Defining US: Voices of Change
41 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago -Take a deeper look at the new teaching and learning strategies that are transforming our nation. Hear from the nation‘s leading voices in education and from students whose lives have been transformed through new culturally responsive programs and practices that focus on improving students‘ social and emotional well-being. Learn how to adapt successful solutions in schools to create positive change in your home and community.
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Episodes
Voices of Change with Nicole Yarde: Generational Trauma
December 13, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 26.2 MBIn this episode, Stacey DeWitt interviews Nicole Yarde, a passionate and dedicated educator and community leader committed to the development of students, educators, and families. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole has made a career of developing programs that center on the social justice, liberatory education and social-emotional well-being. Nicole has developed several programs, including the Emerging Leaders for Social Justice Institute (ELSJI) within the Office of Equity and Access...
Voices of Change with Tami Pyfer: The Dignity Index and UNITE
November 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBDefining US uses the power of media and the promises of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining US… Stacey DeWitt interviews Tami Pyfer. Tami Pyfer is the Vice President of External Affairs for UNITE – a nonprofit organization that promotes national unity and solidarity across differences. Tami also serves as Chief of Staff to UNITE President and CEO, Tim Shriver, and is the Utah Project Lead for ...
Voices of Change with Bill Caritj: Making Great Schools
April 03, 2023 13:32 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBFor forty years, I was fortunate to lead the assessment, evaluation, and accountability departments of nine public school districts, including six of the largest in the nation – Washington, DC, Baltimore, St. Louis, Austin, Atlanta, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). In almost every instance, my position was relatively independent of the internal and external “politics.” As a result, I am not biased toward or against any particular theory, philosophy, or program. My on...
Youth Voices of Change with Sikirat Mustapha: The Only Thing We Can Do is Change the Future
March 01, 2023 19:38 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MBAs a passionate advocate for equity and access, Sikirat Mustapha uses her multifaceted interests in educational policy, finance and business to elicit change in her community. She attends Columbia University studying Statistics, Political Science & Business Administration. Sikirat can be seen mobilizing thousands at town halls, organizing rallies, speaking on panels, and constructing policies that work to eradicate the inequitable practices in NYC public schools through her work as the forme...
Episode 19. Suzanne McCormick: YMCA’s Bold Vision for the Future
November 01, 2022 13:43 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBAs the first female CEO of the YMCA in 171 years, Suzanne McCormick joins the Defining US podcast with Stacey DeWitt to share her bold vision for the future. YMCA of the USA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, engaging 11 million members annually, including 4 million under the age of 18. Suzanne became President and CEO of YMCA in September 2021. She has 27 years of experience as a local and nationa...
Voices of Change with Suzanne McCormick: YMCA’s Bold Vision for the Future
November 01, 2022 13:43 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBAs the first female CEO of the YMCA in 171 years, Suzanne McCormick joins the Defining US podcast with Stacey DeWitt to share her bold vision for the future. YMCA of the USA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, engaging 11 million members annually, including 4 million under the age of 18. Suzanne became President and CEO of YMCA in September 2021. She has 27 years of experience as a local and nationa...
Episode 18. Dr. Paul Nussbaum: Practical Neuropsychology
September 26, 2022 19:40 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Paul Nussbaum. Dr. Nussbaum is board-certified in Clinical Psychology and Geropsychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. He is the Founder and President of Brain Health Center, Inc. that provides independent medical examinations, record reviews, and case management for those suffering neurological and neurobehavioral disorders. An expert in neuroanatomy and human behavior, he has published many peer reviewed articles, book...
Voices of Change with Dr. Paul Nussbaum: Practical Neuropsychology
September 26, 2022 19:40 - 30 minutes - 41.4 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Paul Nussbaum. Dr. Nussbaum is board-certified in Clinical Psychology and Geropsychology with a specialization in Neuropsychology. He is the Founder and President of Brain Health Center, Inc. that provides independent medical examinations, record reviews, and case management for those suffering neurological and neurobehavioral disorders. An expert in neuroanatomy and human behavior, he has published many peer reviewed articles, book...
Scott Lee: Letting Educators Take the Lead
September 08, 2022 17:30 - 26 minutes - 37.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Scott Lee. Scott directs curriculum design at the CWK Network and is the producer/host of The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast. They discuss a variety of issues related to teachers, the struggles they face in and out of the classroom today, and how asking the right questions can be...
Voices of Change with Scott Lee: Letting Educators Take the Lead
September 08, 2022 17:30 - 26 minutes - 37.2 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Scott Lee. Scott directs curriculum design at the CWK Network and is the producer/host of The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast. They discuss a variety of issues related to teachers, the struggles they face in and out of the classroom today, and how asking the right questions can be a start for change. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed ...
Episode 17. Scott Lee: Letting Educators Take the Lead
September 08, 2022 17:30 - 26 minutes - 37.2 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Scott Lee. Scott directs curriculum design at the CWK Network and is the producer/host of The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast. They discuss a variety of issues related to teachers, the struggles they face in and out of the classroom today, and how asking the right questions can be a start for change. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed ...
Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre: The Power of Inclusion
August 29, 2022 15:13 - 40 minutes - 55 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre. Patrick is the Principal of Paige Elementary in the Schenectady City School District. Dr. Jean-Pierre has years of combined experience in urban educational settings, which includes public schools, charter schools and universities. His range of profess...
Episode 16. Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre: The Power of Inclusion
August 29, 2022 15:13 - 40 minutes - 55 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre. Patrick is the Principal of Paige Elementary in the Schenectady City School District. Dr. Jean-Pierre has years of combined experience in urban educational settings, which includes public schools, charter schools and universities. His range of professional experiences in the field of education includes teaching, counseling, and leadership development, as well as organizational consulting that fosters systemic ch...
Alison Yoshimoto-Towery: Leading with Equity
August 29, 2022 15:12 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Alison Yoshimoto-Towery. Alison is the Chief Academic Officer for the Los Angeles Unified School District and one of the experts from the Defining US film. They discuss a variety of issues related to equity and how the pandemic is changing schools. Powerful Moments Throu...
Episode 15. Alison Yoshimoto-Towery: Leading with Equity
August 29, 2022 15:12 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Alison Yoshimoto-Towery. Alison is the Chief Academic Officer for the Los Angeles Unified School District and one of the experts from the Defining US film. They discuss a variety of issues related to equity and how the pandemic is changing schools. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast. 1:37 – finding ways to buil...
Episode 14. Troy Keller: Defining Our Responsibilities to Students with Needs
April 07, 2022 19:24 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBIn this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Troy Keller, a Director of Special Education for Maryland’s Frederick County Public Schools. In the conversation, Stacey and Troy discuss the changed landscape of public education, the educator’s role in supporting students more holistically, and why our students with disabilities – and all students - need us to go all in on their behalf. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insi...
Troy Keller: Defining Our Responsibilities to Students with Needs
April 07, 2022 19:24 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Troy Keller, a Director of Special Education for Maryland’s Frederick County Public Schools. In the conversation, Stacey and Troy discuss the changed landscape of public education, the educator’s role in supporting students more holistically, and why our students with disa...
Joshua B. Pedersen: Laboratory of Life
March 06, 2022 17:49 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Josh, the Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide. Listen in as Josh shines light on the ways in which we can all come together to build trust, provide dignity for ourselves and others, while finding solutions to complex issues in our communities. Powerful Moments Throu...
Episode 13. Joshua B. Pedersen: Laboratory of Life
March 06, 2022 17:49 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Josh, the Director of 211 at United Way Worldwide. Listen in as Josh shines light on the ways in which we can all come together to build trust, provide dignity for ourselves and others, while finding solutions to complex issues in our communities. Powerful Moments Throu...
Episode 12. Marybeth Gasman: Talking About Race
March 06, 2022 17:48 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Marybeth Gasman, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education, a Distinguished Professor, and the Associate Dean for Research in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute ...
Marybeth Gasman: Talking About Race
March 06, 2022 17:48 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Marybeth Gasman, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair in Education, a Distinguished Professor, and the Associate Dean for Research in the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute ...
Episode 11. Tammy Thomas Garnes: Art, Media, and Transformative Education
March 06, 2022 17:47 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Tammy Thomas Garnes, Vice President of Education & Understanding at ARRAY, to discuss the role of media, the art of storytelling, and the impact on education and outreach. She and Stacey go deep into how they each approach the work and how those approaches can be used for p...
Tammy Thomas Garnes: Art, Media, and Transformative Education
March 06, 2022 17:47 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Tammy Thomas Garnes, Vice President of Education & Understanding at ARRAY, to discuss the role of media, the art of storytelling, and the impact on education and outreach. She and Stacey go deep into how they each approach the work and how those approaches can be used for p...
Paul Forbes: Cultivating Courageous Conversations
March 06, 2022 17:47 - 50 minutes - 46 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined again by Paul Forbes, Defining US Advisory Board and Leaders Network to discuss the beginnings of Defining US and their journey to common understanding, respect, and friendship through the work they were doing in NYC Schools. Their conversation serves as a model for how we cul...
Episode 10. Paul Forbes: Cultivating Courageous Conversations
March 06, 2022 17:47 - 50 minutes - 46 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined again by Paul Forbes, Defining US Advisory Board and Leaders Network to discuss the beginnings of Defining US and their journey to common understanding, respect, and friendship through the work they were doing in NYC Schools. Their conversation serves as a model for how we cul...
Episode 9. Darion Allen: Being a Flowing River
March 06, 2022 17:46 - 39 minutes - 16.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Darion Allen. Darion’s story is highlighted in our Flagship Documentary, Children at the Crossroads of Change. Listen in as they discuss Darion’s college experiences and his continued advocacy for others. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moment...
Darion Allen: Being a Flowing River
March 06, 2022 17:46 - 39 minutes - 16.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Darion Allen. Darion’s story is highlighted in our Flagship Documentary, Children at the Crossroads of Change. Listen in as they discuss Darion’s college experiences and his continued advocacy for others. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moment...
Molly Henricks: United In Our Experiences
March 06, 2022 17:43 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Molly Henricks, the Coordinator of School Safety and Risk Prevention at the San Mateo County Office of Education. As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 17 years of experience working with youth, Molly provides a deeper look into trauma, mental health, studen...
Episode 8. Molly Henricks: United In Our Experiences
March 06, 2022 17:43 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Molly Henricks, the Coordinator of School Safety and Risk Prevention at the San Mateo County Office of Education. As a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 17 years of experience working with youth, Molly provides a deeper look into trauma, mental health, studen...
Chris Purdy & Cindy Simpson: Bringing Voice to the Frontline
January 19, 2022 17:48 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Cindy Simpson and Chris Purdy. Based on decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, Cindy and Chris offer unique insights on the immigration and refugee issues, trauma and its impact on our youth, and the opportunities we all have to support students and communities in movin...
Episode 7. Chris Purdy & Cindy Simpson: Bringing Voice to the Frontline
January 19, 2022 17:48 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt is joined by Cindy Simpson and Chris Purdy. Based on decades of boots-on-the-ground experience, Cindy and Chris offer unique insights on the immigration and refugee issues, trauma and its impact on our youth, and the opportunities we all have to support students and communities in movin...
Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz: The Critical Nature of Us
December 14, 2021 20:02 - 1 hour - 108 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, award-winning associate professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. We invite you to join the conversation as she and Stacey DeWitt hold little back when discussing the current debate playing out in our schools and communities. Learn how ra...
Episode 6. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz: The Critical Nature of Us
December 14, 2021 20:02 - 1 hour - 108 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, award-winning associate professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. We invite you to join the conversation as she and Stacey DeWitt hold little back when discussing the current debate playing out in our schools and communities. Learn how ra...
Paul Forbes: The Narratives of Us
December 13, 2021 20:05 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Paul Forbes. Stacey and Paul take a deep dive into problems and solutions regarding the daily work of promoting equity in schools. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in th...
Episode 5. Paul Forbes: The Narratives of Us
December 13, 2021 20:05 - 36 minutes - 42.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Paul Forbes. Stacey and Paul take a deep dive into problems and solutions regarding the daily work of promoting equity in schools. Powerful Moments Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in th...
Episode 3. Terra Smith: Creating a Better World for Everyone
November 03, 2021 16:15 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Terra Tadlock-Smith, the host of the Normal with Autism podcast. Their discussion includes not just Terra’s story about raising a child with autism, but also explores the ways that everyone can help promote equity for students with disabilities and differing abilities. Powe...
Terra Smith: Creating a Better World for Everyone
November 03, 2021 16:15 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Terra Tadlock-Smith, the host of the Normal with Autism podcast. Their discussion includes not just Terra’s story about raising a child with autism, but also explores the ways that everyone can help promote equity for students with disabilities and differing abilities. Powe...
Episode 2. Tim Shriver: A Crisis of Us
November 01, 2021 14:02 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Tim Shriver. While many people know of Tim Shriver’s activism and philanthropic work, Tim also is a former teacher and has been instrumental in promoting quality educational opportunities for all students. In this episode, Tim and Stacey discuss the importance of educator rel...
Tim Shriver: A Crisis of Us
November 01, 2021 14:02 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Tim Shriver. While many people know of Tim Shriver’s activism and philanthropic work, Tim also is a former teacher and has been instrumental in promoting quality educational opportunities for all students. In this episode, Tim and Stacey discuss the importance of educator rel...
Episode 1. George Patterson: The Pain, Power, and Joy of Young People of Color
March 16, 2021 17:22 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews George Patterson, the Senior Director for My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Grant Funded Programs in New York City Schools. George and Stacey discuss how the people who work within programs like MBK help mitigate trauma and promote success in school and beyond for students of color. ...
George Patterson: The Pain, Power, and Joy of Young People of Color
March 16, 2021 17:22 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBDefining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter. In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews George Patterson, the Senior Director for My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Grant Funded Programs in New York City Schools. George and Stacey discuss how the people who work within programs like MBK help mitigate trauma and promote success in school and beyond for students of color. ...