The Teacher's Forum
Welcome to The Teacher's Forum, hosted by David Harris, a veteran educator with 33 years of experience in private, public, and charter schools.
The Teacher's Forum explores the people, ideas, and issues shaping education and the world around us. Through conversations with educators, authors, researchers, students, and other thought leaders from across the United States and around the globe, we share diverse perspectives, inspiring stories, and practical insights that inform, challenge, and inspire.
Whether you're an educator, a student, or simply someone who loves learning, there's a place for you in the conversation.
Visit theteachersforum.org, follow @theforum1993 on X, connect with David on Threads and Instagram @dwharris1691, or email david@theteachersforum.org with your thoughts, episode ideas, or if you'd like to be a guest on the show.
The Teacher's Forum
James Baldwin at 100: Teaching Race, Identity, and the Power of Truth
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In this special episode in honor of James Baldwin's 100th birthday we are joined by two distinguished educators, Dr. Yven Destin and Tyron Dandridge to discuss the life and works of James Baldwin and his impact on American history and fiction. They explore their personal encounters with Baldwin's work and how it has influenced their careers as educators. The conversation delves into the challenges of teaching Baldwin's work in predominantly white schools and the importance of confronting the lie of America's innocence. They also discuss the relevance of Baldwin's teachings in the current social and political climate. The conversation explores the themes of education, race, and identity through the lens of James Baldwin's work. The guests discuss the importance of teaching critical thinking and engaging in conversations about race and the lie of American exceptionalism. They also delve into Baldwin's sexuality and its impact on his writing. Dr. Destin also discusses his recently published book, What Can James Baldwin's "Little Man" Teach us About Children and Our Responsibility to Them. The conversation highlights the significance of Baldwin's legacy in inspiring future generations of students and educators. Recommended books by Baldwin include The Fire Next Time, Another Country, and the play Blues for Mr. Charlie. In addition, Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie Glaude.
Additional Baldwin Resources:
"James Baldwin: The Last Interview" with Richard Goldstein
A Talk to Teachers Essay 1963
Here Be Dragons
I Am Not Your Negro (Streaming on Hulu)
Dr. Yven Destin: yven.destin@gmail.com; www.youtube.com/@BaldwinPoet
Tyren Dandridge: tyrendandridge@gmail.com
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- david@theteachersforum.org
- @theteachersforum.bsky.social
- X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
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