Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by students Aayla, Breanna, and Dulce to shed light on the influence educators have on their personal and academic growth.

They emphasize the importance of educators recognizing students as individuals with unique experiences and challenges. Aayla highlights the need to humanize students and acknowledges the reciprocity of learning between students and teachers. Breanna stresses the significance of creating a space where students can voice their opinions and interests in the curriculum. Dulce advocates for educators to foster genuine relationships with students, acknowledging their struggles and aspirations beyond academics.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Humanizing students by recognizing their individuality and life experiences. Aayla emphasizes, "Creating that space... I see that you're human, too... just like I'm human."

• Creating a supportive environment where students can voice their interests and concerns. Breanna highlights, "Show up as you are. Voice whatever it is that you need... their experiences are different than ours."

• Building genuine relationships with students, acknowledging their struggles and aspirations.

Educators have the power to inspire, empower, and positively impact the lives of their students by embracing their humanity and fostering meaningful connections beyond the classroom.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators incorporate the practice of humanizing students into their teaching approach to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment?

• In what ways can educators encourage students to voice their interests and concerns in the curriculum, ensuring that their individuality and passions are reflected in the learning experience?

• Reflecting on the experiences shared by Aayla, Breanna, and Dulce, how can educators build genuine relationships with their students, acknowledging their struggles and aspirations beyond academic achievements?

Our Host

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guests:

I’m Dulce, I’m 17 years old, a junior in high school, and undoubtedly in love with Luis Miguel. I’ve been enrolled in many AP and honors courses throughout my high school experience and just have a natural love for activism; bringing about equity to the world is what we need.

I am Breanna, a first year at the University of Chicago pursuing Political Science and Romance Languages and Literature! When I am not in a book or with my family/friends, you will most likely find me outside either bike riding or just enjoying nature! Additionally, I am a big believer in fighting for equity and for a more equitable world.

If you like what you hear in this episode, share it with a friend or subscribe to get updates when new podcasts are published.