PODCAST · education
Educational Equity Emancipation
by Dr. Almitra L. Berry
“We have to do better”… That’s Dr. Almitra Berry’s heart-felt answer when asked about educating children from diverse cultural and language backgrounds. Dr. Berry has a strong message for educators and school system leaders who don’t understand that cultural differences can profoundly affect the quality of education these children experience… “You have children with failing test scores. You have teachers who want to teach but aren’t given the freedom or allowed to use the tools and strategies they need. You have teachers leaving the profession in droves. And you have tax-paying parents who are very dissatisfied with their children’s education but don’t know how to effect change.” In other words, our education system has a crisis on its hands. And this crisis affects all of us, not just teachers and those in the educational establishment. It’s a crisis we must address if we’re going to have an exceptional
Episodes
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Episode 151: Juneteenth Reflections & Farewell: Dr. Almitra Berry’s Final Podcast + Next Steps, Book, and Community
Send a text In this special Juneteenth episode, Dr. Almitra L. Berry signs off from Educational Equity Emancipation, reflecting on the significance of Juneteenth as both celebration and reckoning. She connects its lessons to the current challenges facing DEI and educational equity, and shares why...
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Episode 150: Mental Health in Schools: Real Strategies for Equity, SEL, and Student Support
Send a text May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but for educators and students, the stress is year-round. In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry dives deep into the realities of mental health in schools-why it matters, how it intersects with equity, and what you can do right now to support every...
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Episode 149: Haitian Heritage Month in Schools: Representation, Culturally Relevant Curriculum, and Equity in Action
Send a text In this episode of the Educational Equity Emancipation Podcast, Dr. Almitra L. Berry dives deep into the significance of Haitian Heritage Month and why representation matters for every child-especially those whose stories are too often erased from our classrooms. Discover the powerful...
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Episode 148: Breaking Barriers: Literacy, Neurodiversity, and Educational Equity with Christina Rodriguez
Send a text Join Dr. Almitra Berry and Christina Rodriguez, founder of Tumbleweed Publishing, as they dive deep into transforming literacy education for neurodiverse and marginalized learners. Discover how culturally responsive, engaging decodable readers can empower children, challenge...
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Episode 147: Celebrating Diversity: Amplifying AANHPI Voices in Education
Send a text Dr. Almitra Berry explores the critical importance of recognizing and integrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage in K-12 education. She challenges stereotypes, advocates for authentic representation, and provides practical strategies for educators to...
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Episode 146: May Matters: Celebrating Diversity, Empowering Learners, and Advancing Educational Equity
Send a text Dr. Almitra Berry explores the rich cultural landscapes of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. She provides educators with actionable strategies to amplify diverse voices, support neurodiverse...
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Episode 145: Raising Little Justice Leaders: Empowering Children Through Social Awareness
Send a text Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, to explore the transformative power of social justice education for elementary-aged children. With a Ph.D. in Education from UCLA and over a decade of experience, Dr. Kretz shares how her…
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Episode 144: The Pearl's Journey: Unveiling DC's Emancipation Day and the Struggle for Freedom
Send a text Dive into the powerful story of the Pearl, the largest recorded escape attempt by enslaved Black people in 1848, and explore the profound significance of Washington DC's Emancipation Day. This episode uncovers the systemic inequities of the 1862 Compensated Emancipation Act, traces…
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Episode 143: Transforming Education: Equity, Empowerment, and the Culturally Competent Educator
Send a text Dr. Almitra Berry unveils her groundbreaking new book, "The Culturally Competent Educator," offering educators powerful strategies to create inclusive classrooms. Through personal stories and practical tools, she explores how to dismantle systemic inequities, celebrate diverse…
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Episode 142: Celebrating MENA Voices: Transforming Classrooms Through Cultural Understanding
Send a text Join Dr. Almitra Berry in this powerful episode of the 3E Podcast as she explores Arab American and Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Heritage Month. Discover practical strategies for educators to create more inclusive classrooms, incorporate diverse literature, and support MENA...
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Episode 141: Defending Disability Rights in Education: Protecting IDEA, Medicaid, and the Future of Special Education
Send a text In this powerful episode, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the critical challenges facing students with disabilities in the U.S. education system. She examines threats to IDEA and Medicaid funding, discusses potential impacts of Department of Education cuts, and provides actionable…
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Episode 140: Breaking Barriers: Inclusion, Equity & the Power of Intersectionality in Education
Send a text Welcome back, Equity Warriors! In this episode of the 3E Podcast, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the importance of March as National Disabilities Awareness Month, Women's History Month, and Ramadan—and how these observances intersect to shape our classrooms and communities. From the...
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Episode 139: Intersectionality & Book Bans: Why Politicos Demonize Race, LGBTQ+ Identity, & the Cultures of Marginalized Peoples
Send a text Join Dr. Almitra Berry and educational technology entrepreneur Heather Wiederstein for a timely revisit of their powerful 2023 conversation, newly urgent in today’s climate. This episode unpacks the intersectionality of Black/Brown and queer identities within DEI frameworks, exploring...
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Episode 138: Empowering Educators: Insights from Dr. Dana Goodier's Journey of Resilience
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes Dr. Dana Goodier, an educational powerhouse with 23 years of experience. Dr. Dana Goodier has taught World Languages and English and worked as a middle school administrator. She completed her doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in Educational…
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Episode 137: Examining Our Own Systems Through the Lens of Equity
Send a text Welcome to a special re-airing of the inaugural episode of the Educational Equity Emancipation Podcast, originally broadcast on October 20, 2022. This episode serves as the perfect introduction to Dr. Almitra Berry and the mission behind this transformative podcast, which has been...
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Episode 136: Addressing Racism in Schools: A Guide for Educators During Black Futures Month
Send a text This episode of the 3E Podcast addresses the urgent issue of racism and anti-DEI efforts in schools. Dr. Almitra Berry discusses the disturbing story of a 10-year-old Black girl with autism who was handcuffed by police, highlighting systemic inequities. The episode delves into data on...
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Episode 135: Celebrating Black History and Futures Through Storytelling
Send a text In this episode, host Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes author Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant creator of the bestselling Sophie Washington book series and the picture book "They Built Me for Freedom." Tonya shares how her personal experiences and the rich history of Black culture inspired...
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Episode 134: Envisioning Black Futures in Education
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry discusses the importance of shifting the focus from Black History Month to Black Futures Month. She highlights inspiring Black achievers in STEM, the arts, and education who are shaping the future, and provides actionable strategies for educators to...
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Episode 133: Healing Our Nation's Divisions Through Therapeutic Principles
Send a text In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes seasoned psychotherapist Phyllis Levitt, author of the book "America in Therapy." Phyllis shares her unique perspective on applying therapeutic principles to address the growing divisions impacting our children and...
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Episode 132: Gratitude, Growth, and the Road Ahead
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry reflects on the journey of the 3E Podcast over the past two and a half years. She expresses deep gratitude to her listeners, guests, and the behind-the-scenes heroes who have contributed to the podcast's success. Dr. Berry also shares her plans for...
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Episode 131: Empowering Neurodiverse Students: An Interview with Educational Therapist Jenny Drennan
Send a text In this episode of the 3E Podcast, host Dr. Almitra Berry interviews Jenny Drennan, an educational therapist and ADHD student coach who empowers students to become self-sufficient learners. Jenny guides students and parents in transferring responsibility and ownership, using…
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Episode 130: Transforming Education in 2025: Trends, Tools, and Strategies for Equity-Driven Change
Send a text In this episode of the 3E Podcast, we kick off the new year by exploring the top education trends for 2025 that every K-12 educator and leader needs to know. From the transformative Science of Reading to the importance of educational policies for marginalized learners, we delve into…
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Episode 129: Empowering Young Voices: Strategies for Early Language Development with Jeaneen Tang
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes Jeaneen Tang, a speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience and a mother to a child with special needs. Jeaneen shares her unique insights on early language development and discusses strategies to empower young voices and...
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Episode 128: Harnessing the Principles of Kwanzaa for Inclusive Education
Send a text This episode explores the cultural celebration of Kwanzaa and how its principles can be incorporated into educational settings to create more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments. The host discusses the history and significance of Kwanzaa, its seven core…
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Episode 127: From Segregated Streets to Global Connections: A Unique Perspective on Racism and Healing
Send a text In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes JD, a unique storyteller with a background in Organizational Psychology. JD shares his journey from growing up in the segregated streets of St. Louis to becoming part of an international community of black expatriates....
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Episode 126: Revamping Higher Ed
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry discusses her vision for redesigning higher education to prioritize equity and address the critical educator shortage crisis. She outlines key focus areas such as ensuring equal access and outcomes, implementing culturally responsive curricula,...
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Episode 125: Celebrating the Diverse Tapestry of December Holidays
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the rich array of December holidays celebrated across the United States and North America. From Christian holidays like Christmas to Jewish Hanukkah, Buddhist Bodhi Day, and secular observances like New Year's Eve, she emphasizes the...
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Episode 124: Empowering Every Child: Strategies for Transformative Schools
Send a text \In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes guest Eugene Williams, an author, educator, and former child actor. They discuss strategies to increase parental involvement, especially in middle and high school, and the importance of engaging diverse communities and embracing...
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Episode 123: Empowering Parents Through Charter School Choice
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Shelby Mims and Julie Takata from Charter Schools Now, a Texas-based organization dedicated to mobilizing charter school supporters, engaging in elections, and fostering bipartisan partnerships to create thriving educational...
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Episode 122: Decoding Trauma, Building Resilience: A Conversation with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a nationally recognized expert in childhood trauma and resilience. Dr. Robyn Koslowitz shares her personal story of overcoming trauma and developing PTSD as a child, and how it motivated her to empower parents to…
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Episode 121: Overcoming the Odds: A Daughter's Journey with Parental Incarceration
Send a text In this powerful episode, Christina "Pip" Pipkin shares her personal story of growing up with a father who was wanted by the FBI. Despite the challenges she faced, Pip found her way to success, becoming an educator and pursuing a doctorate. She reflects on the crucial role her…
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Episode 120: Elevating New Voices: A Conversation with Christina Pipkin
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Christina Pipkin, a lifelong educator and equity warrior, to discuss her personal journey and the importance of supporting students with incarcerated parents. Pipkin shares her own experiences growing up with an incarcerated father and...
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Episode 119: Transforming School Meals: An Equity-Focused Conversation with Dennis Thomas
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Amitra Berry interviews Dennis Thomas, the former Vice President of Strategic Development at Organic Life and founder of DT Global Consulting. With a wealth of experience in business development in the education food service industry, Dennis is passionate about...
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Episode 118: The Devastating Impact of Project 2025 on Marginalized Learners and Special Education
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Amitra Berry dives deep into the last two key issues of Project 2025 - the proposed elimination of Title I funding and the restructuring of special education funding. She explains how these changes would have a devastating impact on students of color, LGBTQ...
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Episode 117: The Transformative Possibilities of Privilege
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Jason Browne, a masterful storyteller and seasoned speaker. Jason has a book coming out along with a new podcast, and he recently captivated audiences with a TEDx talk offering a surprising perspective on the topic of both his book and...
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Episode 116: The Impact of Project 2025 on Inclusive School Policies
Send a text What if protecting parental rights means jeopardizing the safety and autonomy of LGBTQ+ students? In this thought-provoking episode of the 3E Podcast, guest host Christina Pipkin, known as Pip, tackles the contentious topic of Project 2025's Suggested Mandates for Parental Rights in...
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Episode 115: Transforming Public Education Through Servant Leadership
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry interviews Kevin Johnson, the founder and CEO of the Johnson Leadership Group. They discuss Kevin's background, his passion for writing and promoting literacy, and his insights on leadership and accountability in public education. Kevin emphasizes…
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Episode 114: Defending Educational Equity: Exposing the Threats of Project 2025
Send a text In this episode, the speaker delves into the concerning proposals within Project 2025 that aim to limit federal civil rights enforcement and change student discipline policies, which would disproportionately harm marginalized students. The speaker highlights the critical role of the...
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Episode 113: Navigating the Tween Years: Strategies for Meaningful Connection"
Send a text Communication Coach Marcus Aurelius Higgs shares his "Show Up" framework and strategies to help parents maintain a meaningful relationship with their preteen (ages 10-14), including the importance of "you time" and navigating the digital landscape. Bio: M. Aurelius Higgs Marcus is a...
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Episode 112: The Threat of Privatizing Project 2025 to Public Education
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry discusses the concerning details of Project 2025, a plan championed by the Heritage Foundation that aims to dismantle the federal Department of Education and redirect public education funding to private and religious schools through voucher programs....
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Episode 111: Curriculum Concerns: Analyzing Project 2025's Proposed Changes
Send a text Dr. Almitra Berry analyzes the curriculum changes proposed in Project 2025, a conservative plan to reshape education. She discusses the impact of narrowing the curriculum, whitewashing history, and the problematic approach to science. Dr. Berry addresses concerns about standardized...
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Episode 110: Elevating New Voices: An Unfiltered Conversation on Educational Inequity
Send a text In this special extended interview, Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Mark Norwood to dive deeper into his personal experiences and perspectives on educational inequity. They discuss the impact of teachers, the importance of cursive writing, and the challenges of policing in schools....
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Episode 109: An Equity Warrior's Journey: Mark Norwood Shares His Fight for Educational Justice
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Amitra Berry introduces Mark Norwood, an equity warrior who shares his personal journey and fight for educational equity. Mark recounts experiences with inequity, from being tracked into lower-level classes to witnessing resource disparities across schools. He...
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Episode 108: The Devastating Impact of Eliminating the Department of Education
Send a text In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry explores the potential consequences of eliminating the Department of Education as proposed in Project 2025. She highlights the importance of federal education funding, regulations, and data collection in ensuring equity and quality in education. Dr....
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Episode 107: Project 2025: A Seismic Shift in American Education?
Send a text In this episode of the 3E Podcast, Dr. Almitra Berry discusses Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint that aims to dramatically overhaul the US education system. Berry highlights 12 key impacts of the proposed changes, including the elimination of the Department of Education,...
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Episode 106: Debunking the Myth of the 'Golden Age' of American Education
Send a text In this episode of our podcast, Dr. Almitra Berry delves into the concept of the "golden age" of American K-12 education, questioning its existence for all students. The discussion centers on educational equity, evaluating metrics like high school graduation rates and college...
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Episode 105: Cultivating Active Citizens: Strategies for Teaching Civic Education in a Changing Landscape
Send a text This episode of the 3E Podcast discusses the importance of civic education for democracy and empowering students. Host Dr. Almitra Berry emphasizes strategies like critical thinking, media literacy and engagement with current events. However, she notes challenges from state…
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Episode 104: Pat Your Weave and Get a Psych Eval as a Bonus
Send a text This episode focuses on culturally responsive teaching. Dr. Berry tells a story showing how a teacher's lack of cultural knowledge led to misunderstanding a student. She stresses the need for implicit bias training, cultural awareness, and teaching practices that respect all students'...
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Episode 103: What Would Frederick Douglass Say?
Send a text This episode discusses Frederick Douglass' 1852 speech criticizing American hypocrisy on Independence Day while slavery still existed. Dr. Berry reinterprets Douglass' words to draw parallels to modern educational inequities such as lack of resources during remote learning and...
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Episode 102: The Thin Line: Educational Equity and the 10 Commandments in Public Schools
Send a text This episode discusses a new Louisiana law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments. It argues this can marginalize students of other faiths and negatively impact educational equity. Examples are given of how students from minority religions may feel excluded or…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
“We have to do better”… That’s Dr. Almitra Berry’s heart-felt answer when asked about educating children from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
Dr. Berry has a strong message for educators and school system leaders who don’t understand that cultural differences can profoundly affect the quality of education these children experience…
“You have children with failing test scores. You have teachers who want to teach but aren’t given the freedom or allowed to use the tools and strategies they need. You have teachers leaving the profession in droves.
And you have tax-paying parents who are very dissatisfied with their children’s education but don’t know how to effect change.”
In other words, our education system has a crisis on its hands. And this crisis affects all of us, not just teachers and those in the educational establishment.
It’s a crisis we must address if we’re going to have an exceptional
HOSTED BY
Dr. Almitra L. Berry
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