The Culture-Centered Classroom

Jocelynn
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Culture-Centered Classroom podcast is the go-to podcast for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders ready to step into their power by centering educational equity, celebrating diversity, and affirming culture every single day. This podcast will provide you with powerful reflection questions, learning, and action strategies to elevate your practice and impact the way you guide the next generation of thought leaders. Tune in.

  1. 11H AGO

    S7.E4 - We Are the World: Why Shared Purpose Changes Classroom Culture

    What turns a group of students into a community? In this episode, Jocelynn shares how watching the Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Pop unexpectedly inspired a powerful reflection on classroom culture, shared purpose, and collective identity. From a vivid childhood memory of singing We Are the World in kindergarten to intentionally using the song years later as a 7th grade social studies teacher, this episode explores how music, art, and shared experiences can transform instructional culture no matter what subject you teach. Because culture is not built through rules alone.It is built through shared meaning. In This Episode, We Explore: Why shared purpose is what turns a group of students into a community How music serves as an international language and a powerful instructional tool The difference between nostalgia and intentional instructional design How analyzing both lyrics and visual media deepens student thinking Why connection strengthens cognitive safety and engagement How to reset classroom culture at any point in the year You’ll hear how students analyzed both the 1985 and 2010 versions of We Are the World, discussed influence and platform, examined generational legacy, and expanded lesson goals beyond surface-level standards. You’ll also hear how poetry, music, and collective agreements became a reset tool throughout the year — serving as a cultural anchor when energy dipped or tension rose. Instructional Takeaways This episode highlights practical moves you can implement immediately: Begin with shared purpose, not just procedures Use art and storytelling as intellectual entry points Design classroom agreements rooted in identity and contribution Revisit shared artifacts when culture needs recalibration Frame learning as contribution, not consumption And remember: Beginning is when you begin. Ready to Build This Foundation in Your Classroom? If you’re looking for structure to help establish belonging, shared identity, and collective purpose, explore:The First 10 Days: Back to School – Building a Classroom of Belonging: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-First-10-Days-Back-to-School-Building-a-Classroom-of-Belonging-14072086 This resource is designed to help teachers establish purpose, belonging, and shared identity from the beginning — or whenever you choose to reset. Because shared purpose is not tied to a calendar.It is tied to intention. Coaching Corner Reflection As you reflect on this episode, consider: What will students learn about themselves as contributors to something larger than themselves? What will they learn about their peers? What will they learn about the world? Using the AAA Reflection Framework: What am I becoming aware of about shared purpose in my classroom or school? What am I choosing to accept, challenge, or release? Small. Specific. Sustainable. Acknowledgements This episode references: The Greatest Night in Pop (Netflix, 2024) U.S.A. for Africa – We Are the World (1985) We Are the World 25 for Haiti (2010)

    15 min

  2. FEB 18

    S7.E3 - How to Write Lesson Goals That Go Beyond “Students Will Be Able To”

    What do your lesson goals teach students about learning? In this episode of The Culture Centered Classroom Podcast, Jocelynn explores the hidden power of lesson goals and how traditional objective language can unintentionally center compliance over growth. Many educators were trained to write goals that begin with “Students will be able to…” While this format aligns with standards and accountability systems, it does not always communicate the deeper purpose of learning. This episode challenges educators to rethink how goals shape: Student identity as thinkersClassroom culturePerceptions of rigorMotivation and engagementBelonging and intellectual confidenceListeners will learn how to move from task based objectives toward goals that reflect identity, agency, and meaning. The episode also connects goal writing to the AnchorED for Achievement framework, demonstrating how instructional clarity supports agency, reflection, and empowerment. As part of the ongoing Black History Month reflection, the episode encourages educators to consider how lesson goals help students see history and culture as dynamic, relevant, and connected to their lives. In this episode: Why traditional objective language can unintentionally center complianceThe difference between task completion and intellectual growthHow to revise goals to reflect identity and belongingLeadership language that supports teachers without adding complianceA reframing of rigor through clarity and purposeCoaching Corner Reflection As you plan or observe instruction this week, consider: What will students learn about themselves through this goal?What will they learn about others?What will they learn about how knowledge works in the world? Using the AAA Reflection Framework, ask yourself: What am I becoming aware of in how I write or review goals?What am I choosing to accept, challenge, or release?What is one small shift I can make this week? Implementation Intention Use this sentence frame to move toward action: This week, I will ______ at ______ for ______ in ______. Small. Specific. Sustainable. If you or your team would like additional support, contact Jocelynn at: hello@customteachingsolutions.com

    13 min

  3. FEB 11

    S7.E2 - 3 Questions to Plan Lessons That Build Identity, Belonging, and Meaning

    What if lesson planning started with who students are becoming, not just what they need to cover? In this episode of The Culture-Centered Classroom Podcast, Jocelynn introduces three powerful planning questions that help educators design lessons rooted in identity, belonging, and meaning. These questions move instruction beyond compliance and coverage and toward connection, purpose, and deep learning. Inspired by a conversation with her uncle, a former high school teacher, and grounded in years of coaching educators, Jocelynn reflects on how assumptions about student motivation have shifted over time. She names a hard truth many educators share: as students, they followed rules, avoided trouble, and made it through school without experiencing meaningful learning. This episode explores why that model no longer works—and why it may never have truly served students in the first place. Rather than asking students to simply “pay attention and learn,” Jocelynn invites educators to intentionally design lessons that help students understand why learning matters and how it connects to their lives, their communities, and the world around them. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why meaning is essential for engagement and motivation How identity and belonging shape students’ relationship to learning The difference between compliance and authentic participation How instructional choices communicate powerful messages to students Why today’s learners need support developing a “why” for learning The Three Anchor Questions As you plan lessons, Jocelynn encourages you to return to these guiding questions: What will my students learn about themselves? What will they learn about their peers? What will they learn about the world? These questions apply across grade levels, content areas, and roles, and they help shift lesson planning from task completion to meaning making. Coaching Corner Reflection Pause and reflect using the AAA Reflection Framework: What am I becoming aware of in how I plan for meaning? What am I choosing to accept, challenge, or release about student motivation? What is one small action I am willing to take next? Implementation Intention Use this sentence frame to turn reflection into action: This week, I will ______ at ______ for ______ in ______. Small, specific steps create sustainable change. Closing Thought Students do not disengage because learning is hard.They disengage when learning feels disconnected, unsafe, or meaningless. When educators plan with identity, belonging, and meaning in mind, classrooms become places where students are invited to think, reflect, and grow—not just comply.

    15 min

  4. FEB 4

    S7.E1 - Culture Is a Vibe— Did you know Instruction helps Create It?

    What if classroom culture isn’t something you set at the beginning of the year—but something you create every single day through instruction? In this opening episode of Season 7 of The Culture-Centered Classroom Podcast, Jocelynn reframes a powerful idea many educators already feel to be true: culture is a vibe—and instruction plays a major role in shaping it. This episode invites teachers, coaches, and school leaders to move beyond thinking of culture as just norms, relationships, or classroom climate, and instead consider how daily instructional decisions communicate belonging, expectations, and value. Whether you’re in your first year of teaching or your twentieth, this conversation offers a grounding reminder: students learn just as much from how we teach as from what we teach. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL EXPLORE: Why classroom culture is not separate from instruction, but built through it How students experience culture through tasks, questions, pacing, and feedback The connection between instructional design and student identity, belonging, and confidence Why culture is not a checklist, but something students feel How small instructional shifts can create big cultural impact This episode introduces a reflective pause designed to help educators turn insight into action. COACHING CORNER: Instructional Anchor Questions What will students learn about themselves through this lesson? What will they learn about their peers? What will they learn about the world? AAA Reflection What am I becoming aware of in my instructional practice? What am I choosing to accept, challenge, or release? What is one small action I’m willing to take next? You’ll also be guided to create a simple implementation intention—a small, specific step you can take this week to intentionally shape classroom culture through instruction. RESOURCES: To support the ideas shared in this episode, Jocelynn references tools that help educators better understand students and design instruction with intention: Student Data Dive – A reflective tool for getting to know students beyond the numbers Student Learning Perspective – A planning guide that centers how students experience learning Links to these resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/custom-teaching-solutions FINAL THOUGHT: Classroom culture isn’t just what we say we value, it’s what students experience through instruction, every day. 🎧 Listen in, reflect deeply, and consider how your teaching helps create the vibe your students feel. Until next time, seek joy, affirm culture, celebrate diversity, center equity, and strive for liberation through learning every single day.

    10 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    S6.E16- Words to Live By: Trust the Becoming through Pause and Surrender

    This episode marks the season finale of The Culture-Centered Classroom and the closing chapter of The Culture of Celebration mini-series. Rather than ending with urgency or resolution-setting, this final episode invites listeners into pause, reflection, and intentional becoming. Jocelynn shares her long-standing practice of choosing a guiding word or phrase for the year ahead — not as a productivity tool, but as an act of care, cultural awareness, and self-honoring. This is a gentle landing place. A moment to look back at what has shaped us, name what we are releasing, and choose how we want to move forward — personally, professionally, and collectively. Why a guiding word is different from a resolution Jocelynn reframes focus words as reminders rather than goals — a way to return to values, care, and clarity when things feel loud, rushed, or cattywampus. The meaning behind “Trust the Becoming through Pause and Surrender” This episode unpacks how pause creates space for reflection, surrender releases the illusion of control, and becoming reminds us that growth is always ongoing — for students, educators, classrooms, and systems. How culture, community, and care shape who we’re becoming Becoming is never neutral or individualistic. Our identities, lived experiences, histories, and communities all influence what we believe is possible for ourselves and our students. A simplified Focus Word process for educators Aligned with Jocelynn’s RLI Framework (Reflect, Learn, Implement) and the AnchorED for Achievement principles, this revised approach supports educators in choosing a word that acts as both a mirror and a map for the year ahead. A student-centered version of the practice You’ll hear how to guide students in choosing their own word — empowering them to reflect on growth, claim agency, and name who they are becoming within a learning community. Becoming as celebration Choosing a word is framed as a celebratory act — one that honors where we’ve been, what has shaped us, and who we are becoming. This moment intentionally circles back to the series themes of celebration, cultural competence, joy, and belonging. A grounding quote on becoming The episode is anchored by a reflection from Michelle Obama’s Becoming:“Becoming is not about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim.” A guided pause to close the seasonListeners are invited into a quiet moment of breath, reflection, and surrender — a gentle transition into the next season of life and learning. Reflection Questions for Listeners What word or phrase feels grounding for this season of my life or work? What am I being invited to pause, release, or surrender? How has my culture, community, and lived experience shaped who I am becoming? How might a guiding word support my teaching, leadership, or rest in the year ahead? How can I invite students to reflect on and celebrate their own becoming?

    15 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    S6.E15 - Helping Teachers Become Gate Breakers: Is Math a Gate or a Gateway? w/ JULIANA TAPPER

    Student Demographics Are Not Their Mathematical Destiny In this episode of The Culture Centered Classroom, Jocelynn is joined by Juliana Tapper, M.Ed., founder of CollaboratEd Consulting, to discuss her book Teaching 6–12 Math Intervention: A Practical Framework To Engage Students Who Struggle. This conversation is grounded in the powerful, practical framework Juliana shares in her book—a framework designed to help educators support students who are working below grade level without deficit thinking, lowered expectations, or exclusionary practices. One of the most resonant ideas from the book, and from this conversation, is this truth: Student demographics are not their mathematical destiny. Throughout the episode, Juliana explains how her framework helps teachers become gatebreakers—educators who actively disrupt inequitable systems, expand access to rigorous learning, and design math classrooms that are equity-centered, culturally relevant, and humanizing. In this episode, we explore: The core principles of Juliana’s math intervention framework Why traditional intervention models often reinforce inequity How teacher beliefs and instructional decisions shape access and opportunity What it means to teach math in ways that honor students’ identities and lived experiences How educators can move from compliance-driven intervention to meaningful engagement The conversation also connects Juliana’s work to The New Teacher Project’s article, The Opportunity Myth, highlighting how students are too often denied access to grade-level tasks and rich instruction. Jocelynn and Juliana further ground the discussion in Kimberlé Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality, reminding listeners that students experience math classrooms through multiple, overlapping identities. Resources mentioned in this episode: Teaching 6–12 Math Intervention: A Practical Framework To Engage Students Who Struggle https://www.collaboratedwithjuliana.com/buy https://gatebreakerbook.com Juliana Tapper’s Masterclass https://www.collaboratedwithjuliana.com/masterclass2 The Opportunity Myth by The New Teacher Project This episode is an invitation to rethink math intervention—not as remediation, but as an equity practice. If you’re ready to challenge assumptions, expand opportunity, and become a gatebreaker for your students, this conversation—and Juliana’s book—are a powerful place to begin.

    36 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    S6.E14 - Five Zero Cost Ways to Build Classroom Joy

    The Culture of Celebration Series As the winter season unfolds, many classrooms begin to feel a little cattywampus. Schedules shift, energy runs high, budgets feel tight, and the pressure to “make it magical” can quickly become overwhelming. In this episode of The Culture Centered Classroom, Jocelynn introduces The Joy Budget a reframe that reminds educators that the most meaningful celebrations do not require money, elaborate plans, or Pinterest worthy perfection. Instead, they are built on connection, care, cultural competence, and co creation. This episode builds directly on the first three episodes of the series, offering practical, zero cost strategies for honoring diverse traditions, sustaining joy, and strengthening classroom community during the winter months. In This Episode You Will Explore Why celebration does not need a financial budget Jocelynn reframes celebration as a practice rooted in relationship rather than resources, emphasizing that connection is the true currency of joy. How cultural competence guides winter celebrations This episode revisits the idea that culture is not decoration and that honoring diverse observances requires intention, humility, and care rather than surface level activities. The power of co creation during the holiday seasonBy inviting students into planning and decision making, educators reduce their own workload while honoring student agency and belonging.Zero cost celebration ideas aligned with the AnchorED for Achievement framework You will hear practical examples including Co creation audits The Global Light ShareAffirmation artifactsCelebration dance breaksCommunity norms reflection circlesEach idea is grounded in agency, empowerment, community, hope, and reflection. Why joy is a strategic practice not a seasonal event Jocelynn connects these practices to long term culture building, showing how intentional celebration strengthens equity, belonging, and emotional safety. Reflection Questions for Educators What does celebration currently cost me in time, energy, or stress How can I shift from planning for students to co creating with them Which traditions or celebrations feel meaningful in my classroom and which feel performative How does cultural competence influence the way I approach winter celebrations What joyful practices should carry beyond this season and into everyday classroom life Resources Mentioned Back to School Series Freebie Lesson 1 from The First 10 Days Building Classroom Belonging customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree Focus Word Reflection Kit Available in the Virtual Learning Library and on Teachers Pay Teachers

    12 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    S6.E13 - Appropriation or Celebration? How to Understand the Difference

    In this episode of The Culture-Centered Classroom, we explore one of the most essential and misunderstood aspects of culturally responsive practice: the difference between celebrating culture and appropriating it. Building on Episodes 1 and 2, Jocelynn offers a grounded, compassionate, and culturally competent look at what happens when celebration intersects with identity, history, and lived experience—especially during the diverse and emotionally charged winter season. This episode is not about shame, it’s about clarity, courage, care, and cultural competence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Clear Distinction Between Appreciation and Appropriation Jocelynn breaks down the difference through the lens of intent vs. impact, emphasizing that cultural celebration without context or permission can unintentionally cause harm—even when well-intentioned. Why Cultural Competence Must Guide Celebration You’ll learn four truths cultural competence teaches us: Culture is not decoration Traditions carry emotional and historical weight Symbols have context and meaning Practices emerge from lived experience—not Pinterest boards These truths help prevent “performing diversity” and instead foster authentic cultural appreciation. A Real-World Example: Florida State Seminoles FootballJocelynn uses the Florida State Seminoles as a concrete case study of how permission, relationship, and collaboration create a model for cultural appreciation rather than appropriation.This example helps educators understand the importance of community consent, not assumption. Why We Must Avoid the “Single Story” TrapDrawing on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s powerful TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, Jocelynn explains how incomplete narratives shape misunderstanding, bias, and cultural harm.This example reinforces the need for multiple voices, not stereotypes or oversimplified representations. A Simple 3-Step Guide for Culturally Respectful CelebrationAligned with the AnchorED for Achievement framework, Jocelynn shares a practical, actionable method: Reflect — examine assumptions, intentions, and classroom norms Learn — seek authentic sources, voices, and historical context Implement — co-create celebrations with students and families This guide helps you celebrate culture with confidence—not fear. Reflection Questions for Educators What assumptions do I bring into cultural celebrations? Whose voice is centered? Whose voice is missing? Is this cultural element being used with permission, understanding, and respect? How does this celebration deepen belonging for all students? How can I create space for students to share (or not share) their traditions with agency? Resources Mentioned TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Back-to-School Series Freebie: Lesson 1 + activities👉 customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree Focus Word Reflection Kit – available in the Virtual Learning Library and TPT store

    14 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Culture-Centered Classroom podcast is the go-to podcast for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders ready to step into their power by centering educational equity, celebrating diversity, and affirming culture every single day. This podcast will provide you with powerful reflection questions, learning, and action strategies to elevate your practice and impact the way you guide the next generation of thought leaders. Tune in.

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