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In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David speaks with Michael and Lana Manson, founders of the Musical Arts Institute in Chicago, in celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month. They discuss their musical roots, the role of HBCUs in shaping their journeys, and the power of diverse musical training. The conversation explores the impact of music education on personal expression, critical thinking, and community building, as well as the challenges faced by programs in underserved areas. The Mansons share their vision for empowering youth through music, the realities of running a nonprofit, and the legacy they’re building—one student at a time.

Learn More and Support the Musical Arts Institute

To learn more about the incredible work Michael and Lana Manson are doing through the Musical Arts Institute, or to support their mission to provide high-quality music education to underserved communities, visit MusicalArtsInstitute.org

There you can:
Explore their programs and student success stories
Contact Michael and Lana directly
Make a tax-deductible donation to help expand their impact

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of The Teachers Forum, David interviews David Spellmon, a behavior specialist who integrates hip hop pedagogy into education. Spellmon shares his unique journey into education, emphasizing the importance of cultural relevance and social emotional learning. He discusses the resistance educators may have towards hip hop and how he addresses these concerns by highlighting the original principles of hip hop. The conversation explores how hip hop can be used to teach essential skills and engage students in meaningful ways, ultimately transforming the educational experience. In this conversation, David discusses the importance of culturally relevant education through hip-hop and music. He emphasizes the need for educators to connect with students' lived experiences and the challenges of implementing such curricula. The discussion also touches on the balance between passion for teaching and the necessity of data to support educational programs. David shares insights on the deeper themes present in hip-hop and the influence of educators in shaping students' lives.

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris speaks with Freda Lin, co-director of the YURI Education Project, about her journey from a conflicted racial identity in a homogenous suburb to becoming an activist for Asian American studies in education. Frieda shares her experiences at Northwestern University, where she fought for the establishment of Asian American studies, and discusses the importance of integrating marginalized histories into school curriculums. She also talks about founding the YURI Education Project to help educators teach Asian American history and the challenges they face in doing so. In this conversation, Freda Lin discusses the importance of integrating Asian American history into education, emphasizing the need to go beyond mere representation. She addresses the challenges educators face in the current political climate, the significance of building multiracial coalitions, and the complexities of Asian American identity. Freda also highlights the importance of connecting historical exclusionary policies to contemporary issues, finding hope in activism, and providing resources for educators to better teach these narratives.

To Contact Freda Lin you can reach her at freda.lin@yurieducationproject.com

Resources on Asian American History:

Asian American Histories of the United States by Catherine Ceniza Choy

The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee

Asian Americans PBS Documentary

Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans by Ronald Takaki

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.