Who is school really for? In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David sits down with Dr. Meisha Ross Porter, the first Black woman to serve as Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, to explore what it takes to lead for equity in a system that often resists change.

Drawing on her journey from Bronx youth organizer to leading the largest school district in the country, Dr. Porter shares how policy, power, and community shape what happens in schools. The conversation explores the realities of systemic inequity, the role of leadership in driving meaningful change, and how educators can rethink schools to better serve all students.

They also discuss the role of arts and mental health, the challenges of political shifts, and how emerging technologies like AI can support, rather than replace, teaching and learning.

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In this powerful episode of The Teacher's Forum, David sits down with Daniel Harris, as he shares his 30-year journey from a law student to a pioneer in equity work at John Burroughs School in St. Louis, and founder of The Equity Exchange. Daniel reveals the secrets to creating spaces where diverse voices are heard, valued, and impact real change—especially when it feels like the system is working against you.You'll discover how early efforts to foster difficult conversations led to groundbreaking strategies for creating inclusive environments that thrive on authentic self-expression. Daniel reflects on the decades of evolving ideals around multiculturalism, the hurdles faced during backlash moments, and how to stay grounded amid opposition.

For more information on The Equity Exchange visit https://www.theequityexchange.org/

Send us a text with your thoughts or ideas, and follow and subscribe to The Teacher’s Forum so you don’t miss future episodes.

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.

In 1898, a democratically elected government in Wilmington, North Carolina was overthrown in a violent coup, the only successful coup d’état in United States history. For decades, the truth of what happened was buried.

In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David speaks with Guy Hill about the Wilmington Coup of 1898 and the destruction of a thriving Black community. Together, they unpack how white supremacist violence reshaped the city, why this history was suppressed, and what it reveals about the fragility of democracy in America.

Guy also reflects on his journey into education and his commitment to teaching African American history with honesty and care. This conversation connects Wilmington to other moments of racial violence, including Tulsa, and challenges us to confront the stories we’ve been taught and the ones we haven't.

This is not just a history lesson. It is a reckoning.

For more information on the Wilmington Massacre of 1898 checkout the PBS Documentary: American Coup: Wilmington 1898

Send us a text with your thoughts or ideas, and follow and subscribe to The Teacher’s Forum so you don’t miss future episodes.

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.