Our Classroom

Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space we talk about education, which is inclusive of, but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn. In Our Classroom, we explore educational journeys, discuss instructional strategies, unpack books, speak with authors, and we think about how all of this is connected to education. Subscribe, rate the show and write a review! For resources to help you understand the intersection of race, bias, education, and society go to multiculturalclassroom.com

  1. 10 HRS AGO

    Episode 147 | When the Noise Gets Loud

    What happens when thoughtful, intentional content is met with noise, criticism, or misunderstanding? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán reflects on a recent moment of pushback and reframes it as an opportunity for leadership. Instead of reacting defensively, this conversation explores what it means to lead with curiosity—especially when discussions around curriculum, culture, and terms like “decolonize” spark strong responses. This episode is not about winning arguments. It’s about understanding what sits beneath reaction, staying grounded in purpose, and continuing to serve students with clarity and care. Reflection Questions What reactions do you notice when curriculum or texts are questioned or expanded? How do you typically respond to pushback—internally and externally? What might curiosity look like in moments where defensiveness feels easier? What is the difference between expanding curriculum and erasing it? An Invitation Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. If you’re navigating these kinds of moments in your classroom or leadership—and want a space to reflect, grow, and stay grounded in this work—you’re invited to explore My Classroom Gold: https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member Connect Follow @multiculturalclassroom Subscribe to Our Classroom wherever you listen Share this episode with an educator who is learning to lead with curiosity

    11 min
  2. 2025-12-22

    Episode 141 | When Teaching Has No Script: Staying Human in Unsteady Times

    In this episode of Our Classroom, host Roberto Germán reflects on what it means to teach in truth when the ground beneath education feels unstable. Sparked by a powerful question raised during a Teaching in Truth masterclass, this conversation explores fear, uncertainty, and responsibility in today’s classrooms—particularly for immigrant families and communities of color. Rather than offering quick fixes or scripted responses, Roberto invites educators to sit with the tension: how do we stay human, ethical, and grounded when schools no longer feel universally safe? This episode centers history, names systems, and reminds listeners that clarity and courage are often cultivated in community, not isolation. Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to Our Classroom 1:20 – When School No Longer Feels Safe 3:45 – Teaching in Truth Means Naming Systems 6:10 – Why Neutrality Isn’t Neutral 8:30 – Community Is Not Optional 11:00 – When There Are No Easy Answers 13:30 – Sustainability Over Solutions 15:30 – Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. (CTA) Reflection Questions for Listeners What tensions am I currently holding in my teaching practice? Where have I felt pressure to have answers instead of asking better questions? Who do I turn to when the work feels heavy or unclear? An Invitation to Continue the Work Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. My Classroom Gold is a community of educators committed to equity, truth, and impact—designed for those who want to keep learning, reflecting, and leading with integrity in complex times. https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member   Connect & Share Follow @multiculturalclassroom Subscribe to Our Classroom wherever you listen Share this episode with a colleague who’s navigating uncertainty

    9 min
  3. 2025-11-28

    Episode 140 | Reading with Purpose Writing with Passion

    In this episode of Our Classroom, host Roberto Germán explores how emotion and identity serve as the gateway to authentic literacy engagement. Drawing from his presentation Reading with Purpose, Writing with Passion, Roberto invites educators to rethink what truly keeps students — especially reluctant and multilingual writers — from fully engaging with reading and writing. Through student testimony, classroom strategies, and reflections from Blue Ink Tears, this episode centers literacy as a human experience before it becomes an academic one. When students are seen, heard, and affirmed, reading and writing transform from tasks into tools for expression, healing, and connection.   CHAPTERS 0:00 – Welcome to Our Classroom 1:10 – What Keeps Students from Engaging with Literacy 3:00 – Emotion as an Entry Point to Writing 5:00 – Identity, Language & Student Confidence 7:00 – Books as Mirrors, Not Just Texts 9:00 – Instructional Strategies that Humanize Literacy 11:30 – A Writing Invitation You Can Use Tomorrow 13:00 – Patterns Across Classrooms 14:30 – Teach in Truth, Lead with Courage (CTA)   Featured Student Voice “When he talked about his feelings, it made me more confident to talk about mine.” — José Reyes, 9th Grade, Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School   Resources & Next Steps Blue Ink Tears by Roberto Germán Author Visits & Workshops: multiculturalclassroom.com Follow: @multiculturalclassroom   Join the Community Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. Join My Classroom Gold — a community of educators committed to equity, truth, and impact.

    7 min

About

Welcome to Our Classroom! In this space we talk about education, which is inclusive of, but not limited to what happens in schools. Education is taking place whenever and wherever we are willing to learn. In Our Classroom, we explore educational journeys, discuss instructional strategies, unpack books, speak with authors, and we think about how all of this is connected to education. Subscribe, rate the show and write a review! For resources to help you understand the intersection of race, bias, education, and society go to multiculturalclassroom.com