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 is joined by Jamilah Pitts to dive deeper into teacher wellness and self-care.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• The Body's Wisdom and Self-Care: The concept of "the body keeps the score" underscores the importance of paying attention to our bodies and emotions. Both speakers emphasize the need for self-care and self-awareness, highlighting the value of setting reminders to pause and check in with oneself. This practice facilitates better mental and emotional well-being.

• Diverse Forms of Resistance: Resistance takes many forms, from large-scale activism to small yet powerful acts. The conversation highlights the historical and ongoing role of young people in driving movements for change. The idea of "moving pebbles" reminds individuals that impactful change is often achieved through consistent, incremental efforts rather than grand gestures.

• Holistic Approach to Education and Activism: Jamilah Pitts' upcoming book, "Toward Liberation," emphasizes the interconnectivity of various forms of oppression and the need for educators to address them collectively. The book provides practical strategies for integrating activism, anti-racism, and social justice into educational practices. It highlights educators' pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering positive change through love, healing, and truth-telling.

Overall, the conversation encourages listeners to engage with activism, embrace resistance, and prioritize self-care while actively participating in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How do you take care of yourself, internally and externally? 

• How can you advocate for your overall wellness this school year and moving forward? 

• When was the last time you talked about wellness with others? 

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 she never had growing up, so she focuses on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around her. As a queer Filipinx, she understands just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. She especially loves being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guest: Jamilah Pitts

Jamilah Pitts is an educator, social entrepreneur, writer and yoga teacher whose work centers the liberation, healing and holistic development of communities of color. Jamilah has worked and served in various roles to promote racial justice and healing. Jamilah has served as a teacher, coach, dean, and as an Assistant principal. She has worked in domestic and international educational spaces, including Massachusetts, New York, the Dominican Republic, China and in India.

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