Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools

Paula Luxenberg is an MPS Parent and leader of the Minneapolis chapter of Integrated Schools. Paula joins Heather to discuss complicated topics around integration, segregation, and desegregation, with clear values.

Paula Luxenberg is an MPS Parent and leader of the Minneapolis chapter of Integrated Schools. Paula joins Heather to discuss complicated topics around integration, segregation, and desegregation, with clear values.

Zay Martin, Keke Ivie, and Ninah Abdullah are students at Camden High School. They join us to talk about the ways they have been impacted by participating in classes and services from the Office of Black Student Achievement. Amongst cuts to this department, hear why our Black students need classes built for them.

Quintrell Robinson is a student athlete at Washburn High School who joins us to talk about tenacity and learning to try new things. Listen in to hear about and learn from his experiences.

Carmen Garrigos is a teacher at Lucy Laney who joins us to share her experiences, from student teaching to her current classroom. Ms. Garrigos joins us to talk about how she supports students in feeling safe everyday.

Scott Teigland is a 3rd grade teacher at Lucy Craft Laney Elementary School. He joins us on Belonging in Classrooms to share how he leads with high expectations and joy in his classroom.

Paula Cole, Executive Director of Educators for Excellence MN, joins us to talk about the READ Act. From the legislation itself, to its impact on students and educators, this episode features content for caregivers and educators.

Lisa Skjefte and Kija Deer join us to talk about their work at MIGIZI, supporting and empowering Native youth. Listen in to hear about the power of letting youth lead, the wisdom in Native culture, and the ways our current systems aren't meeting the needs of students.

Lara Bergman is a parent leader in MPS with a wealth of knowledge from her own experiences as an MPS student, early childhood educator, and leader in her community. Are you a parent leader looking to learn about how you can grow your advocacy in MPS? You won't want to miss this episode!

Richelle Norton is the owner of North Star Art Club, an MPS parent and former MPS educator. Richelle joins us to talk about the impact art can have on students and adults, her experiences as an MPS parent, and her learnings from being an MPS educator.

Nina Duffeck is a High Five Teacher at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School. She joins us to talk about her students, how she incorporates Social Emotional Learning, and the joys of teaching.

Ms. Julia Freeman is the Director of Community Engagement at Voices for Racial Justice and the Board Chair of the Advancing Equity Coalition. Julia joins Heather to talk about the purpose of being in coalition, the EDIA committee and its role in MPS, and the needs of our students in Minneapolis.

Lisa Beck is the Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet at MPS. Lisa joins us to talk about the challenges that MPS faces around transportation, things to consider for caregivers, and exciting future plans. Tune in to learn more!

In an introduction to Season 2 of Belonging in Classrooms, Heather outlines the current landscape of MPS to set the stage for the stories that we will be sharing this season.

Claire and Anna are parents of MPS students who have advocated for a gender inclusion policy in Minneapolis Public Schools. This episode explores what is included in the new MPS gender inclusion policy, how we work to hold the district accountable for following it, and their own journeys as advocates for their kids and all MPS students.

There is so much wisdom from this group of students, that we are bringing you Part 2 of a two-part series These young women cover senioritis, the draw of skipping class, how our classrooms have changed post-pandemic, and what it means to be a black student in MPS.

There is so much wisdom from this group of students, that we are bringing you Part 1 of a two-part series tomorrow. These young women cover senioritis, the draw of skipping class, how our classrooms have changed post-pandemic, and what it means to be a black student in MPS.

Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools Patrick Carpenter is an Interventionist at South High School. Patrick joins us to talk about the ways intervention triads have impacted students and their relationship with school, along with the ways he prioritizes relationships with students.

Elliott Woody is the Physical Education teacher at Olson Middle School. Mr. Woody joins us to talk about how he builds relationships with students through athletics, the challenges of meeting a diverse set of needs, and the role a gymnasium plays in a community.

Joey Lash, Social Studies Teacher at Olson Middle School, joins us to talk about how he supports his students through balancing high expectations, authenticity, and deep belief in what they are capable of.

Emily Renner is the Social Emotional Learning Teacher on Special Assignment and Behavior Interventionist at Nellie Stone Johnson. Ms. Emily joins us to talk about the ways she supports students through social and emotional skill building.

Coach Marshall, Coach T, and Junior Coach Alondra join Heather to talk about the work that Playworks does in MPS schools to support healthy, inclusive play environments for all students.

Tracy Byrd, known to students as Coach Byrd, Mr. Byrd, or just Byrd, is an English Teacher at Washburn High School. Also serving as a track and football coach, Mr. Byrd grounds all of his work with students in relationships. Hear his wisdom on this episode of Belonging in Classrooms.

Eryn Warne is the Principal at Edison High School. Principal Warne joins us to talk about Tommie Opportunity Hour, the power in giving students freedom and leadership, and so much more.

Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools Martez, Arie, and Yanna, students from Washburn, share about how we can support our students in their learning, the challenges that students face on a daily basis (both physically and mentally), and the impact MPS has had on them. Listen in as they share their experiences.

How do we practice belonging in one of the most segregated spaces in America? Who are the people challenging the systems? What do they do differently? What do they wish you knew about their experience? Join us on a journey to tell the stories of educators, students, and community members working to dismantle racism in Minneapolis Public Schools.

Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools Kelly Wright is the principal of Nellie Stone Johnson. Principal Wright joins us to talk about how she uses data and resources to be proactive in supporting students.

Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools. Sam Vahhaji is a student leader at Southwest, as well as being an entrepreneur and visionary. Sam joins us to talk about what it feels like to lead, why leaders need to be diverse, and why students need to lead.

Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools Halimah Abdullah is a student at Southwest and also serves as a student representative on the MPS School Board. Halimah joins us to talk about being a student leader of color in MPS, imposter syndrome, and her beliefs in the power of students.

Belonging in Classrooms: Stories of Anti-Racism in Minneapolis Public Schools Morgan McDonald is a Student Support Specialist at Lucy Laney and the founder of the Lucy Laney Boxing Academy. In this episode of Belonging in Classrooms, Mr. McDonald shares about how he stays present with students and how "experience is everything." Interested in supporting the Lucy Laney Boxing Academy? Venmo Mr. McDonald: @Morgan-McDonald-15964

Our premier episode brings stores about being a black student in MPS. Washburn students, Hattie and Aiyanna, join Heather to talk about what anti-racism looks and feels like in the classroom, and the educators in their lives who have helped them belong.