Mastery For All with Mr. James O'Neal artwork

Mastery For All with Mr. James O'Neal

35 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Mastery for all, empowered by equity for all, through the belief of expectations for all. This is the charge that James has in making sure that everyone involved in the schooling; students, teachers, parents, administration, will reach their level of mastery. James shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, national board certified math teacher, and a 14 year veteran in the space of education. James will have you crying, laughing, thinking, and most of all engaging those in your circle to reach mastery. His heart for all stakeholders in charge of empowering all youth is evident in his commitment and language. James knows the struggle that millions of students face as they strive for greatness in the education system. He has found success in loving students and pulling out the brilliance they already possess. To see videos and request booking please visit www.mrjamesoneal.com or email us at [email protected]. FB/IG: @mr.jamesonealLI/TW: @mrjamesoneal

Self-Improvement Education Kids & Family Education for Kids
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Episode 6: "Is Math a Racist Subject? - Conversations with Jen Arberg"

March 25, 2024 10:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MB

In Episode 6, I delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Jen Arberg, exploring the nuanced question: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Jen, with her 24 years of experience in math education, offers a unique perspective on this complex topic. Our discussion navigates through the aspects of math instruction, the impact of teacher biases, and the importance of fostering positive math identities in students, particularly in black boys. The episode further examines how math instruction, when n...

Episode 5: "Is Math a Racist Subject? - A Deep Dive with Adrienne Baytops-Paul"

March 11, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

In Episode 5, I am joined by Adrienne Baytops-Paul for a compelling exploration of the query: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Adrienne, with her extensive background in math pedagogy, brings forth an enlightening perspective on the accessibility and representation in math education. The episode navigates through the importance of culturally responsive teaching and the significant role of educators in shaping student perceptions and experiences in math. Throughout the conversation, we delve into...

Is Math a Racist Subject? - A Deep Dive with Adrienne Baytops-Paul - Episode 5

March 11, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MB

In Episode 5, I am joined by Adrienne Baytops-Paul for a compelling exploration of the query: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Adrienne, with her extensive background in math pedagogy, brings forth an enlightening perspective on the accessibility and representation in math education. The episode navigates through the importance of culturally responsive teaching and the significant role of educators in shaping student perceptions and experiences in math. Throughout the conversation, we delve into...

"Is Math a Racist Subject? - Insights from Rolanda Baldwin" Episode 4

February 26, 2024 11:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

Join me, James O'Neal, in an illuminating Episode 4, as we delve into the heart of a critical question with our esteemed guest, Rolanda Baldwin: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Rolanda, with her unique journey from an engineer to an educator, offers profound insights into the nuanced layers of racism in math education. In this episode, we explore the challenges of a procedural approach to math teaching in the U.S., which often fails to represent diverse identities, particularly impacting people...

Episode 4: "Is Math a Racist Subject? - Insights from Rolanda Baldwin"

February 26, 2024 11:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB

Join me, James O'Neal, in an illuminating Episode 4, as we delve into the heart of a critical question with our esteemed guest, Rolanda Baldwin: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Rolanda, with her unique journey from an engineer to an educator, offers profound insights into the nuanced layers of racism in math education. In this episode, we explore the challenges of a procedural approach to math teaching in the U.S., which often fails to represent diverse identities, particularly impacting people...

Episode 3: Is Math a Racist Subject? - Unraveling Complexities with Christopher Roblesz

February 12, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MB

Dive into a groundbreaking exploration with me, James O'Neal, as we delve into an eye-opening conversation with Christopher Roblesz in our third episode. This episode is a profound journey examining the question, "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Through Christopher's expertise, we unravel the nuanced layers of racial biases in math education access and the transformative power of relational teaching. Discover the importance of a deep, early understanding of mathematics, and how this shapes stude...

Is Math a Racist Subject? - Unraveling Complexities with Christopher Roblesz - Episode 3

February 12, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MB

Dive into a groundbreaking exploration with me, James O'Neal, as we delve into an eye-opening conversation with Christopher Roblesz in our third episode. This episode is a profound journey examining the question, "Is Math a Racist Subject?" Through Christopher's expertise, we unravel the nuanced layers of racial biases in math education access and the transformative power of relational teaching. Discover the importance of a deep, early understanding of mathematics, and how this shapes stude...

Episode 2: "Is Math a Racist Subject? - Engaging Insights with Dr. Kimberly Melgar"

January 22, 2024 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MB

Welcome to a captivating episode of our series, where I, James O'Neal, engage in a riveting dialogue with Dr. Kimberly Melgar. Together, we delve into the heart of a crucial question that resonates across classrooms and communities: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" This episode promises a deep dive into the nuances of math education, examining the intersection of teaching practices, accessibility, and their impact on diverse student groups. Dr. Melgar, with her profound experience and insights, ...

Episode 1: “Is Math a Racist Subject? Initial Insights from Joe Loftstedt”

January 15, 2024 11:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MB

Welcome to a thought-provoking journey with me, James O'Neal, as we dive deep into a critical question: "Is Math a Racist Subject?" In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by the remarkable Joe Loftstedt, a luminary in the field of math education. Joe brings to light the systemic challenges and biases within our educational structures, especially as they pertain to mathematics. We explore the power dynamics in accelerated math programs, the unique hurdles faced by black and brown students...

Greatness Is Not Balance, It's FOCUS - S2Ep8

April 24, 2023 23:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

People always ask people who do great things, how do they stay balanced? I was in a service one day and I heard a preacher say that life is not about balance it's about rhythm.  When he said that, a light bulb went off.  No one asked Jordan how balanced he was when he won all 6 rings.  No one asked Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, TD Jakes, Nadal, Federer, Usain Bolt, about balance!  These people are NOT balanced, they are focused and greatness takes focus!  I know we ask, how do we stay ...

Why I Went to EVERY Graduation! - S2Ep7

April 24, 2023 23:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MB

From 2012 to 2019 I went to every McKeesport graduation except for one because of my brother's 30th birthday trip 😂.  However, I went to every graduation because it was the culmination of my time with my students!  They walked across the stage and I walked with them becasue I was a part of them getting this place. I took pride in knowing that.  I take pride in knowing that my class was a door for them to walk through the door of graduation.  I am serious when I say, I am about #MasteryForAl...

All Kids Deserve Grade Level Instruction - S2Ep6

April 24, 2023 23:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

Listen, this podcast is going to set you on 🔥🔥🔥.  Because I bring it!!! I'm just going to let this sit right here... ALL KIDS DESERVE GRADE LEVEL INSTRUCTION!!!!! I'll just leave it where it is!  #MasteryForAll I would love to hear from you.  Please feel free to reach out [email protected]

The ONLY Black Male Educator in the District - S2 Ep3

April 04, 2023 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

For seven years, I taught in a school district where I was the only black male teacher of the district.  This was out of 2 elementary schools, one large middle school, and one high school.  The previous black male teachers retired the year before I joined the district and I stayed the only one for the next 7 years.  Though I was the only black male teacher, 45% of the school identified as black.  That district served close to 3,500 students.   The next district I had the privilege of teachi...

The Truth About Honors Classes - S2 Ep5

April 04, 2023 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

I did not know anything about honors classes until my 8th-grade year when I was invited to take Algebra 1 as an accelerated class by Mrs. Simmons. I knew the gifted kids always left our classes and did other things; I just never knew why I was never invited. After teaching for the last 15 years, I have realized several truths about students who end up in honors classes. They have a larger amount of parental involvement compared to students who are not in these classes. Economically, they ...

Teaching in the Fourth Most Dangerous City in America - S2 Ep4

April 04, 2023 00:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

In 2019, McKeesport, PA, was named the 4th most dangerous city in America of cities with more that 10,000 people, according to Alarms.org. I taught in this district for 7 years until 2015. Yes, this district had its challenges; however, the school, Founders' Hall, became an oasis for those kids and for us teachers because we were family! Teaching here taught me a lot. It showed me that... Until you get to know the people of a place, you can't judge the place by what you hear in the news. ...

Education Has to Change - S2 Ep1

March 19, 2023 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

Happy new season to all of you! I am thrilled to announce that Season 2 is finally here, and I couldn't be more excited. During the past few months, I've taken some time away to reflect and learn, and now I'm ready to share some amazing content with you. In this podcast episode, I'll be discussing an important topic that's been on my mind lately: the connection between education and adult life. It's become clear to me that we're not adequately preparing our students for success in this rapi...

From Failing Lessons to Award-Winning Lessons - S2 Ep2

March 19, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

I remember the time when I had a lesson that was a total disaster, even though I had hoped to impress some important folks from the State. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned, and I felt like I let everyone down, including my principal, who reminded me that my job was at stake. I was really down on myself because I knew I could do better. But instead of giving up, I picked myself up and decided to plan a lesson that was engaging, collaborative, and centered on deep understanding of mat...

Aftermath - Episode 16

May 16, 2022 00:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

Aftermath: a club after math class that focuses on the aftermath of black boys pursing after math.  Yeah, it's a pun and it's intentional. My school is made up of 60% Black students.  Out of that 60%, 50% are males.  In 8th grade, Math 1-2 is the highest math class offered at my school.  It is split into semesters.  The first semester is Math 1 and the second semester is Math 2.  Given our demographics, it would be expected to have Black male representation in the class.  Every other demogr...

Make it Make Sense!!!! - Podcast Episode 14

May 02, 2022 02:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MB

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞!!! When I was growing up, 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞.  I grew up in a time when 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘴, 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.  As I gotten older and became a teacher, the world changed.  𝗪𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠!  Some of it has led to great change while other parts of this have led to rebellious mindsets that really do not want to submit to anything. 𝘠𝘦𝘵, 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥...

Expectations for All - Episode 15

May 02, 2022 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥!!!! Research has proven 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 again that one of the 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 of students' success are 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.   𝗪𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐀𝐍, 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴; 𝘐 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯! A 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳'𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 of me 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐘 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄!  I ofte...

The Secret to Student Success - Episode 13

April 17, 2022 23:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

One day I chose to interview the 𝐭𝐨𝐩 performing 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 students at my school and asked them 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭.  𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.  Their parents were the 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 why they performed at the level they performed.  𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬!! Though there are 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 that get in the way of parents being actively involved in their child's education, especially as they get older, it is important to und...

Culturally Responsive Teaching 101 - Episode 12

March 07, 2022 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

There are has been much talk surrounding this subject over the past couple of years.  𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐧-𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 says that Culturally Responsive Teaching is “𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦, 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬”. 𝐂𝐑𝐓 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡.  Today I want to encourage four mindset shifts for CRT to exist in all of our classrooms.  𝟏. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝟏 - 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟.  So many of ou...

Honoring My Black Teachers - Episode 11 (BHM)

February 28, 2022 01:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

This is the last day of Black History Month and this episode is dedicated to my Black teachers that I've had throughout my educational journey.  So this episode is dedicated to Mrs. Davis, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Satchel, Mrs. Burrus, Ms. Veale, & Dr. Lee Stiff. Many people go throughout their K-12 and even college journey without having any Black teachers and especially Black male teachers.  I have been blessed to have some of the most amazing teachers help me to develop into the man I am today.  I...

The Time I Wanted to QUIT Education - Episode 10

February 21, 2022 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MB

Teaching is NOT an easy job.  It takes a lot out of you and you must have a great capacity to give.  You find yourself giving so much of yourself and so much of your time that you can burn out easily.  In 2016, I left Pittsburgh, PA and headed back to my home state of North Carolina.  I was exhausted and needed something new and yet familiar.  I ended up at Piedmont "You Know" Middle School in Charlotte, NC.  I loved what I saw when I looked at their website and I felt intimidated because ...

Why I LOVE Teaching (Valentines Day Edition) - Ep 9

February 13, 2022 19:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

Let me tell you, I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE TEACHING!!!! There are many reasons why I love this job and since today is LOVE DAY, I am spreading the LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!! I love teaching because... I love interacting/building relationships with students. I meaaaaaaaaaaaan come on now.  These human beings are full of joy and laughter and the occasional "go somewhere and sit down".  I love it because NO DAY is the same!!!  Our relationship is a rollercoaster, but we ALWAYS land safely...well 99.9%...

Being A Black Male Teacher in AMERICA - Episode 8

February 07, 2022 03:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

Black male teachers make up 2% of the teaching population.  It is imperative that we have more representation in this area!  I have been teaching for fourteen years and the lens that I have in education is unlike any other.  Our perspectives matter.  Our presence matters.  We matter! My entrance into a classroom is a statement that we belong here.  Throughout my time in the classroom, I have learned that my presence puts other black and brown students at ease.  I have been the only Black ma...

Teaching Through A Pandemic (Reflection 1) - Episode 7

January 24, 2022 03:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

TEACHING THROUGH A PANDEMIC!!!! Has not been for the faint of heart.  In this episode, I talk about some of the issues that I have faced in the past almost 2 years.  This pandemic has highlighted many inequities, mindsets, disparities, and intentions.  They have not all been negative, but this pandemic has put a strain on all of us in education!  Throughout this pandemic, I have learned to listen to my body.  I have learned when my body, mind, soul, and spirit, says you need a break, YOU ...

A King's Dream (Spoken Word Tribute to MLK) - Episode 6

January 17, 2022 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.9 MB

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!  It is our day of service.  Eight years ago, I had the awesome opportunity to write a spoken word and present it as a tribute to this amazing pioneer.  I am so blessed and honored to live in the legacy of his dream.  As a Black American I benefit from the choices this man made as he sought for the advancement of all mankind.  His legacy yet lives on through me and it is my privilege to share this work with you today! May you continue to live a li...

Increasing Parental Involvement - Episode 5

January 01, 2022 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

Happy New Year! The saying, "It takes a village" is definitely true in education.  I am much more effective when parents are involved in their child's education.  Now, many times, parents confuse involvement with being content experts.  I am not asking parents to be content experts.  If that was the case, they should've went to school and got their Masters in Curriculum and Instruction like I did!  😄  I am the expert.  🤔 I just want my parents involved! I model this "It takes a village" me...

Increasing Parental Involvement - Episode 5

January 01, 2022 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

Happy New Year! The saying, "It takes a village" is definitely true in education.  I am much more effective when parents are involved in their child's education.  Now, many times, parents confuse involvement with being content experts.  I am not asking parents to be content experts.  If that was the case, they should've went to school and got their Masters in Curriculum and Instruction like I did!  😄  I am the expert.  🤔 I just want my parents involved! I model this "It takes a village" me...

The Day I Realized I had Internalized Racism - Episode 4

November 15, 2021 03:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

Growing up in the south and hearing about racism all the time became a norm.  I didn't know that I was being indoctrinated with the idea that "white" is better by simply being told all the time how things are and how things used to be.  It wasn't until I left and went to a school district that was predominately white that I realized I had internalized this narrative.   After proving that I belonged not because I was fulfilling the quota but because I was a brilliant teacher, I still felt li...

The Myth of the New Math - Episode 3

October 24, 2021 20:00 - 13 minutes - 9.64 MB

There is a HUGE myth out right now about "The New Math".  Well I'm here to say, and you can quote me (lol), "There is NO NEW MATH!  The why of mathematics is finally being explained!"  The explanations are NEW to us, because most of the time they were not explained or explained well when we were in school.  Today, students in kindergarten are learning about math and having ways to explain it before we give them algorithms to use.  These algorithms are useful, but it's more empowering when ...

What If I Can't Help This Child - Episode 2

October 24, 2021 00:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

The truth is, we go into this profession to support as many children as we can.  The truth is, we can't save everyone!  We can try to help but even with that, sometimes we can't help either.  I know, it is something that we don't want to admit out of our mouths, but it is the truth.  In this episode I share my heart as a seek to try to help "Brandon" (not the student's real name) acclimate to the expectations of excellence in my classroom.  It has been a battle that has only gotten worse. ...

Why I Teach Spoken Word - Episode 1

October 18, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

This is my first episode and I am excited that you came to listen!  It is the spoken word that I have performed before thousands of people!  In this episode I introduce myself and talk about how I became a teacher.  Black male teachers make up 2% of the teaching population hear in America.  My matriculation through K-12 schooling was no easy feat but in 8th grade a teacher by the name of Mrs. Simmons changed my life.  Her expectations of me changed what I would be exposed to as a student.  T...

Why Teach Spoken Word - Episode 1

October 18, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

This is my first episode and I am excited that you came to listen!  It is the spoken word that I have performed before thousands of people!  In this episode I introduce myself and talk about how I became a teacher.  Black male teachers make up 2% of the teaching population hear in America.  My matriculation through K-12 schooling was no easy feat but in 8th grade a teacher by the name of Mrs. Simmons changed my life.  Her expectations of me changed what I would be exposed to as a student.  T...

Twitter Mentions

@mrjamesoneal 22 Episodes