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BreakFree Education
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A Breakfree Education podcast exploring the world of education within the juvenile justice system.

  1. Learning Lab Episode #11: Cultivating Student Recognition through Celebration and Connection with Melissa Jeanty

    3D AGO

    Learning Lab Episode #11: Cultivating Student Recognition through Celebration and Connection with Melissa Jeanty

    In this episode of Learning Lab, Christina and Kaylah sit down with Melissa Jeanty, assistant principal at Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings, Washington D.C.’s long-term youth facility. Together, they explore how Melissa and her team have built a powerful culture of celebration and acknowledgment — one that helps students see themselves as capable, valued, and part of a caring community. From monthly award ceremonies and birthday shoutouts to everyday classroom wins, this conversation reveals how simple acts of recognition can transform school culture, sustain educators, and remind everyone why this work matters. It's a conversation that highlights not only the transformative power of recognition on students but also how these moments of joy and acknowledgment refuel and sustain the adults doing this critical work. Melissa reminds us why showing up to celebrate every win is the cornerstone of effective JJ education.

    33 min
  2. Learning Lab Episode #10: The Best-Kept Secret: Activating Unseen Potential in Science with Melissa Duncan

    NOV 5

    Learning Lab Episode #10: The Best-Kept Secret: Activating Unseen Potential in Science with Melissa Duncan

    In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Duncan, a passionate science teacher at Cammack Children's Center in West Virginia. Melissa shares why she was drawn to Juvenile Justice education and why she believes JJ education is the best kept secret. We explore how she implemented the BreakFree initiative, Unseen. We discuss how engaging in hands-on work that is reviewed and celebrated by an authentic audience (including winning a national contest!) allows students to feel profoundly seen, challenging the negative narratives often placed upon them. It’s a conversation about breaking misconceptions, building confidence, and activating the hidden potential of students.

    38 min
  3. Learning Lab Episode #9: Cultivating Community Connections Through Art with Heidi Loening

    OCT 20

    Learning Lab Episode #9: Cultivating Community Connections Through Art with Heidi Loening

    In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Loening, a passionate art teacher at Travis Hill School in New Orleans. Heidi shares how she uses her classroom as a space to build a strong community and a sense of safety for her students. We’ll also hear about Travis Hill’s annual Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM) showcase, where students share their work and stories with the wider community. Together, these practices highlight Heidi’s commitment to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued—not just through self-expression, but through authentic opportunities to belong and be recognized. Here's an example mood meter such as the one Heidi discusses Travis Hill School YJAM Event Info Book Link: Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School

    36 min
  4. Learning Lab Episode #8: Ask for Forgiveness Later, a conversation with Jessie Storrs

    OCT 2

    Learning Lab Episode #8: Ask for Forgiveness Later, a conversation with Jessie Storrs

    In this episode, we sit down with Jessie Storrs, a teacher librarian at a youth detention facility. Jessie shares her "ask for forgiveness later" approach to innovation, including how she used board games in the library to build crucial social-emotional skills and foster student connection. We discuss the importance of introducing students to new opportunities and how genuine teacher passion is the key to unlocking student engagement. Join us as Jessie reminds us what it takes to make a real difference in the classroom.

    27 min
  5. Learning Lab Episode #7: Cultivating a Positive Classroom Culture with Amanda Johnson

    SEP 17

    Learning Lab Episode #7: Cultivating a Positive Classroom Culture with Amanda Johnson

    In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Amanda Johnson, a dedicated educator from Passages Academy in New York. Amanda shares how she creates a classroom that welcomes students in and empowers them to make it their own. We'll explore her "Real World Fridays" initiative, which turns classroom discussions into platforms for authentic, student-led conversations on big issues. Join us as we learn from Amanda about leading with a focus on connection and creativity to create a learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.

    49 min
  6. Tech Check #7: Building Tech Success: A Systems-Level View

    JUL 10

    Tech Check #7: Building Tech Success: A Systems-Level View

    What makes a technology program truly successful, especially in challenging, restricted spaces? In this episode of Tech Check, we're taking a '1000-foot view' to analyze the key elements that contribute to a program’s success. We'll break down the importance of devices, software, network infrastructure, and policies, but most importantly, the people who make it all happen. Join us to understand how these elements work together to create a cohesive and effective program. Shownotes: Nothing this week.

    35 min
  7. Tech Check #6: Level Up Your Tech Integration: Asking the Right Questions Part 2

    JUN 11

    Tech Check #6: Level Up Your Tech Integration: Asking the Right Questions Part 2

    This episode is PART TWO of diving deep into the critical questions you need to ask before introducing new tech into your secure school environment. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini discuss the importance of technology access for students, who needs to be involved, and the best path for getting started when implementing a new technology program.

    34 min
  8. Learning Lab Episode #6: Celebrating student winners of our Unspoiled initiative

    MAY 29

    Learning Lab Episode #6: Celebrating student winners of our Unspoiled initiative

    In this special episode, we showcase the winning podcast segments from BreakFree Education's "Unspoiled" initiative, where students explored America's National Parks through creative storytelling. Listen as young learners from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Arizona share their research and passion for places like Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Biscayne through engaging original podcasts. These segments highlight how meaningful, project-based learning can spark curiosity and give students an authentic platform to share their knowledge with the world. Shownotes: BreakFree Initiatives

    23 min
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About

A Breakfree Education podcast exploring the world of education within the juvenile justice system.

Information

  • Creator
    BreakFree Education
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © BreakFree Education 2021
  • Show Website
    Books over Bars