Too Dope Teachers and a Mic

In this episode of Two Dope Teachers and a Mic, Gerardo sits down with Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose, to talk about how classrooms become engines of justice when teachers are trusted with resources—and when young people are trusted with big ideas.From robotics programs serving new immigrant students, to youth-led racial justice campaigns sparked by classroom reading groups, to hydroponic gardens blooming on school rooftops in Puerto Rico—this conversation pulls back the curtain on how creativity thrives when scarcity isn’t the dominant story.Alix also breaks down what equity means beyond buzzwords, how data from over 90% of U.S. schools is shaping systemic insight, and why investing in kids is not just morally urgent—it’s economically undeniable.Episode Chapters:00:00 — Opening Question: What needs a remix in education?05:00 — What DonorsChoose Is (and Isn’t)12:00 — Classroom Stories that Spark Movements30:00 — Acceleration vs. Remediation: Rethinking Learning Gaps41:00 — What Equity Looks Like in Practice47:00 — The Next 25 Years of DonorsChoose52:00 — Top Five Rappers 55:00 — Closing ReflectionsLinks & ResourcesSupport Teachers & ClassroomsDonorsChoose: https://www.donorschoose.org ???? Fund real classroom needs across the U.S.Follow DonorsChooseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/donorschooseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/donorschoose/Learning Resources MentionedZearn Math – Acceleration-focused math equity model https://www.zearn.orgMath Mind by Shalinee Sharma — research on accelerating learning instead of remediating gaps

In this in-depth conversation, Washington Monthly editor-in-chief Paul Glastris joins Gerardo to unpack how America’s obsession with elite college rankings distorts our sense of what higher education is for. From his days inside U.S. News & World Report to his years building an alternative ranking system rooted in upward mobility, research, and civic service, Glastris offers a powerful critique — and a hopeful vision for how colleges can once again serve democracy.They dig into:The myth of “best” colleges and how exclusivity became a badge of honorWhy schools like Fresno State and Berea College outshine Ivy League institutions in real impactHow higher ed has become a political battleground — and what’s at stake for our democracyWhat vocational education really looks like when it’s not just political theaterHow students, families, and educators can use data wisely and choose institutions that serve the public goodListen if you care about:Educational equity • Democracy • College access • First-gen students • Public policy • Media and truth-tellingGuest: Paul Glastris, Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Monthly Follow him on X and BlueSky: @glastris Explore the latest college rankings at washingtonmonthly.comHost:Gerardo A. Muñoz — 2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year, educator, scholar, disruptor, and co-host of Too Dope Teachers and a MicMusic by:Kevin AdamsLinks Mentioned:Washington Monthly 2025 College Rankings: washingtonmonthly.com/college-guideWashington Monthly Podcast

In this powerful conversation from the archives, recorded live at the NEA Racial and Social Justice Conference in Houston, Two Dope Teachers and a Mic sit down with the legendary Boots Riley — writer, director of Sorry to Bother You, frontman of The Coup, and lifelong revolutionary artist.Six years later, Boots’ words still feel urgent. He reminds us that art isn’t a luxury — it’s a tool for liberation. From the farmworker fields of California to classrooms and stages across the country, Boots shows how creativity, organizing, and truth-telling are all part of the same struggle for justice.Together, we explore:How art helps us imagine freedom beyond capitalism and compliance.The power of educators as organizers, disruptors, and culture builders.Why movements need artists — and why artists need movements.The difference between success and liberation, and why the latter demands community.What it means to find your own role in the fight for a better world.As we face new waves of censorship, economic inequality, and attacks on public education, this conversation hits harder than ever. Boots reminds us that every one of us has a place in the struggle — whether we teach, create, organize, or simply refuse to be silent.Tune in, reflect, and ask yourself:What is the art I bring to the movement for liberation?Featuring: Boots Riley (@BootsRiley)Hosts: Gerardo Muñoz (@gmunoz) & Kevin AdamsOriginally recorded: NEA Racial & Social Justice Conference, Houston, TX, Summer 2019Subscribe & Follow:Too Dope Teachers and a MicFollow @toodopeteachers on all platformsSupport the show and our work for educational liberation at patreon.com/toodopeteachers

Back in the wake of COVID quarantine, we were graced with the wisdom of Dr. Gholdy Muhammad!????️ Episode 102 (Throwback): “Artist in the Industry” with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad Originally aired in 2021 — Revisited in 2025In this powerful conversation, Gerardo Muñoz and Kevin Adams sit down with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, author of Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. Together, they explore how teaching rooted in Black literary history, collectivism, and joy can transform classrooms into spaces of liberation, not compliance.Dr. Muhammad breaks down her five pursuits of learning — identity, skills, intellectualism, criticality, and joy — and explains how these pursuits emerged from 19th-century Black literary societies that defined learning as a communal and purposeful act. The conversation bridges theory and practice, showing educators how to design lessons that humanize, empower, and center students of color.From joyful pedagogy to abolitionist teaching, from curriculum design to hip-hop as literacy — this episode remains as relevant now as it was when first released.???? 2025 UpdateSince our original conversation, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad has continued to shape the field of equity-centered education. Now a nationally recognized keynote speaker and professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has expanded her work through Unearthing Joy and new initiatives that help schools move beyond trauma-informed practices to healing-centered, joy-based learning.In 2025, as many schools continue to navigate political attacks on culturally responsive education and Black Studies curricula, Dr. Muhammad’s message — that children of color deserve brilliance, joy, and excellence — resonates even louder. Her framework remains a beacon for educators seeking to humanize instruction in a time when educational equity is under threat.???? Listen for:The roots of culturally and historically responsive literacyWhy joy is an act of resistanceWhat “abolitionist teaching” looks like in real classroomsHow to center identity and genius in every lessonDr. Muhammad’s Top 5 MCs (you won’t want to miss it)???? Learn more about Dr. Muhammad’s work: www.hillpedagogies.com Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @GholdyM

Award-winning educator and author Bryan Christopher joins Gerardo Muñoz to share the incredible story behind his new book Stopping the Deportation Machine. From Durham, NC classrooms to the halls of Congress, students mobilized to defend a classmate from deportation — proving that student voice can stop even the biggest machine.0:00 – Welcome2:40 – Immigration and Identity7:36 – Meet Bryan Christopher9:26 – The Book: Stopping the Deportation Machine12:38 – Durham’s Changing Landscape19:51 – A Student Arrest Sparks Action27:05 – Why Can’t He Graduate?33:48 – Stopping the Machine38:41 – Impact on Community & Students47:12 – Lessons for Educators51:54 – The Power of Student Voice54:59 – Closing ThoughtsResources Mentioned:Enrique’s Journey by Sonia NazarioBryan’s blog post: When Learning Gets Personal (NCTE)Walking Undocumented (Learning for Justice)Connect with Bryan:Student Paper: thepirateshook.comX: @BryanChristo4 | IG: @bchristo4Support Two Dope Teachers:Patreon: patreon.com/toodopeteachers Socials: @toodopeteachers

In this solo episode, Gerardo processes the shooting death of right wing influencer Charlie Kirk by exploring the hidden dangers of teaching debate the traditional way. Drawing on previously published writing that draws a line between traditional debate and the "own-the-libs" take-no-prisoners style of Kirk, Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson and others, as well as personal experience as a debate coach, he argues that when debate rewards domination over empathy, it doesn’t just distort classrooms—it fuels toxic politics and real-world violence.

In this episode of Too Dope Teachers and a Mic, Gerardo is joined by Sahba Rohani, Executive Director of Roots Connected, to dive into what it means to center belonging in schools. From her TED Talk on the power of names to her decades of work in intentionally diverse communities, Sahba shares how small shifts in mindset and practice can transform classrooms, staff culture, and whole school communities. Together, Gerardo and Sahba unpack anti-bias education as more than a curriculum add-on—it’s a lens, a practice, and a path toward joy and justice.Show NotesIn this powerful conversation, Gerardo and Sahba explore:The story behind Sahba’s TED Talk on names, identity, and belonging.Why belonging isn’t “soft work”—it’s the foundation of learning and thriving.How small shifts in practice (like reframing a simple classroom question) can have big impact.Roots Connected’s dual process for change: internal transformation + practice shifts.Building intentional community with students, families, and staff.Staying grounded and persistent in the face of DEI pushback.The radical power of joy in justice-centered education.And of course… Sahba’s Top 5 hip hop & R&B legends (spoiler: GenX R&B family, this one’s for you).Resources & Links:Roots ConnectedSahba’s TED Talk EmbraceRaceFollow Roots Connected on Instagram and LinkedInListen in for practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and a reminder that joy itself is radical.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jamila Sams—educator, visionary, and founder of We Do It 4 the Culture—to talk about the movement that’s transforming school culture through hip hop, empowerment, and equity. From classrooms to district offices, Jamila’s work helps educators center student voice, cultural relevance, and joy in learning.We dive into her journey as the founder of this unique resource, what it means to lead with authenticity, what it means to think critically, dialogically, and with joy, and how hip hop continues to serve as a cross-generational universe of healing and liberation. Jamila shares the origin story of We Do It 4 the Culture, the real meaning of culturally responsive action, and what schools must do if they’re serious about social emotional wellness, critical thinking, and liberation.If you’re about that life—about students, about joy, about liberation—this conversation is for you.Plus an absolutely fire top five RIGHT HERE.

One of my favorite quotes about problem-solving on a systems and institutional level is that "the answer is in the room." This means that when there are problems that need to be solved, even big ones, the person, perspective, or idea that will solve it doesn't need to be sought outside of those who know the work best.As teacher recruitment, training, and retention remain persistent challenges to districts big and small, Grow-Your-Own programs have been developed and launched, especially in districts serving highly impacted and very diverse populations. GYO takes many forms, including but not limited to cadet programs and para-to-teacher efforts.Enter Dr. Jeff Geihs, longtime educator, leader, and thought leader. Working with the Silver State Education Foundation as Executive Director, Dr. Giehs and team have brought together GYO and concurrent enrollment opportunities for the next generation of teachers, especially students of color.Dr. Geihs joined Gerardo for an exciting and motivational conversation. To learn more, follow us on Patreon!Follow us on all platforms! @toodopeteachersEmail: [email protected]

One of my favorite quotes about problem-solving on a systems and institutional level is that “the answer is in the room.” This means that when there are problems that need to be solved, even big ones, the person, perspective, or idea that will solve it doesn’t need to be sought outside of those who know the work best. As teacher recruitment, training, and retention remain persistent challenges to districts big and small, Grow-Your-Own programs have been developed and launched, especially in districts serving highly impacted and very diverse populations. GYO takes many forms, including but not limited to cadet programs and para-to-teacher efforts. Enter Dr. Jeff Geihs, longtime educator, leader, and thought leader. Working with the Silver State Education Foundation as Executive Director, Dr. Giehs and team have brought together GYO and concurrent enrollment opportunities for the next generation of teachers, especially students of color. Dr. Geihs joined Gerardo for an exciting and motivational conversation. To learn more, follow us on Patreon! Follow us on all platforms! @toodopeteachers Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/toodopeteachers

One of my favorite quotes about problem-solving on a systems and institutional level is that "the answer is in the room." This means that when there are problems that need to be solved, even big ones, the person, perspective, or idea that will solve it doesn't need to be sought outside of those who know the work best.As teacher recruitment, training, and retention remain persistent challenges to districts big and small, Grow-Your-Own programs have been developed and launched, especially in districts serving highly impacted and very diverse populations. GYO takes many forms, including but not limited to cadet programs and para-to-teacher efforts.Enter Dr. Jeff Geihs, longtime educator, leader, and thought leader. Working with the Silver State Education Foundation as Executive Director, Dr. Giehs and team have brought together GYO and concurrent enrollment opportunities for the next generation of teachers, especially students of color.Dr. Geihs joined Gerardo for an exciting and motivational conversation. To learn more, follow us on Patreon.Follow us on all platforms! @toodopeteachersEmail: [email protected]

Back in October, Sofia González, teacher, thinker, writer, speaker and activist and Gerardo finally found time for this interview. This was prior to the 2024 election and all that followed. What ensued was a great conversation–provocative, humorous, and energetic. As we brace ourselves to face another four years of anxiety, frustration, fear, and state-encouraged violence, this conversation remains a reminder that the struggle is truly beautiful, and full of opportunities for all of us to engage differently, as the people we are. To quote the great poet Audre Lorde, “We are the ones we have been waiting for,” exemplified by Ms. G. Sofia is 2019 teacher of the year with the National Society of High School Scholars, nonprofit leader for organization Project 214, and education activist from the Chicagoland area. She is a sought-after public speaker regarding the state of education who is known for her cutting-edge presentations and dynamic illustrations with a passion that’s infectious. A High School teacher, 15-year veteran, teacher leader, and alum in a variety of spaces like Fulbright, Latinos for Education, Latinx Education Collaborative-Storytellers for Change, and Urban Leaders Fellowship, Sofia’s passion and energy towards education equity remains a leading voice for the 21st-century classroom and beyond.

Sofia Gonzalez is 2019 teacher of the year with the National Society of High School Scholars, nonprofit leader for organization Project 214, and education activist from the Chicagoland area. She is a sought-after public speaker regarding the state of education who is known for her cutting-edge presentations and dynamic illustrations with a passion that’s infectious. A High School teacher, 15-year veteran, teacher leader, and alum in a variety of spaces like Fulbright, Latinos for Education, Latinx Education Collaborative-Storytellers for Change, and Urban Leaders Fellowship, Sofia's passion and energy towards education equity remains a leading voice for the 21st-century classroom and beyond. Sofia believes that education is a fundamental right and not a privilege for the select few, and aims to lead from her Latina identity. Her recent focus has been taking her seat at decision-making tables and traveling the country as a keynote speaker where she can amplify the lived experiences of the Latino community for the sake of social change and informing education policy. Plan your financial future with Alex and Tori!Support the podcast on Patreon!Link to episode 184 of Have You Heard

About two years ago, Kevin and Gerardo’s paths diverged. Facing burnout, Gerardo left the classroom to manage aspiring and new educator programs at the central office level, and Kevin became an assistant principal. The last two years have been challenging for us both. Questions arose as to whether the podcast would last. What would happen now that Too Dope Teachers were no longer in the classroom? Could the fellas ever ever ever coordinate calendars?It has been a challenge, but this season, we bring to you “OG Episodes” that bring us back to our roots: no guests, nothing flashy, just a couple of educators remixing the conversation on race, power, and education.This episode was supposed to be out prior to the announcement of school closures, but instead we are bringing it after. Check out our emergency episode, a conversation with two students from one of the closing schools for an in-depth look.We hope you enjoy this episode, whether to get needed affirmation and levity as you continue your important classroom work, or if you are considering other options, while still wanting to remain in education.Visit our sponsors!Support the pod!

Citing declining enrollment, demographic shifts, and building under-use as primary factors, Denver Public Schools superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero announced his proposal to close or consolidate a number of schools. On school that is proposed for consolidation is the Denver Center for International Studies at Baker, where we met. It is a school that we feel profound affection for and belief in.In this emergency episode, we speak with DCIS students Sophia and Camila, who are helping to organize their peers and families to protest the re-structuring of their school.Very frequently, students are the last to know about decisions and policies that directly impact them. Oftentimes, across American public education, "student voice" is trivialized, downplayed, dismissed, and disrespected. If you go back to our emergency episode with students in the opening months of the COVID-19 pandemic, you will see that students were not included in that discussion either. This is, unfortunately, not a problem unique to this district, it is everywhere.Student voice matters. Yesterday, today, and always.

When Fatimah Basir reached out to the podcast to promote her book, I’m a Big Fish, Not a Guppy, we had to know more. Not only is this energetic and motivating educator imaginative, creative, and joyful, she also sets a powerful example for how to take on important work for youth and communities. Miss B knows her purpose, knows what she is up against, but more importantly, she draws strength from her family, friends and beloved NYC community.Miss B has a captivating story, contagious energy, and a powerful message. Listen and enjoy!Buy the book! Follow Miss Bee!Plan your future by visiting our sponsors, Tori and Alex! Support the Podcast on Patreon!

John "Sunshine" Arthur is really like this.Always smiling, always joyful, this passionate and dedicated teacher has continued to push forward for students and communities from which they come.A veteran teacher, John has always sought ways to elevate educational opportunities and equity in his community and beyond. Even as he runs for the Utah state board of education, John humanizes his opponent and the people of his state. This despite a ballot initiative pushing for increased privatization, which presents a threat to young people who would MOST benefit from a powerful and uplifting educational experience.In this episode, John will share with you his journey, his commitment to students, and ways you can support public education for ALL.support the podcast!Visit our sponsors!

Vouchers are violence.Privatization is violence.Failure to see that school privatization is a tool of Christian Nationalism and White Supremacy is deadly. To the future prospects of the students they exploit for flash-in-the-pan snake oil pedagogies. To the very possibility of civil society.Dr. Josh Cowen joins me for episode 132 of Too Dope Teachers and a Mic to discuss the peril of school vouchers and the destruction they have wrought upon education and society. He discusses his new book, The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers.Whatever you believe about vouchers, let me assure you, after reading this book, and talking with Dr. Cowen…it’s worse. Worse than you can imagine. The outcomes are awful, and the deception is dystopian. You’ll see why so many of us see privatization and all it’s cousins as a slippery slope that ultimately will destroy public education. And while there are abstract and unproven arguments about the unfulfilled promise of public education, there is still a promise.It is now October. Many of you in Colorado, Kentucky, and Nebraska have this choice to make, and those of you in fourteen other states have a lot of work to get these repealed. This episode is a hard listen, but essential for anyone who wants to see systemic justice in education.Visit our sponsors!Support the podcast!Buy The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School VouchersProPublica Report Cited during interview

This week, Gerardo is joined by the eminent and brilliant Elena Aguilar, scholar of professional development and leadership! In this, Elena’s second visit to the show, she discusses her most recent coaching book Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. Elena shares her purpose, identities, and processes of writing, shedding a bright light on both the art of coaching, but also the art of writing itself. She shares her perspectives on both the value of writing that comes from academia as well as from the people. In this episode, Elena also shows us why her intuitive and human-centered approach is so powerful. An unexpected moment of vulnerability arises, and she receives it with heart and profound empathy. And. Stay tuned. An in-person conversation may be in the future. Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, if you sign up for Patreon at the $10/month level, you will receive our series of Hispanic Heritage stickers! Subscribe to Elena’s Bright Morning podcast! Sign up to get updates from Elena and Bright Morning team! Purchase the book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching and other powerful writings of Elena Aguilar. Visit our sponsors, Tori and Alex, and plan your financial future no matter your income!

This week, Gerardo is joined by the eminent and brilliant Elena Aguilar, scholar of professional development and leadership! In this, Elena’s second visit to the show, she discusses her most recent coaching book Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. Elena shares her purpose, identities, and processes of writing, shedding a bright light on both the art of coaching, but also the art of writing itself. She shares her perspectives on both the value of writing that comes from academia as well as from the people.In this episode, Elena also shows us why her intuitive and human-centered approach is so powerful. An unexpected moment of vulnerability arises, and she receives it with heart and profound empathy.And. Stay tuned. An in-person conversation may be in the future.Hispanic Heritage Month: From now until October 15, if you sign up for Patreon at the $10/month level, you will receive our series of Hispanic Heritage stickers!Subscribe to Elena’s Bright Morning podcast!Sign up to get updates from Elena and Bright Morning team!Purchase the book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching and other powerful writings of Elena Aguilar.Visit our sponsors, Tori and Alex, and plan your financial future no matter your income!