Let's K12 Better

Amber Coleman-Mortley (@MomOfAllCapes)

Join Amber (@MomOfAllCapes) and her kids at their kitchen table, where family discussions are fun and informative! Learn from experts and explore innovative ideas that push for more meaningful, equitable, and compassionate K12 learning experiences for kids, parents, and educators. read less
Kids & FamilyKids & Family

Episodes

Let’s Talk About Redefining Geek with Cassidy Puckett
May 21 2022
Let’s Talk About Redefining Geek with Cassidy Puckett
What does it mean to be “good” with technology? What are the 5 hidden habits of tech-savvy teens? How can educators and parents support technology learning habits in young people?In this episode, we sat down with Cassidy Puckett, assistant professor of sociology at Emory University. Cassidy is the author of REDEFINING GEEK: Bias and the Five Hidden Habits of Tech-Savvy Teens. Cassidy brings us research findings on digital equity; tangible tips for supporting young people of all backgrounds as they navigate (and build) technology; and suggestions on how we adults can reframe our understanding of what is the root cause of the STEM pipeline issue.Connect on Social Media:Twitter: @CassidyCody | #RedefiningGeekInstagram: @redefining.geekLinkedIn: Cassidy PuckettCheck out Cassidy Puckett’s research, books, and more on her website!Additional Resources:PBS NewsHour interview: As colleges and universities drop admission tests, what’s the impact on enrollment? Read the book: Redefining Geek Bias and the Five Hidden Habits of Tech-Savvy Teens Use the code UCPSOC for 20% off the book. A portion of the proceeds goes to Urban Promise Academy in Oakland, CA!Send us your community letters!Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain issue? Send us your questions! Your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section.  Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail! *Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Music written and produced by Garvey Mortley. The Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Support the show
Let’s Talk About Civil Discourse with Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney
May 12 2022
Let’s Talk About Civil Discourse with Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney
“Social Studies is the curriculum of how we live our life.” YES!  In this episode, we sat down with veteran educators Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney, co-authors of Civil Discourse Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities.  How do we leverage intellectual discomfort to grow and challenge ourselves and each other? What is the role of civil discourse in the social studies classroom and in other important spaces? Joe and Nichelle discuss how we work together to be better and why we need to build the skills to courageously engage in challenging and transformative conversations.Connect on Social Media:Follow Joe on Twitter: @madisonteacherFollow Nichelle on Twitter: @msnikki_pPurchase the book or get professional development:Purchase the book Civil Discourse Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities Find the companion website with resources for classrooms and communities  Bring Joe Schmidt and Nichelle Pinkney in for professional development! Joe Schmidt’s website Send us your community letters!Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain issue? Send us your questions! Your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section.  Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail! *Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Music written and produced by Garvey MortleyThe Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Support the show
Let's Talk About Education, Play, and Equity with Karyn Allee, PhD
Apr 20 2022
Let's Talk About Education, Play, and Equity with Karyn Allee, PhD
How does chronic stress impact the brain? How does play support pro-social behavior in kids? What are misnomers about Title 1 schools? How can we better equip new teachers working in high-challenge schools so they can meet the needs of the students in their communities? How do we tell the difference between poverty stressors and brain function and learning disabilities or ADD, ADHD?Grab a pen and get ready to take notes! In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Karyn Allee, veteran educator and Assistant Professor of Education at Mercer University to discuss education equity, increasing play in schools, and shifting our mindset around how we help schools in communities that are experiencing more challenges. Connect on Social Media:Twitter: @karynallee | #PlayInSchoolIsAnEquityIssueInstagram: @KarynAlleeLinkedIn: Karyn Allee, PhDCheck out Dr. Karyn Allee’s publications on ORCID or her Google Scholar Page!Resources mentioned in the episode:Search for an accredited Early Child Care Center/Preschool via the NAEYC link to help families find good daycare: https://families.naeyc.org/find-quality-child-careHarvard Center on the Developing Child Podcast (The Brain Architects) and Resource LibrarySend us your community letters!Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain issue? Send us your questions! Your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section.  Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Music written and produced by Garvey MortleyThe Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Support the show
Let's Talk About Civics and Youth Voice with Elizabeth Clay Roy, Generation Citizen
Apr 6 2022
Let's Talk About Civics and Youth Voice with Elizabeth Clay Roy, Generation Citizen
What is action civics? Why is student voice so important, especially right now? How can we use informed civics and action civics more efficiently together? How can we expand our understanding of what equity in civics could mean?  So many questions!Civic education plays an important role in building a more inclusive, participatory, and equitable democracy. In this episode, we sat down with Elizabeth Clay Roy, CEO of Generation Citizen, a national nonprofit committed to providing youth with the knowledge and skills they need to actively participate in our democracy.Connect with Generation Citizen on Social Media:Twitter: @GenCitizen Instagram: @GenerationCitizenLinkedIn: Generation CitizenFacebook: Generation CitizenGet resources to support your young civic participants! Democracy Doesn't Pause resource for educators and familiesGeneration Citizen websiteToo much money in politics, and not enough in democracy by Elizabeth Clay Roy via The HillSend us your community letters!Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain issue? Send us your questions! Your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section.  Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!*Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!The Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Music written and produced by Garvey MortleySupport the show
Let’s Talk About News and History with David Olson, Retro Report
Mar 23 2022
Let’s Talk About News and History with David Olson, Retro Report
What makes current events so important? Where does news intersect with history? How do we find resources to support important civic conversations? What should parents understand about the importance of social studies and civic education, current events, or media literacy? In this episode, we sat down with David Olson, the Director of Education at Retro Report, a non-profit media company dedicated to connecting history to today’s news. Learn more about this wonderful resource and what David has to say about social studies, current events, and media literacy!“What’s On Your Mind?” Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain issue? Send us your questions! Your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section.  Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! We mentioned the following resources:Frontline PBS Film - American Reckoning Classroom materials via Retro Report  Education pageSign up for the free webinar “Tools for Teaching Immigration and Migration” scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th from 7 - 8 PM ET. Register here: bit.ly/TeachingImmigrationConnect on Social Media:David Olson on Twitter (@davidjohnolson)Retro Report on Twitter (@RetroReport)Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!*Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Music written and produced by Garvey Mortley.The Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Support the show
Schooling Through The Pandemic… What’s Changed?
Mar 17 2022
Schooling Through The Pandemic… What’s Changed?
We started our podcast to discuss K12 education as a project and a response to COVID-19 with our first episode, “Schooling Through An Apocalypse.” What’s changed in education since lockdown happened in March 2020? Lots! In this episode, we discuss Virtual Academy, how schooling has evolved over the last two years, and more. Mom gets feedback on her parenting during the pandemic… and there is a bird by our window looking for love. (Shoutout to the Vernal Equinox! What, whaaat!!!)Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a particular issue? Send us your questions! Tell us “What’s On Your Mind?” your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section. Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! Listen to the episode that started it all, Season 1, Episode 1!  Schooling Through An Apocalypse. Our community question touched upon education and Black students and educators. Here's what Amber's reading that she mentioned in the episode... Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching by Jarvis R. GivensThe Education oF Blacks in the South 1860-1935 by James D. AndersonLove our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!  Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail! Music written and produced by Garvey MortleyThe Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Support the show
Welcome Back, it’s Black History Month… What, whaaat?!
Feb 17 2022
Welcome Back, it’s Black History Month… What, whaaat?!
Welcome to season 3 and Happy Black History Month! We open up the season with a discussion on current events, books we’re reading, and how we plan to set the tone for this upcoming season. FYI… we are working on a new sound setup. We haven’t learned it all yet and appreciate your patience. We are attempting to capture all the nuances of the conversation by recording the whole table. Don’t forget to tell us “What’s On Your Mind?” Are you saddled with a troubling situation? Curious to hear what we think about a certain issue? Send us your questions! Your query may end up on the Let’s K12 Better podcast in our community letters section.  Send your celebrations and questions to this form or email us: LetsK12Better@gmail.com! We mentioned the following articles:AirTag stalking: Alleged victims speak out as privacy concerns mount over new Apple tracking product Police arrest protesters who remained at US-Canada bridge 5 Ways Young People are Using Discord We are reading the following books:Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning Book by Cathy Park Hong Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. MorrisFeminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood by Brittney Cooper, Chanel Craft Tanner, and Susana M. Morris Fugitive Pedagogy: Carter G. Woodson and the Art of Black Teaching by Jarvis R. GivensThe Education oF Blacks in the South 1860-1935 by James D. AndersonWe discussed the criminalization of Black girls. Please read this article to learn more: The Criminalization of Black Women Starts EarlyMore on news and media literacy:Play iCivics NewsFeed Defenders!Learn more National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE)Music written and produced by Garvey MortleyThe Let’s K12Better podcast is written and produced by Amber Coleman-Mortley, Garvey Mortley, Naima Mortley, and Sofia Mortley.Support the show
Speaking Life Into Our Students with Ashley Tucker
Dec 16 2021
Speaking Life Into Our Students with Ashley Tucker
Many discussions on equity often fail to center the needs of special education students. In this episode, we sat down with  Ashley Tucker, special educator, Dean, social-emotional learning enthusiast, and Ed Leadership student at Teachers College. On her Instagram she shares anti-racist, trauma-informed resources.  We discuss a variety of techniques and strategies parents and educators can use as they learn emotionally alongside their students.Follow on Social Media: Ashley Tucker on Instagram: @teacherspayblackteachersAshley Tucker on Twitter: @ashleytuckFind books, resources, and more:Ashley Tucker Linktree - https://linktr.ee/teacherspayblackteachersWhy SEL Matters Even More in Schools: https://www.6seconds.org/2020/10/09/sel-covid/ Summer Principal’s Academy 2020 Cohort: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/organization-and-leadership/spa-nyc/students/2020-cohort/  Looking for more ways to understand and use person-centered language?Unhandicap Your Language (Colorado State University) https://disabilitycenter.colostate.edu/inclusive-language/ How to be more inclusive when it comes to developmental disabilities https://www.communityhealthmagazine.com/mind_and_body/social_health/how-to-be-more-inclusive-when-it-comes-to-developmental-disabilities/article_45088c98-70f5-11e9-a1b7-8745d90d6bab.html We also share our thoughts on the South Dakota icerink competition that had teachers foraging for $1 bills, Time Person of the Year, and bell hooks and her impact on intersectional feminism. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!*Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Support the show
Historical Empathy, Making it Real for Kids with Dr. Katie Perrotta
Dec 9 2021
Historical Empathy, Making it Real for Kids with Dr. Katie Perrotta
Do history, civics, and empathy work together? YES… yes, they work together! And if we allow them to work together, our students gain an appreciation for the act of “doing” social studies and history. We can make history come alive when students have the opportunity to explore cultural, gendered, and racial perspectives within the context of a historical period as part of their own understanding of civic agency.  In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Katie Perrotta, Assistant Professor of Middle Grades and Secondary Education with an emphasis on social studies education in the Mercer University College of Education. In our conversation, we cover how to make history come alive for students because kids should experience a vibrant, inclusive, truthful history paired with engaging civic experiences that solve real-world problems.Follow on Social Media: Dr. Katie Perrotta on Twitter: @DrKAPerrottaFind books, resources, and more:The Elizabeth Jennings Project: https://elizabethjenningsproject.wordpress.com/ Dr. Katie Perrotta at Mercer University: https://education.mercer.edu/faculty-and-staff/katherine-perrotta/  *In this episode, we mentioned the Texas legislature Senate Bill 3 and how it goes against best practices and stifles agency and creativity in history, social studies, and civics classrooms.  Learn more about that bill here (but also read the actual bill and see if you agree or not for yourself): https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/872/billtext/pdf/SB00003F.pdf#navpanes=0 https://www.chron.com/politics/article/Texas-critical-race-theory-law-schools-16678700.php https://www.texastribune.org/2021/12/02/texas-critical-race-theory-law/  *UPDATE: we fixed a small audio error. Thanks so much for being patient and for sticking with us as we learn! ---Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!Support the show
Raising Digital Natives with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Sep 3 2021
Raising Digital Natives with Dr. Devorah Heitner
Technology is a tool for innovation,  a medium for self-expression, and an opportunity for us to push the boundary of what we know. Technology and the internet hold the potential to be leveraged for immense good, as well as, extreme ill intent. Often parents and educators are worried about the ways in which young people will use technology negatively. Instead, we should model positive tech habits for our kids, discuss our expectations for them when they're online, and get a lot more curious and excited about kids' lived experiences with technology. How do we respect our kids’ privacy and digital footprint? How can parents become more aware of the challenges kids face while growing up in the digital era? How do we prepare kids to have the skills, awareness, and empathy they need to thrive in a digital world? In this episode, we sat down with digital parenting guru, Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and the founder of Raising Digital Natives. Our favorite takeaway from this episode... remember that there's a person on the other side of the screen receiving your communications. Follow Dr. Devorah Heitner on Social Media: Dr. Devorah Heitner on Instagram: @RaisingDigitalNatives Dr. Devorah Heitner on Twitter: @DevorahHeitnerDr. Devorah Heitner on Facebook: /RaisingDigitalNatives Raising Digital Natives Website: https://www.raisingdigitalnatives.com/screenwise/   The Challenges of Raising a Digital Native | Devorah Heitner, Ph.D. | TEDxNaperville: https://youtu.be/eRQdAOrqvGg    Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!*Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Support the show
Building and Nurturing Supportive Communities with Camille Robinson
Aug 18 2021
Building and Nurturing Supportive Communities with Camille Robinson
Every parent could use more support and more joy. Did you know that you could be a catalyst for support and for joy not only in your own life but in the lives of others? What are you pouring into the communities you’re part of? How are you sharing your expertise and wisdom with others? How do community members support each other and learn from one another? In this episode, we sat down with Camille Robinson (Camille Joy), mother of five, host of the Moments of Joy podcast, and founder of The Real Moms Club on Clubhouse. Camille brings joy to her parenting, her entrepreneurship, her podcasting, and her community. We learned a lot about balance, being grounded in your faith, and taking time for self-care. We named Camille the fairy godmother of podcasting because she shares her knowledge with others aspiring to podcast and bring their message to the world. Follow on Social Media: Camille Robinson on Instagram: @MomentsOfJoyPodcast Camille Robinson on Twitter: @MomentsOfJoyPodCamille Robinson on Facebook: /MomentsOfJoyPodcast Camille Robinson on Clubhouse: @MomentsOfJoyPod Camille Robinson’s Podcast and Website: https://www.mojpodcast.com/meet-camille The Real Moms Club on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/club/TheREALMomClub   Resources available at the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, Culturally Responsive Parenting resources: https://parentandteen.com/category/culturally-responsive-parenting/Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!*Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Support the show
Reclaiming Our Collective History with Larissa Lam and Baldwin Chiu
Jul 7 2021
Reclaiming Our Collective History with Larissa Lam and Baldwin Chiu
How can we live history, right now, today? History comes to life when we can connect legislation, Supreme Court rulings, and major historic events to real people. When we understand the impact of historic events and decisions on people’s lives, we gain the humility and empathy to dissolve barriers that prevent us from connecting with others and learning from past mistakes.In this episode, we sit down with filmmakers, podcasters, and content creators, Larissa Lam and Baldwin Chiu to learn about their film Far East Deep South and how their family journey opened up so many epiphanies about what it means to be an American.Feeling inspired? Check out our Collective History Family Discussion Questions and Activities: https://www.momofallcapes.com/blog/reclaiming-our-collective-history Connect with Larissa, Baldwin, and watch the Film:Check out the documentary Far East Deep South: https://fareastdeepsouth.com/Educational licensing of Far East Deep South available through http://newday.comFollow on Social Media: Far East Deep South on Instagram: @fareastdeepsouth Far East Deep South on Twitter: @fareastdeepso Larissa on Instagram: @larissalammusic Larissa on Twitter: @larissalam Baldwin on Instagram: @onlywonmc  Baldwin on Twitter: @onlywon More Larissa and Baldwin Awesomeness: Love Discovery and Dim Sum Podcast: https://fareastdeepsouth.com/podcast/Asian Americans Make History: https://youtu.be/Vl_0qdAPUGs ----------Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/LetsK12BetterMail!*Love our podcast? Rate. Review. Share!Support the show