The Truth About Limited Book Choices in Schools
Schoolutions: Curious Educators. Evidence-Based Strategies. Classrooms Where Every Child Thrives.
03/28/22
•22m
About
Comments
Transcript
Featured In
In this S1E7 interview, high school English teacher Morgan Jackson reveals the critical difference between diversity and equity in classroom libraries - and why it matters more than you think.
Morgan reveals the critical difference between diversity and equity in classroom libraries - and why it matters more than you think. She teaches 11th and 12th grades at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, breaks down why simply having diverse books isn't enough. She explains how trauma-centered diverse literature can actually harm students and shares practical strategies for creating truly equitable representation in your classroom.
What You'll Learn:
• The difference between diversity vs. equity in education
• Why trauma-based diverse books can be harmful to students
• How to create inclusive classrooms that truly serve all students
• Effective teaching strategies for difficult conversations
• Student engagement techniques that honor every child's identity
• Pro-kid mindset approaches to book selection
• Culturally responsive teaching methods that work
Episode Mentions:
Morgan’s Published Writing:
Morgan’s Recommended Resources:
- Booksource. (2022). Why Incidental Diversity is Important In Your Classroom Library.
- We Need Diverse Books
- Dr. Bichmore’s YA Wednesday blog
- The Brown Bookshelf - United in Story
Other Notes:
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, school counselors
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:27 - Meet Morgan Jackson: From Middle School to High School
1:12 - The Inspiring Teacher in Morgan's Life
2:13 - Defining the Problem: Diversity vs. Equity Confusion
4:01 - The Power of Rudine Sims Bishop's Mirror/Window Quote
4:45 - Why Diverse Representation Isn't Enough
6:42 - The Pitfalls of Trauma-Centered Diverse Literature
7:18 - The COVID Analogy: Understanding Trauma Fatigue
9:08 - Moving Beyond Trauma: What Students Actually Need
9:42 - Resources for Equitable Book Selection
11:01 - The Cognition Piece: Who Are We Putting Forward?
12:02 - "If a Book Doesn't Belong, The Kid Doesn't Belong"
12:45 - Addressing Book Banning and Censorship
14:16 - Teaching Critical Thinking Over Content
15:50 - Having Difficult Conversations with Students
17:59 - Handling Parental Pushback
19:48 - Student-Centered Approach to Literature
20:32 - Final Thoughts: It's Not Just About Seeing Yourself
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Previous Episode
Secrets to Funding Creative Education Projects in Public Schools
March 21, 2022
•23m
In this S1E6 interview, discover how Executive Director Steve Manley and educator Joyce Putnam with the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) transformed the Ithaca City School District by creating innovative funding solutions that support teachers, boost student engagement, and strengthen parent involvement. In this inspiring episode, learn from Steve Joyce about building sustainable community partnerships that provide real resources for classrooms.
What You'll Learn:
• How to create independent school foundations that work alongside districts
• Three different grant types that fund everything from supplies to $10,000 projects
• Proven strategies for connecting classrooms to community partners
• Creative fundraising ideas beyond traditional events
• How to build home-school connections through collaborative programs
• Steps to enhance student engagement through experiential learning
• Ways to support new teachers and provide ongoing teacher support
Perfect for:
Teachers seeking additional classroom resources, education coaches looking for funding strategies, school administrators wanting to improve school culture, parents interested in supporting their schools, and anyone passionate about education transformation.
Key Takeaways:
- IPEI has supported innovative teaching methods for 25 years
- Grants range from $500-$10,000 supporting teacher impact and student success
- Community partnerships create lasting change in education
- Simple application processes with teacher coaching support
- Programs like "Kids Discover the Trail" build connections between schools
Episode Mentions:
Ithaca Public Education Initiative
- Mission, Vision, Values
- Staff and Board of Directors
- Grant Information & Applications
- Events:
- Kids Discover the Trail (KDT)
- Support IPEI
- Donate to IPEI
- Contact IPEI
Whether you're a teacher, parent, school leader, or education advocate, this conversation offers practical solutions for creating thriving students and empowered educators in your community.
Chapters
0:00 - Introduction to IPEI and Guests
1:12 - Inspiring Educators Discussion
2:53 - What is IPEI and How It Started
5:23 - Mission and Community Connections
7:26 - Real Impact Stories from Local Schools
8:13 - How to Apply for Grants
9:06 - Three Types of Grants Available
13:05 - Success Stories: 3D Printing and Ancient Civilizations
16:05 - Fundraising Events and Community Engagement
19:03 - Kids Discover the Trail Program
21:28 - Building School Connections and Final Thoughts
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
Next Episode
Why This Teacher Starts EVERY Day with Play (And You Should Too!)
April 4, 2022
•18m
In this S1E8 interview, teacher Mary Anne Camel reveals how starting each school day with 75 minutes of intentional play revolutionizes classroom management, student engagement, and builds independence in young learners. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Mary Anne shares proven behavior strategies that turn morning transitions from chaotic to joyful.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How play-based mornings eliminate disruptive students and behavior challenges
✅ Effective teaching strategies for managing students through structured choice
✅ Classroom control techniques that build student motivation naturally
✅ Innovative teaching approaches for active learning and student participation
✅ Instructional strategies that work for difficult students and low engagement
✅ Teacher coaching insights for inspiring students and maintaining attention in class
✅ Inclusive teaching methods that support the whole child approach
Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, new teachers seeking professional development, and anyone interested in education transformation.
Mary Anne's pro-kid mindset and culturally responsive teaching create thriving students through empowered educators. Discover how this approach builds home-school connection and supports family partnerships while maintaining effective classroom behavior management.
Episode Mentions:
Olivia’s Article Highlighting Mary Anne’s Work Around Play:
- Wahl, Olivia. (2018). Why Every Kindergarten and First-Grade School Day Should Begin with Inquiry and Imaginative Play. Heinemann, Online.
Video Clips
- “Creating Citizens for the World — Early Educators Speak Out”
- “The Work of Play”
- “The End of Play: Why Kids Need Unstructured Time”
- “The High Quality Early Learning Project”
- “MIT Brain Study: Back-and-Forth Talk Key to Developing Kids’ Verbal Skills”
- “Kindergarten in the Wild”
- “Welcome to the School Where Kids Have Recess 4 Times a Day”
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction: Meet Mary Anne Camel
00:27 - The Power of Play in Early Education
01:21 - Learning from Mom: The First Teacher
02:17 - Why Every Day Should Start with Play
03:24 - Morning Routine: Setting Up for Success
04:33 - How Students Choose Their Play Areas
05:22 - Exploring Classroom Play Centers
07:08 - Teaching Independence Through Clear Expectations
09:07 - Using Questions to Spark Curiosity in Block Play
10:31 - Managing Snack Time During Play
12:03 - Coaching Children Without Solving Problems
13:10 - Navigating Conflicts: When Kids Want the Same Area
14:29 - The 75-Minute Play Block: Making Time Work
15:28 - Community Cleanup: Building Responsibility
17:16 - Long-term Impact: From Kindergarten to Fourth Grade
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted