc. The dude Colby Sharp does it all! And he does a great job at it too. During this podcast, Gary speaks with the man himself. They talk about the importa…
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#ItsPersonal 18. Mike Ochs Ninja Turtles, teacher language and 3 tips for all educators PART II
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Before you get into this podcast, have you listened to PART II? If not, go back and listen to Mike share personal stories. Don't worry, PART II is not going to disappear. In PART II Mike talks more about the patience of teachers and how important this is for student life. He takes a walk down memory lane and shares his love for Ninja Turtles. Lastl…
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#ItsPersonal 17. Mike Ochs The Brooklyn Nets and personalized learning PART I
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Mike Ochs is part of TCRWP (Teachers College Reading and Writing Project)He has led site-based staff development in schools across the country. In this episode Gary and Mike talk sports (and of course teaching) Let's not beat around the bush here. Both basketball fans, Gary and Mike talk about the progression of the Brooklyn Nets basketball team an…
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#ItsPersonal 16. Dr. Kim Parker shares growing up on a farm, and pleasing white people.
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Dr. Kim Parker is special :-) What a treat, I mean what a treat! Dr. Kim Parker talks changing her dress to meet the needs of white people, going to HOWARD, disrupting literacy and the breakdown of #31DaysIBPOC on twitter. If you haven't checked out this hash tag, please go and do so RIGHT NOW. You will not be disappointed. Sit back and relax. Enjo…
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#ItsPersonal 15. Matthew de la Peña chats about being the mixed kid and playing college hoops
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Matt was the mixed kid in elementary. In middle school. In high school, college. And still is today. On this episode, Gary talks with Matthew de la Peña an American Newbery Medalist who writes children books and novels for young adults. Gary get's personal with Matt, and digs into his past about his childhood home and family. If you enjoy this epis…
