The Teacher's Forum
Welcome to "The Teacher's Forum" hosted by David Harris, a veteran educator with 30 years of experience in private, public, and charter schools. This podcast is your platform to hear the voices of educators from the United States and around the world, with a special focus on educators of color, who are often overlooked in crucial education discussions today. Join us as we dive into important topics, and experiences of K-12 educators, and get a chance to hear from David’s former students, as they share their stories, insights, and experiences. Be sure to tune in and let's celebrate the dedication and excellence of educators together!
Follow The Teacher's Forum on X (Twitter) @thefourm1993 or email us at david@theteachersforum.org with your thoughts for future programs or if you would 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
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993
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