Our Classroom

Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom
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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. 5 days ago

    Episode 162 | Teaching Children to Honor Others Without Losing Themselves w/ Caitlin Roeder

    How do we teach children to respect others without teaching them to ignore themselves? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with children's author Caitlin Roeder to discuss her forthcoming picture book, Family Kisses, and the important conversations it invites around family traditions, culture, consent, bodily autonomy, and children's voices. Together, they explore how adults can help children navigate relationships with confidence, kindness, and self-respect—without asking them to sacrifice who they are. In this conversation, we discuss: The inspiration behind Family Kisses Teaching children about bodily autonomy in age-appropriate ways Honoring family traditions while respecting personal boundaries The role trusted adults play in helping children find their voice Why consent is really about dignity and respect How picture books create opportunities for meaningful conversations What educators and families can learn from Mei-Li's story This episode reminds us that teaching children to honor others should never require them to lose themselves. Key Reflection "Children can learn to be kind, respectful, and compassionate while also understanding that their voice and their boundaries matter." About Caitlin Roeder Caitlin Roeder is a children's author whose forthcoming picture book, Family Kisses, offers a joyful depiction of family celebration while introducing young readers to ideas of consent, bodily autonomy, and self-advocacy through the story of Mei-Li and her Chinese New Year celebration. Teach in Truth.Lead with Courage.Belong to a Community That Gets It.

  2. 8 Jul

    Episode 161 | From Compliance to Belonging w/ Suzanne Adinolfi

    Every lesson teaches something. The question is: What are students learning beyond the standards? In this episode of Our Classroom, Lorena Germán sits down with educator and school leader Suzanne Adinolfi to explore the hidden curriculum—the unspoken messages students receive about identity, belonging, voice, and power. Together, they discuss why meaningful learning extends beyond academic standards and how educators can intentionally create classrooms where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. In this conversation, you’ll learn: What the “hidden curriculum” is and why it matters How classrooms communicate messages about belonging The difference between compliance and authentic engagement Why relationships are foundational to learning How curriculum shapes students’ identities and sense of self Practical ways teachers can move beyond coverage toward connection What school leaders can do to cultivate cultures of belonging This episode is an invitation to rethink not only what we teach, but also what our teaching communicates. Key Reflection “Students may forget a lesson, but they’ll remember how your classroom made them feel about themselves as learners.” Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It.

  3. 1 Jul

    Episode 160 | Belonging Doesn't Just Happen w/ Jalpa Vaidya Patel

    What if some of the most important lessons about belonging happen outside the classroom? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with educator, school social worker, author, and parent Jalpa Vaidya Patel to discuss how schools and families can intentionally create spaces where children feel seen, valued, and connected. Drawing from her work helping transform recess into a cultural celebration and her broader commitment to community-building, Jalpa shares practical insights about belonging, curiosity, culture, and student well-being. In this conversation, we explore: Why belonging must be intentionally cultivated The power of cultural celebrations and shared experiences How curiosity helps children embrace differences The connection between belonging and mental health The important role families play in school communities What schools can do to move beyond inclusion toward genuine connection Jalpa’s upcoming children’s book, Wizzy the Worldly Tree This episode reminds us that belonging isn’t something we simply hope for—it is something we build together. Key Reflection “Belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through intentional relationships, meaningful experiences, and a commitment to seeing one another fully.” About Jalpa Vaidya Patel Jalpa Vaidya Patel is an educator, licensed clinical social worker, author, and advocate for student well-being. Her work focuses on helping children develop empathy, connection, and a sense of belonging in schools and communities. Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It.

  4. 24 Jun

    Episode 159 | What Happens When a School Actually Commits to This Work w/ Lucy Canzoneri-Golden

    What does meaningful school change actually look like? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with Dr. Lucy Canzoneri-Golden, Co-Founder and Co-Director of Coral Reef Montessori Academy Charter School, to discuss what happens when a school commits to culture, belonging, and student-centered learning over the long haul. Rather than treating equity and inclusion as isolated initiatives, Coral Reef Montessori has worked intentionally to embed these values into the fabric of the school community. Dr. Canzoneri-Golden shares lessons learned from that journey, the challenges along the way, and the impact it has had on students, educators, and school culture. In this conversation, we explore: Why school culture work cannot be treated as “one more thing” What motivated Coral Reef Montessori to invest deeply in this work How teachers’ mindsets and practices evolved over time The challenges of leading meaningful change Why sustainability matters more than one-time professional development What annual teacher reflections revealed about the impact of the work Advice for school leaders seeking to create more inclusive learning communities This episode is a reminder that meaningful change rarely happens overnight. It happens through commitment, reflection, relationships, and a willingness to keep showing up. Key Reflection “School culture isn’t built through a single workshop. It’s built through years of intentional practice.” About Dr. Lucy Canzoneri-Golden Dr. Lucy Canzoneri-Golden is an educator, Montessori leader, and advocate for child-centered learning. As Co-Founder and Co-Director of Coral Reef Montessori Academy Charter School, she has helped cultivate a learning community grounded in independence, curiosity, compassion, and lifelong learning. Discussion Questions What does sustained school improvement look like in your context? How do you move important work from initiative to culture? What feedback are you gathering from teachers, students, and families? What systems help meaningful change endure? School leaders, if this conversation resonated with you, we’d love to help your team move from good intentions to sustained impact. Multicultural Classroom partners with schools and districts through professional development, coaching, and implementation support designed to strengthen belonging, student engagement, and culturally sustaining practice. Visit MulticulturalClassroom.com to learn more. Let’s build the kind of schools our students deserve. Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It.

  5. 17 Jun

    Episode 158 | The Power of Picture Books in Student Identity w/ Sarah Cordova

    What if picture books were some of the most powerful tools available to educators—not just for teaching reading, but for helping students understand themselves? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with literacy consultant and author Sarah Cordova to discuss the role picture books can play in shaping student identity, developing writers, and creating more inclusive classrooms. Together, they explore how thoughtfully selected mentor texts can serve as both mirrors and windows—reflecting students’ lived experiences while expanding their understanding of others. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why picture books remain powerful across grade levels How mentor texts can strengthen writing instruction The connection between literacy and student identity Why representation matters in classroom libraries How immigrant and refugee stories help build empathy and understanding Practical ways teachers can use picture books to empower student voice Whether you’re an elementary teacher, literacy coach, administrator, or secondary educator looking to strengthen writing instruction, this conversation offers practical ideas and inspiration for helping students see themselves—and their possibilities—through books. About Sarah Cordova Sarah Cordova is a national literacy consultant and author of The Power of Picture Books in Student Identity: Writing Lessons That Empower. Her work helps educators integrate identity, belonging, and culturally responsive literacy practices into daily instruction. Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It.

  6. 10 Jun

    Episode 157 | Where Are the Libraries?

    Libraries shouldn't be a luxury. In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán reflects on a social media post from an educator who challenged the reality that many students still attend schools without fully functioning libraries. What happens when we say literacy matters but fail to provide access to books? This episode explores: - Why libraries are an equity issue- The connection between literacy and opportunity- What students lose when libraries disappear- How budgets reveal priorities- Why access to books should not depend on a ZIP code- The role libraries play in belonging, curiosity, and identity At a time when educators are being asked to improve literacy outcomes, this episode asks a simple but important question: How can students become readers if they don't have access to books? Key Reflection "A library is more than a room filled with books. It's a declaration that a child's imagination matters." Discussion Question What is the state of your school library—and what does it communicate to students about what we value? Teach in Truth.Lead with Courage.Belong to a Community That Gets It.

  7. 3 Jun

    Episode 156 | From Invisible to Valuable: Teaching Students from Refugee Backgrounds w/ Dr. Yacoub Aljaffery

    What happens when schools see refugee students through a lens of deficit instead of possibility? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with Dr. Yacoub Aljaffery, author of Narratives of Success and Resilience of Students from Refugee Backgrounds in U.S. Schools: From Invisible to Valuable, to discuss what educators need to understand about refugee students, multilingual learners, and the power of belonging. Drawing from his own journey as a refugee and educator, Dr. Aljaffery challenges common misconceptions and invites educators to move beyond trauma-centered narratives toward asset-based approaches that recognize resilience, brilliance, language, culture, and humanity. Together, Roberto and Dr. Aljaffery explore: • What makes students from refugee backgrounds feel invisible in schools • How deficit thinking harms students and limits possibilities • Why multilingualism should be viewed as an asset, not a problem • The difference between supporting students and “fixing” them • How current global conflicts and immigration debates impact students in classrooms today • Practical ways educators can foster belonging and dignity • What gives Dr. Aljaffery hope for the future This conversation is a reminder that refugee students do not need pity. They need opportunity, affirmation, and educators willing to see their full humanity. Connect with Us Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. Follow Multicultural Classroom and subscribe to Our Classroom for more conversations at the intersection of education, culture, identity, and belonging.

  8. 28 May

    Episode 155 | ELA Isn’t Dead. We Just Forgot What It Could Be.

    ELA isn’t dead. It just needs to be revived, reimagined, and remembered differently. In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán reflects on why imagination, joy, speculative thinking, and culturally relevant literacy practices matter now more than ever in ELA classrooms. This conversation explores: How ELA became overly compliance-driven Why imagination is rigorous academic work The role of Black scholarship in literacy education Why students need more than test prep How literature can help students envision a better world What it means to create classrooms rooted in possibility, identity, and academic joy This episode also introduces: (Re)Viving ELA: A Speculative Methods Institute Hosted by Multicultural Classroom Facilitated by Lorena Germán and Lamar Timmons-Long 📚 June 5 & 6 🕘 9:30 AM – 12 Noon EST DM us for details or information about requesting district/school funding support.

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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

Information

  • Creator
    Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Our Classroom

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