Our Classroom

Roberto Germán | Multicultural Classroom
  • 4.9 (23)
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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. 5D AGO

    Episode 154 | Cultural Humility Is Different Than Cultural Competence

    Episode Summary What happens when schools misunderstand culture as misbehavior? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán reflects on powerful conversations with a Dominican mother advocating for her son after repeated school experiences rooted in misunderstanding, bias, and cultural disconnects. This conversation explores the important distinction between cultural competence and cultural humility—and why humility requires more than training or good intentions. It requires listening, reflection, partnership, and the willingness to recognize that our norms are not universal. Through real stories from families navigating schools, this episode challenges educators to rethink what belonging truly means and asks an important question: Are students being supported… or silently asked to erase parts of themselves in order to fit in? In This Episode Why cultural humility is different than cultural competence How cultural misunderstanding can lead to discipline The difference between inclusion and assimilation Why students shouldn’t have to “blend in” to belong The long-term impact of feeling unseen in school How educators can shift from control to curiosity What meaningful partnership with families can look like Key Reflection “Students should not have to erase themselves in order to belong.” Questions to Reflect On Whose norms are centered in our classrooms and schools? What assumptions do we make about behavior, communication, and professionalism? Are we trying to understand students and families—or simply manage them? What might cultural humility look like in practice? Why This Conversation Matters As school demographics continue to shift, many educators are realizing that diversity alone does not create belonging. This episode is a reminder that culturally responsive practice is not about mastering “other people’s cultures.” It’s about developing the humility to listen, learn, reflect, and build authentic relationships with students and families.  An Invitation 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. https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member Connect with Us Follow @multiculturalclassroom Subscribe to Our Classroom Share this episode with an educator, administrator, or parent navigating conversations around culture, belonging, and identity in schools.

    8 min

  2. MAY 13

    Episode 153 | Cultivating Hope in a Time Like This

    Episode Summary What does it mean to cultivate hope in a moment like this? In this reflective episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán explores the idea that hope is not denial, optimism, or pretending things are okay—it’s intentional, courageous work. Inspired by the upcoming Cultivate Hope 2026 gathering hosted by The Flourish Collective, this conversation reflects on the Harlem Renaissance, the role of educators during uncertain times, and why imagination, creativity, and community matter now more than ever. This episode is an invitation to resist cynicism, reclaim possibility, and remember that even in difficult seasons, people still have the power to create beauty, truth, and belonging. In This Episode Why hope is something we cultivate—not something we wait for The connection between struggle and creativity Lessons from the Harlem Renaissance Why imagination matters in education What educators are really planting in students The difference between optimism and hope What gives Roberto hope right now Key Reflection “Hope is also imagining what could still become possible.”  Questions to Reflect On What gives you hope right now? What kind of future are you hoping to help create? What are you continuing to plant, even when growth feels slow? About Cultivate Hope 2026 This episode was inspired by Cultivate Hope 2026, an event hosted by The Flourish Collective centered on the belief that difficult times can still produce beauty, art, community, and collective joy. The event draws inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and the enduring power of people refusing to be diminished.  An Invitation Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. Join My Classroom Gold: 👉 https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member 🔗 Connect with Us Follow @multiculturalclassroom Subscribe to Our Classroom Share this episode with an educator, artist, or leader who needs encouragement right now.

    8 min

  3. MAY 6

    Episode 152 | When It Happens in Real Life: What Pushback Looks Like & How to Respond

    Pushback doesn’t show up as a theory—it shows up in real moments. In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán breaks down what pushback actually looks like in schools and professional spaces—from parent emails and staff meetings to student questions and social media comments. More importantly, he walks through what it looks like to respond with clarity instead of reaction. This episode moves beyond ideas and into practice—helping educators stay grounded, protect their energy, and lead with intention when conversations get difficult.   In This Episode What pushback really looks like in everyday school settings How to respond to parent concerns without escalating Navigating tension with colleagues in meetings When to engage—and when not to—on social media How to respond to student pushback in real time Managing internal self-doubt as an educator   Reflection Question When pushback shows up… Who do you become in that moment?   An Invitation Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. Join My Classroom Gold: 👉 https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member

    9 min

  4. APR 29

    Episode 151 | Does Grammar Instruction Kill Student Voice? w/ Patty McGee

    What happens when students stop worrying about grammar? For many teachers, the answer is surprising: their writing becomes more powerful, more authentic, and more alive. So why does that change when we shift the focus back to correctness? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with Patty McGee, author of Not Your Granny's Grammar, to unpack a real question from a member of the community: Is grammar instruction supporting student voice—or silencing it? Together, they explore the tension between correctness and expression, the role of dominant language norms in schools, and what it looks like to teach writing in a way that honors both clarity and identity.   In This Episode Why grammar instruction can shut students down The difference between correctness and communication Who decides what “standard English” is How language connects to identity and culture What strong writing actually looks like Practical shifts to protect student voice   Reflection Question If a student communicates powerfully—but doesn’t follow traditional grammar rules… Are they a strong writer?   An Invitation Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. Join My Classroom Gold: 👉 https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member

    26 min

  5. APR 22

    Episode 150 | Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals w/ Christy Mihaly

    Episode Summary What does it mean to stand for justice—not just with your voice, but with your refusal? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with author Christy Mihaly to explore the life of Pablo Casals, a world-renowned cellist who used both music and silence as acts of protest. Through her new book, Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals, Christy brings to life a story of courage, conviction, and moral clarity. Together, they unpack what it looks like to use your gifts in service of justice—and what it costs to take a stand when it matters most. This conversation invites educators to reflect on their own role in moments of injustice: when to speak, when to refuse, and how to remain grounded in purpose. 🎧 In This Episode Who Pablo Casals was beyond the music Why he refused to perform in protest of fascism The power of silence as an act of resistance What it means to align your gifts with your values Why stories of courage matter for young people How educators can model principled leadership 📚 About the Book Music and Silence: The Passion and Protest of Pablo Casals tells the story of the legendary Catalan cellist who stood against the Franco regime and refused to perform in countries that recognized the dictatorship. His life reminds us that art is not neutral—and that sometimes, the most powerful statement is choosing not to participate in injustice. ✍🏽 About the Guest Christy Mihaly is an award-winning author and poet who has written more than 40 books for young readers, many focused on history, civics, and social justice. Her work invites young people to think critically, engage deeply, and lead with purpose. 🌱 Reflection Question When faced with injustice, are we willing to use our voice—or our silence—with intention? 🌱 An Invitation Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. If you’re an educator navigating these questions and want to grow alongside others committed to this work, join My Classroom Gold: 👉 https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member 🔗 Connect with Us Follow @multiculturalclassroom Subscribe to Our Classroom Share this episode with an educator who believes teaching is more than content—it’s courage.

    18 min

  6. APR 15

    Episode 149 | When “Misbehavior” Is a Misunderstanding w/ Dr. Daniel Russell

    Episode Summary What if much of what schools label as “misbehavior” is actually a misunderstanding of culture? In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with Dr. Daniel Russell to unpack how student behavior is often interpreted through a dominant-culture lens—and why that leads to disproportionate discipline for underserved students. Together, they explore how behaviors rooted in culture are frequently misread as defiance, disrespect, or disruption, and why frameworks like PBIS and MTSS remain incomplete when cultural responsiveness is missing. This conversation challenges educators to rethink what they call “behavior” and reconsider whether schools are disciplining students—or disciplining culture. In This Episode Why “misbehavior” is often misunderstood Common cultural behaviors teachers misinterpret The limits of PBIS without cultural responsiveness How behavior becomes racialized in schools What validating and bridging behavior support can look like The mindset shift educators need to make tomorrow About the Guest Dr. Daniel Russell is co-director of Advocates for CLR for Underserved Students and co-author of Supporting Underserved Students: How to Make PBIS Culturally and Linguistically Responsive. His work helps schools rethink student behavior through a culturally responsive lens. Reflection Question What if the issue isn’t student behavior— but the lens through which we interpret it? Join the Community Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. Join My Classroom Gold: 👉 https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member

    26 min

  7. APR 1

    Episode 148 | What TO Do When You Get Pushback

    Pushback is part of the work—but how we respond to it matters. In Part 2 of the Leading When It’s Loud series, Roberto Germán explores five common mistakes educators make when facing criticism, tension, or public reaction. From reacting too quickly to trying to “win” the argument, this episode unpacks the habits that can escalate conflict and drain our energy. This conversation is not about avoiding pushback—it’s about responding with clarity, intention, and grounded leadership. Reflection Questions Which of these responses do you tend to fall into first? What helps you pause before reacting? Where do you need more clarity vs. more restraint? An Invitation Teach in Truth. Lead with Courage. Belong to a Community That Gets It. If you’re navigating pushback and want a space to reflect, grow, and stay grounded in your work, you’re invited to explore My Classroom Gold: https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/founding-member Connect Follow @multiculturalclassroom Subscribe to Our Classroom  Share this episode with an educator who’s navigating tough conversations

    7 min

  8. MAR 26

    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
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4.9
out of 5
23 Ratings

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
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Our Classroom