Ep. 172: These Conditions Are Not Working For Us

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EQ:  "In navigating the challenges posed by increasingly restrictive policies in the U.S. education system, how can educators strategically and actively build alliances to foster a more inclusive and just society?"

Guests: Candra McKenzie and Elana Eisen-Markowitz

In this episode, we discuss what it means for teachers to build alliances with peers and the community. Both Candra and EM have a wealth of knowledge as educators, activists, and organizers in their schools and respective communities. We discuss how schools have changed in the last 15 years and how the system continues to perpetuate inequalities and marginalized the traditionally marginalized. We touch on union involvement, teacher recruitment and retention, and the need to support educators of color and queer educators. 

Related Resources:


Reading Recommendations:

Do Your Fudging HW:

  • Hope: Black History Month–grab a book and get your read on

  • Candra: find something new to do & do it!

  • EM: Examine our policies for who is at the center (let’s challenge the conditions that exist that put people in these positions).

Ep. 163: College Success is a Community Affair

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EQ: How can we enhance college readiness for Latinx students and bridge the educational opportunity gap to ensure their success in higher education?

Guest: Jael Rodas is a Mount Tahoma graduate and current  junior at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

Thanks to Channel 253 members Craig and Veronica Craker, we were introduced to Jael. In this episode we define what it means to be “college ready”, what this looks like specifically for Latinx students, what programs exist in the high school to support students’ success in higher ed, and what challenges are facing these students in degree completion. 

Programs Referenced:

Do Your Fudging Homework:

  • Hope: Hispanic Heritage Month book rec (Sept 15-Oct 15 but you can read all year)–anything with Elizabeth Alcevedo “Clap When You Land” “With Fire on High”

  • Megan: check out these programs and find a way to support them!

  • Jael: support these program (financial or even volunteer)