154 episodes
Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE Kwame Sarfo-Mensah
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- Education
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5.0 • 34 Ratings
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The "Identity Talk 4 Educators LIVE" Podcast highlights the unspoken and unsung heroes who are changing the education game as we know it! Everyday, we come across the work of so many incredible educators who simply don't get the recognition they deserve! In this podcast, we will provide the viewers with an opportunity to learn the personal stories of these incredible educators and the specific elements that shape who they are as educators. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/identitytalk4educators/support
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155) "Moving Beyond Representation to Center Humanity" (Aisha Thomas)
In this episode, it was an honor to chat with Aisha Thomas to learn about her early upbringing in Bristol, transitioning from a career in law to education, the birth of her organization and book, "Representation Matters", and living life with dyslexia. To learn more about Aisha's work, you can visit the Representation Matters website at repmatters.co.uk or follow her on Instagram & Twitter (@itsaishathomas).
BIO:
Aisha Thomas is the founder of Representation Matters Ltd and a former assistant principal responsible for diversity, equity and inclusion. Aisha provides training on race in education at the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and in schools nationwide. In 2018, she presented a documentary for the BBC investigating the low number of Black teachers in Bristol, and in 2019, Aisha delivered a powerful TEDxBristol talk called ‘Why Representation Matters’.
Aisha is currently working on a number of local and national projects, including Beyond the 26, which collects stories and experiences from Black and minority educators in Bristol. She also contributed to a series of videos on allyship for BBC Teach.
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154) "The Beautifully Complicated Life of a Third Culture Kid" (Kanako Suwa)
In this week's episode, I had the honor of interviewing Kanako Suwa, who shares her life as an international educator and her journey as a third culture kid living in Japan, Taipei, and Boston. She also breaks down the nuances and complexities that she has experienced in her identity journey as a queer, multilingual Japanese woman. To learn more about Kanako's work, you can visit her website at kanakosuwa.com or follow her on Instagram (@kananovels), Twitter (@KanakoSuwa), and LinkedIn.
BIO:
Kanako Suwa (she/her) is a queer Third Culture Kid working as an EAL coordinator in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Originally from Japan, she uses her experiences of growing up abroad and learning English as an additional language to connect with her students. She has a bachelor ‘s degree in bilingual education and an M.Ed in international education.
Kanako is also on the board of ELLSA, one of SENIA ‘s partner organisations, and hopes to build a bridge between special education and multilingual education so that students who are dual-identified can receive the support they need. She is also the creator of a self paced course on TCKs for international school teachers on the EduSpark platform.
She is passionate about advocating for queer students, students of colour, TCKs, and multilingual students. Her motto as a teacher is “be who you needed when you were younger” – a belief she carries into every interaction she has with students and teachers alike. Kanako is an avid reader of young adult and new adult books and posts reviews on her Instagram (@kananovels).
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153) "Radical Dreaming for Inclusion in International Schools" (Joel Llaban)
In this week's episode, it was an absolute joy conversing with Joel Llaban to learn about his early upbringing in the Philippines, discovering his love for education, his life as an international educator, the state of DEIJ work in international schools, and so much more! To learn more about Joel's work, you can visit the International Schools Services website at iss.edu or follow him on Twitter (@JoelJrLLABAN) and LinkedIn.
BIO:
Joel Llaban is a learner and an international education leader who is committed to our collective work for the transformation of international education grounded on anti-racism and DEIJ. Prior to his current role, he was a Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and schoolwide DEIJ Lead at The International School of Kuala Lumpur.
Joel has been in education for 20 years. He worked at the International School of Brussels, International School of Beijing, and Cebu International School as a classroom teacher, department coordinator, and accreditation coordinator. He has led schoolwide initiatives in curriculum, assessment, professional development, innovation. Joel has been involved in accreditation as a team evaluator during team visits representing NEASC and CIS. He leads various professional learning for international schools and organizations.
Joel serves in the advisory role of the CIS Board Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Anti Racism. He is also a member of the Editorial Team of The International Educator. Joel holds a Master of Education in International Education Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts and a Certificate of International School Leadership from The Principals Training Center. He is a proud member of AIELOC and Diversity Collaborative. He is a dog parent to Frida, a poodle, and Asgier, a schnauzer.
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152) "Amplify Teacher Practice Through Podcasting" (Chey Cheney & Pav Wander)
In this episode, I chat it up with award-winning podcasting duo of Chey Cheney and Pawan Wander, better known as Chey & Pav to learn about their individual educator journeys, their introduction to podcasting, how podcasting has help to elevate their teaching practice, and the release of their new book, "Amplifying Your Practice". To learn more about Chey & Pav's work, you can visit their website at cheyandpav.com or you can follow them on Instagram & Twitter (@cheyandpav).
BIO:
Pawan (Pav) Wander is an elementary school teacher with 15 years of experience hailing from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. Currently, she is teaching a Grade 6/7 split class, integrated with the Home School Program. Pav gratefully teaches in the same neighbourhood where she grew up and went to school, and has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be able to work with students in such a familiar community.
Pav loves to teach Science and Math, and enjoys combining the two subjects into extracurricular activities that she leads with students. Pav has run programs in Robotics, Engineering and Coding at the schools where she has taught, and has loved watching students, especially females, thrive in areas of STEM.
Thriving on listening to books and researching new pedagogies and themes in education, Pav loves learning about new ways of reaching and engaging with students, especially surrounding areas of podcasting, audio and video editing, as these are areas she is new to!
Pav has an Honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University in Toronto, and completed her teaching certification from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York. Fitness and athletics have always been important to Pav, and she endeavours to include as much physical activity in her day as possible!
Chey Cheney Is a middle school teacher with 20 years of experience, originally from Ottawa, Ontario. He currently teaches Grade 8 in Toronto, Ontario and engages in coaching and leadership work with students in the school beyond instructional time.
Passionate about ELA, Chey infuses a teaching philosophy that centres around student agency, student voice and a strong commitment to social justice. Inspired by the works of Kylene Beers, Desmond Cole and Barry Schwartz, Chey is always looking for a way to embed technology in the natural flow of learning. He actively cements a consistent dynamic that ascends from consumer, engager and creator in the learning opportunities he curates.
With a vast athletic background, Chey has coached elite level sports to the most fundamental community recreation leagues. He aims to form a physical education and competitive sports culture that centres on a holistic approach dedicated to inclusion and entry points for all students to enjoy and flourish in the physical education experience.
In addition to his Teachers degree Chey has a History Honours Degree, a History Teaching specialist and an Adolescent Reading Specialist.
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151) "Combating Microaggressions to Create Belonging" (Shwetangna Chakrabarty)
In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Shwetangna Chakrabarty to learn about her early upbringing in Bhutan and India, navigating the transient lifestyle of the international school ecosystem as an educator and mother, and so much more! To learn more about Shwetangna's work, you can visit the TIE website at tieonline.com or follow her on LinkedIn.
BIO:
Shwetangna Chakrabarty is an international educator, author, and proud AIELOC (Association of International Educators and Leaders of Color) member currently working in Tanzania. She has 16 years of experience teaching internationally. She has held multiple positions as an international educator; senior leadership team member, curriculum coordinator, university counsellor, capstone/research project manager, CIS/NEASC accreditation coordinator, IB examiner, IBEN programme leader, TIE/IB blogger and classroom teacher.
She is an alumnus of The University of Nottingham and The University of People where she completed PGCE(I) and Master of Education (M. Ed). She holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Education and Computer Application from universities in India. She is also a certified college counselor. She has toured over 60 universities across the world. She has worked in five countries spanning two continents, lived in six countries, and taught three different curricula.
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150) "Discovering Purpose as an International Educator" (Rama Ndiaye)
In this week's episode, I chat it up with my good friend Rama Ndiaye to learn about her educator journey, growing up in both Senegal and France, life as an African educator in the international school ecosystem, and the significant impact that AIELOC has had in her personal and professional life. To learn more about Rama's work, you can visit the AIELOC website at aieloc.org.
BIO:
Rama Ndiaye is an elementary teacher who has been working in the international school world for a few years. As an anti-racist educator, she strives to guide her students to actively challenge and critically examine the world they live in while helping them foster the interconnectedness that unites our shared humanity. Currently, Rama serves as a Cultural Wealth & Lifelong Learning Practitioner at AIELOC.
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Customer Reviews
A Vital Voice for Inclusivity in International Education
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah's "IdentityTalk" podcast is an indispensable resource for anyone connected to or interested in the realm of international education. Kwame stands out not only as a profound voice advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion but also embodies these values in every episode. His knack for deep and meaningful conversations transforms each session into a masterclass on navigating the complexities of cultural identity, belonging, and resilience in the educational sector.
The episode featuring Shwetangna Chakrabarty, Editor of The International Educator (TIE), is a testament to the podcast's excellence. Shwetangna's insights into being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and teaching TCKs, including her own experiences with her son, underscore the nuanced challenges and opportunities in fostering inclusive educational environments. Her candid discussion on combating microaggressions and advocating for the BIPOC community within international schools is both enlightening and inspiring.
Kwame's ability to curate discussions with fantastic guests who bring a wealth of experiences and perspectives makes "IdentityTalk" podcast a must-listen!
A Leader - Thank you, Kane!
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah is an important voice in the work of social justice & advocacy. The field of education needs a critical examination of diversity, inclusion, and equity. With humility and candor, Kawme Sarfo-Mensah is curating invaluable historical narrative and curating and contributing to the creative integrative, inclusive teaching paradigm shifts of the future. Special Thanks, Kawme for honoring the need for arts accessibility for the disability community.
Educational Excellence
I love how this podcast spotlights the often-overlooked heroes in education, delving into their untold stories and the unique elements that define them as exceptional educators. The podcast serves as a source of inspiration for educators and listeners alike, offering a refreshing perspective on the transformative power of education. This podcast stands out as a beacon in a world where these heroes often go unnoticed, making it a highly recommended and engaging listen!