Our Classroom Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom

This is the third and final installment of our series on Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the significance of humanizing approaches to bilingual education and how these methods help cultivate a respectful and dignified learning environment for students and their families. We also explore the crucial role of community and family engagement in supporting students of color on their language learning journeys. We share personal experiences, practical strategies, and insights to help educators foster meaningful partnerships both inside and outside the classroom. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges, encourages, and inspires educators to create inclusive and effective learning spaces. Welcome to Our Classroom!

 

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. 

Resources - Textured Teaching  En Comunidad Community Literacies en Confianza

Today, we delve deeper into the experiences and challenges faced by multilingual speakers in the U.S., specifically focusing on students of color. Returning guest, Lorena Germán, joins host Roberto to explore the systemic undervaluing of these students within our current education system. They examine a range of dynamic strategies that schools and districts can apply to better support, celebrate, and sustain bilingualism and the mother tongues of students. From having multilingual signs and resources to engaging proactive community inclusivity, this discussion will shed light on practical measures to transform educational environments. Join as they build on these insights and consider how educators and administrators can effectively embrace linguistic diversity, drawing from both theory and lived experiences.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. 

Resources - Textured Teaching  En Comunidad

In this episode of Our Classroom we're diving into a critical conversation about multilingual speakers in the U.S. education system. Lorena is back as a guest. We explore the complex landscape of bilingual education, the civil rights associated with language learning, and the contentious issue of standardized testing. Together, we will unpack our personal struggles with standardized tests, despite successful educational paths, and question the fairness and effectiveness of such tests, especially for newcomers and multilingual learners. We'll also look at alternative assessment models—from other countries like Finland—that might provide more equitable educational outcomes. So, stay with us as we discuss the necessity for a diversified approach to education in a society where language proficiency deeply influences learning experiences and personal growth.

 

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email quotes@leeandlow.com today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Original Post - Multilingual Speakers in the U.S. 

In this episode, titled "Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy," Lorena Germán is back to unpack the rich and necessary concept of CSP, as formulated by Dr. Django Paris and Dr. Samy Alim. We'll explore what it means to move beyond culturally relevant teaching to a model that not only acknowledges but also actively supports the cultural and linguistic diversity of students.

Together, we will discuss practical ways to apply CSP in the classroom, strategies to support educators in this journey, and how schools can institutionalize these practices to ensure lasting and meaningful change. We're standing on business—taking an unwavering stance in advocating for an education that supports positive social transformation and continuous student empowerment.

Welcome to Our Classroom!

 


This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email quotes@leeandlow.com today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Resources - Textured Teaching  Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy 

In today's episode, we grapple with the intricate subject of Teaching Socio-Political Context in education. Lorena helps unravel the significance of incorporating the socio-political backdrop into learning and how it enriches the understanding of texts and concepts within the classroom.

We'll explore why it's essential to go beyond the author's bio and publication dates to truly comprehend a book's impact in different times and settings. Lorena will shed light on how teaching socio-political context is not just an academic exercise, but a crucial tool for deep learning that fosters critical thinking, social awareness, and emotional intelligence within students.

Additionally, we touch upon why the work of teaching socio-political context doesn't have to mean promoting partisanship or political ideologies, but instead, it's about equipping young minds with the understanding of human conditions and societal structures. And, as always, we'll be supplying you with valuable resources to deepen your understanding and practice of these concepts in the classroom.

 

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email quotes@leeandlow.com today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.

Original Blog Post - Teaching Socio-Political Context

Professional Development

Speaking Engagements

Resources - Textured Teaching  Being the Change  Literacy is Liberation                                            En Comunidad

Today’s episode ventures into a highly sensitive and challenging discussion. Roberto and Lorena Germán tackle the complex and controversial topic surrounding the N-word, particularly within an educational framework.

The conversation orbits around the indispensable role teachers play in addressing this term when it surfaces in literature, such as in the classic "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" or other significant works. Amidst the intricate balance of promoting respect and understanding in a classroom setting, they delve into the implications of love, respect, and academic seriousness while approaching such heavy conversations.

Throughout the episode, Lorena imparts the significance of groundwork and context when broaching the N-word, unpacking the etymology and societal connotations that come with it. Roberto emphasizes the necessity of incorporating a multitude of perspectives and voices to enrich the narrative, highlighting the responsibility educators carry regardless of the demographics they teach.

They also address the critical aspect of student engagement and the power of individual reflection. As they navigate the dissonance between intention and impact, and the casual vs. harmful use of the N-word in today's society, the Germáns invite educators and listeners alike to ponder, learn, and grow alongside their students through these hard, yet crucial, conversations.

Tune in for an honest, deep, and necessary lesson on one of the most complex lexicons in American history, right here in Our Classroom.

Original blog post - A Lesson on the N-Word

 

This episode is sponsored by Lee and Low Books.

Lee & Low Books is the largest and most trusted multicultural children’s book publisher in the US. A family-run, independent, and certified 100% Minority Owned Business Enterprise, Lee & Low produces high-quality books about everyone, for everyone, along with free educator resources to make meaningful use of each book in today's classroom. Email quotes@leeandlow.com today to start building a custom collection tailored to your unique needs, goals, and budget.