Épisodes

  • On Co-Teaching, Rest, and Black Educator Retention with Keisha Rembert

    On Co-Teaching, Rest, and Black Educator Retention with Keisha Rembert
    Mar 4 2025

    In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with award-winning educator and advocate Keisha Rembert to discuss her journey in education, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of racial literacy, affinity spaces, and wellness.

    Keisha reflects on her 17-year career as a middle school educator, emphasizing how she initially resisted entering the profession. Coming from a lineage of Black educators, she found herself drawn into teaching after a series of experiences, including substitute teaching, which led her to recognize her passion for learning and co-teaching with students. She shares how her students played an integral role in shaping the curriculum, a strategy that strengthened engagement and student agency.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    49 min
  • Beyond the Principal's Office: Finding New Ways to Serve with Dr. Adrienne Davenport

    Beyond the Principal's Office: Finding New Ways to Serve with Dr. Adrienne Davenport
    Feb 18 2025

    In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, and author, to talk about career transitions, leadership, and the realities of being a Black educator.

    Dr. Davenport shares how she unexpectedly entered the field of education, her journey from teacher to administrator, and why she made the bold decision to leave her role as a principaleven before knowing what was next. She reflects on what schools need to do to attract, support, and retain Black educators, the importance of instructional leadership, and why stepping outside of your comfort zone is the key to growth.

    If youre an educator thinking about making a shift, an aspiring leader, or just someone who needs a reminder that faith, preparation, and trusting your instincts matter, this episode is for you.



    What Youll Hear in This Episode:

    [00:02:00] Dr. Davenports unexpected journey into education and how she pivoted from a legal career to teaching
    [00:05:00] Navigating family and community expectations when making a career switch
    [00:08:00] Teaching middle school: Why eighth graders were her favorite students
    [00:15:45] "If you want something, you have to go out and get it." The importance of career growth and leadership development
    [00:16:45] "When you get too comfortable, you dont grow." Why taking risks in your career is necessary
    [00:24:45] "I didnt know what was next, but this wasnt it." Walking away from a leadership role without a set plan
    [00:33:45] The role of Black educators as ambassadors for the profession
    [00:37:00] Barriers to entering education: cost, licensing exams, and lack of support
    [00:43:15] "You cannot be afraid of instruction." The key to effective school leadership
    [00:50:45] "None of us have arrived. Every morning we get another opportunity." Finding wellness, peace, and purpose in education



    Quotes Worth Sharing:

    "We have to be good ambassadors of our profession."
    "Nothing ventured, nothing gained!"
    "You dont need all the answersyou just need to know when something isnt right."
    "Leaving my principal role wasnt leaving the missionit was expanding it."

    Connect with Dr. Adrienne Davenport:

    Website: drdconsulting.org
    Email: drdconsulting407@gmail.com
    LinkedIn: Dr. Adrienne Davenport
    Instagram: @DrDavenportEd
    Books:

    • My Hope Is Built: Reflections of Faith, Grace, and Resilience from an Educational Leader
    • STAND: Five Powerful Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Becoming an Instructional Leader

    Resources & Mentions in This Episode:

    National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE)
    The Exit Interview Podcast Website


    Keep the Conversation Going!

    What resonated with you most from this episode? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media using #ExitInterviewPodcast

    YouTube: The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators

    Website: exitinterviewpodcast.com


    Subscribe & Leave a Review!


    If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us uplift and empower more Black educators!

    Dont forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
    Voir plus Voir moins
    50 min
  • Achievement Addiction and the Quest for Wellness with Najmah Ahmad

    Achievement Addiction and the Quest for Wellness with Najmah Ahmad
    Feb 3 2025

    In this powerful and reflective episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to discuss her nearly 20-year journey through education, from working in nonprofits and higher education to leadership roles in school districts and national policy. Najmah candidly shares her experiences navigating systemic challenges, microaggressions, and the often overwhelming toll of racial battle fatigue.


    Listeners will hear how Najmahs desire to support people in moments of transition shaped her career and led her to create transformative programs for young people, such as leadership curriculums and paid internships. She also opens up about the pivotal moment when her physical health forced her to confront the toll her work was taking on her mind, body, and spirit, leading to her decision to leave traditional education spaces and build her own consulting business.


    This episode explores themes of wellness, self-liberation, and the importance of acknowledging the impact of systemic racism in professional spaces. Najmahs story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of creating your own path to freedom.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 2 min
  • In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas

    In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas
    Jan 21 2025
    In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness over monetary incentives. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from starting as a teacher to becoming a school principal and author and founding her consultancy. She highlights her experiences in transforming school cultures, working in predominantly Black communities, and the critical role of leadership. Dr. Thomas provides actionable insights on establishing consistency, leveraging leadership teams, and creating values-based systems to promote teacher retention and well-being.
    00:00 Introduction to Retention Challenges00:43 Welcome to The Exit Interview Podcast01:37 Introducing Dr. Demia Thomas03:51 Dr. Thomas' Journey in Education04:59 Experiences in Urban Education12:09 Leadership and Principalship23:00 Founding an All-Girls School27:22 Closing Ceremony Reflections28:05 Challenges and Changes in Leadership30:59 Navigating Racial Dynamics34:00 Realizing the Need for Change37:29 Transition to Consulting45:01 Shoutouts and Current Work47:15 Supporting School Leaders52:30 Final Thoughts and Wellness
    Voir plus Voir moins
    55 min
  • What It Means To Be Well with Dr. Shawn Ginwright

    What It Means To Be Well with Dr. Shawn Ginwright
    Jan 6 2025
    In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing with racial battle fatigue and systemic oppression. Emphasizing the need for self-care and community healing, he shares insights from his acclaimed book, 'The Four Pivots.' He highlights practical steps leaders can take to foster wellness in educational spaces. Dr. Ginwright also underscores the vital role of Black women in caregiving, the necessity of establishing sanctuary spaces, and the importance of giving from one's excess rather than essence. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into personal narratives, systemic challenges, and actionable strategies for integrating wellness practices into everyday life and professional settings.
    P.S. The Exit Interview will record a live episode with Joy Delizo-Osborne at SXSW EDU 2025 on March 5th! Hope to see you there!
    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:36 Meet the Guest Host: Stacey Taylor Brandon01:30 Introducing Dr. Sean Genwright01:43 Dr. Genwright's Work and Contributions03:23 Welcome Dr. Genwright to the Podcast04:39 The Importance of Self-Reflection05:22 Racial Battle Fatigue and Healing11:03 Balancing Care and Self-Wellness21:32 A New Perspective on Motherhood21:59 The Impact of Stress on Health23:22 Applying the Four Pivots in Education25:12 Personal Development for Leaders26:52 Building Supportive Systems31:48 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements34:45 The Importance of Self-Care40:16 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
    Voir plus Voir moins
    37 min
  • Taking Care and Moving Forward with Dr. LaShaune Stitt

    Taking Care and Moving Forward with Dr. LaShaune Stitt
    Nov 19 2024

    When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined her work. Amidst these achievements, she opens up about the health crises and systemic challenges that led her to leave formal education. Our discussion touches on the critical support from women in her professional community, her experiences with racial battle fatigue, and the vital importance of therapy and self-care for Black educators. We delve into the significance of culturally responsive teaching environments and Dr. Stitt's current consulting work, emphasizing the broad, impactful ways educators can contribute to their communities beyond traditional classroom roles.



    00:00 Welcome and Milestones

    00:57 Introducing Dr. LaShaune Stitt

    02:25 Dr. Stitt's Journey into Education

    06:23 Founding an All-Male School

    08:46 Challenges and Leadership in Education

    18:24 Health and Well-being in Education

    26:56 The Struggles of Educators

    29:12 The Principal's Secret

    32:06 The Breaking Point

    36:04 A New Beginning

    39:12 Shoutouts and Gratitude

    41:44 Current Endeavors

    48:04 Defining Wellbeing

    52:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell
    Voir plus Voir moins
    47 min
  • Worthy of Rest with Octavia Raheem

    Worthy of Rest with Octavia Raheem
    Nov 7 2024
    In this episode of The Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons engages in a deep conversation with Octavia Raheem about the transformative power of rest. Octavia Raheem, an accomplished author, rest restorative coach, and former public school teacher, shares her journey from traditional education to becoming a leader in wellness and restorative practices. The discussion explores the importance of rest for Black educators, the systemic challenges they face, and the necessity of self-care. Raheem passionately discusses the interplay between creativity, rest, and holistic well-being, offering practical steps for educators to integrate rest into their lives. Make sure to order her new book, Rest Is Sacred: Reclaiming Our Brilliance Through the Practice of Stillness.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    39 min
  • Learning to Relearn with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah

    Learning to Relearn with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah
    Oct 25 2024
    In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Kwame Sarfo-Mensah and discusses his transformative journey from aspiring professional athlete to dedicated educator. Kwame discusses his initial pivot to becoming a math teacher and the various challenges he faced in his early teaching years, including a lack of support and job security in Philadelphia charter schools. Moving to Boston, he navigated the complexities of unionized school districts, ultimately learning the importance of self-care to avoid burnout and racial battle fatigue. This episode highlights systemic issues in education, such as the exploitation of committed Black educators and the importance of acknowledging their experiences. Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, Kwame emphasizes the need for better support systems and career pathways for Black educators. His journey extends internationally as he moves to Sierra Leone, initiating the 'Identity Talk for Educators Live' podcast and authoring 'Learn to Relearn.'
    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 8 min