logo
episode-header-image
May 7
22 m

[Episode 114] Creating Classrooms That H...

Teaching Channel
About this episode

In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by educator, author, and consultant Kwame Sarfo-Mensah to talk about honoring student identity in everyday teaching. Drawing from his new book Learning to Relearn, Kwame shares personal stories and practical strategies around identity, decentering, and collective action. He and Wendy discuss how cultural awareness, reflection, and empathy can shape stronger student-teacher relationships. Listen in for ways to build trust, center student voices, and create classrooms where every learner feels they belong.

Resources for Continued Learning

Explore the Book Learning to Relearn

Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom is Kwame Sarfo-Mensah’s latest release for educators who want to center student identity and reflect on their own role in the classroom. The book offers questions and stories that challenge educators to reexamine old habits and stay rooted in what students actually need.

Visit Learning2Relearn.com to download chapter previews, find discussion guides, and access tools that help you bring the book into your teaching practice.

Bring Identity Work Into Your School or District

Kwame founded Identity Talk Consulting, a group offering workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements focused on affirming student identity, building strong teacher habits, and supporting educators as they grow in the classroom.

Up next
Jun 18
[Episode 116] Effortful Thinking and the Power of Learning Science (w/ Dr. Jim Heal)
What happens when teachers understand how learning really works?In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Dr. Jim Heal, co-founder of Learning Science Partners, to talk about the science behind effective teaching. Dr. Heal explains why effortful thin ... Show More
26m 25s
May 21
[Episode 115] Teacher Supply and Demand in Deaf Education (w/ Karen Stinson)
In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato sits down with Karen Stinson, Program Coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education at Radford University. They discuss the urgent need for more teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) and explore why teacher ... Show More
20m 53s
Apr 16
[Episode 113] Supporting Multilingual Learners in Every Classroom (w/ Katherine Hamilton, Ensemble Learning)
Multilingual learners are the fastest-growing student group in the U.S., and their success depends on how well schools support language development alongside grade-level instruction. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Katherine Hamilton, Vice President of Programs at E ... Show More
21m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2018
Ep. 140 Getting The Most Out Of Minecraft In Education
Drew Perkins talks with Neal Manegold, Director of Minecraft: Education Edition and Mark Sparvell, who leads marketing at Microsoft Education, about learning and technology and the use of Minecraft Education as a tool to prepare learners for the modern world. 
54m 7s
Jul 2024
Engaging Ways to Teach Adults Online
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Nicholls, a distinguished English tutor hailing from the U.K., who brings her innovative methods and passionate approach to the virtual classroom. Megan will share her ... Show More
30m 50s
Jul 2023
The Spawn Chunks 255: The Minecraft Mindset
Jonny, and Joel simmer through their latest summer builds in Minecraft, answer listener email about the challenges of in-game potion brewing, and discuss how avid Minecraft players often see the world around them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
1h 13m
Feb 2025
Episode 309: Neurodiversity-Affirming IEPs with Chris Wenger - The Speech Dude
In this episode, we chat with Chris Wenger, The Speech Dude, about neurodiversity-affirming goals and IEPs. Learn how to craft IEPs that truly reflect the strengths and needs of neurodiverse students, and discover how these goals can boost engagement and learning. Chris also shar ... Show More
35m 51s
Oct 2023
The Spawn Chunks 265: The Voyage To Minecraft Live 2023
Jonny, and Joel share fond memories of playing Minecraft Dungeons, answer listener email about a difficult mob to catch, and speculate on what Minecraft players might expect from Mojang at Minecraft Live 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
1h 22m
Jul 2024
224. Building the Classroom Culture [Getting Ready for BTS]
Continuing our five-part series on Building Effective Classroom Teams, this episode focuses on how you, as a team member, are responsible for establishing and nurturing the classroom culture with both the students and the staff. Your tone, your behavior, and your approach can mak ... Show More
14m 31s
Apr 13
249: A Close Look at Competency-Based Learning
We talk a lot about differentiating instruction, measuring growth, and preparing students for the real world, but how do you actually do that in a system still driven by grades? Maybe you need a new model altogether. In this episode, we're exploring an approach to school called c ... Show More
1h 19m
Aug 2024
PLAY, COLLABORATION, and CORE COMPETENCIES with ASHLEY BODNAR
🔥 How can play-based learning change mindsets in Math class? 🔥 How can teachers develop core competencies in their students? 🔥 What can a collaborative learning model look like in your classroom? Join me for this conversation with BC educator ASHLEY BODNAR as she shares her in ... Show More
27m 41s
Feb 2022
[Listen Again] Ep. 23: Emily Hanford Epically Defines the Science of Reading
We would love to hear from you! Send us a message (if you'd like a reply, email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org)Hi Literacy Lovers! This week we wanted to offer you all a chance to listen to one of our favorite episodes from when we just started the podcast. The absolute ... Show More
1h 3m
Nov 2024
#415 Why Making Friends as an Adult is So Hard (and How I Build Friendships) — Podcast for English Learners
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, we dive into the challenges of adult friendships, why they’re so tricky, and practical ways to build genuine connections. Perfect for English learners, you’ll pick up real-life language skills whil ... Show More
25 m