The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About Education

Nearly a year ago I announced that I was transitioning not only to a new school but to a new grade level. After spending nearly a decade leading schools at the elementary level, I opted to accept an invitation to become a high school administrator. This episode offers an insight into five fresh perspectives that I was able to achieve by shifting roles and stepping out of my comfort zone.

.

Teacher appreciation week is traditionally a time dedicated to honoring the teachers in our lives and those impacting not only their fields but also the communities in which they serve. This episode is an open letter to those educators who need a word of encouragement, of inspiration, of gratitude. Thank you for all that you do.

When was the last time that you allowed yourself to experience joy? When was the last time you truly celebrated an accomplishment? If you are struggling to recall that moment, you are not alone. We have been primed to consistently pursue whatever we define as success without acknowledging that this pursuit is futile in that success is a series of small wins that may never truly end. Thus our efforts to obtain this goal will only result in the production of additional milestones hence the term "hedonic treadmill."

Recognizing the toll that this takes on our mental health, I wanted to share that this is something with which I struggle and implore listeners to find ways to both pursue their goals while also being intention about stepping off the treadmill to enjoy that which they have accomplished.

In this episode, I chat with CJ Reynolds, a West Philadelphia high school literature teacher, author, YouTuber, & public speaker. In his book, Teach Your Class Off, on his YouTube Channel, Real Rap With Reynolds, and on his Podcast, Sunday Night Teacher Talk, Reynolds offers an authentic glimpse into what it looks like to teach high school in the inner city. Using “Real Rap” to share teaching tips and strategies, Reynolds helps new and veteran teachers alike become the teacher they always dreamed of being.

During our conversation, we talked about his usage of rap and hip hop in the classroom. Reynolds points out that this musical culture focuses on things that are “fresh” or relevant and that we, as educators, should mirror this in that we should not try to be cool but strive to be as relevant as possible. He explains that this is only possible by forming authentic relationships while also acknowledging that such practices feel dangerous because we need to be vulnerable and actually invest skin in the game. 

Ready to hear more from one of the keynote speakers for this year’s Teach Better Conference? Let’s go!

For most of us, the dashboard warning lights in our vehicles are an indicator that something needs to be addressed. For some, those signals are ignored often leading to larger issues as time progresses.

The same can be said for ourselves as well. Our bodies have warning signs to indicate that things are not going well and to serve as a reminder that we need to resolve them before we burn out.

On April 22, 1889, thousands of settlers, or Sooners, rushed into modern day Oklahoma in an attempt to settle "unassigned lands" and continue the European westward expansion of America. A moment that is commemorated across Oklahoma City, the '89 Land Run was foundational in the establishment of the state's eventual capitol and other major hubs. What is often not discussed, however, is how these "unassigned lands" came to be. Listen as I share my discoveries on the darker side of this momentous event and the Native American Nations that were ultimately decimated by this progression.

In Sandra Cisneros' book, "House on Mango Street," there exists a passage that seemingly sticks out to most people who have read the text.

"Those who don’t know any better come into our neighborhood scared. They think we’re dangerous….All brown all around, we are safe. But watch us drive into a neighborhood of another color and our knees go shakity-shake and our car windows get rolled up tight and our eyes look straight. Yeah. That is how it goes and goes."

Equitable grading has come to mean plenty of things but the problem with most of the approaches is that they have become excuses used to enable our most at-risk students. Join me as I reflect on a disagreement that I continue to have with a colleague and request your input on this challenging conversation. 

In this episode, I chat with Rosalba Rodriguez, an educator of 20 years as an instructional assistant, a substitute teacher, a teacher. She has served as an administrator for the past four years and is currently a Principal in southern California. Rosalba is a mother of two and an advocate for her daughters to be leaders and empathetic to others. As a leader, she believes all students can learn and belong to their school. Rosalba loves her role as a principal and is excited to continue her journey in leadership.

During our conversation, Rosalba presents a question that serves to define our leadership - what battles are you willing to fight and are you brave enough to stand firm? She explains how, in her new role, those who rode the bus were not only often from vastly different neighborhoods than the affluent community in which the school exists but also dropped off in the back of the school and required to traverse less than ideal terrain in order to enter the school. Why was this okay? She also stresses the need to hold all students accountable to the same level and differentiates between pity and promise.

Ready to hear more from this phenomenal leader? Let’s go!

We know that African-Americans have struggled historically when in our academic spaces and there is a maintained gap between them and all other racial groups. When discussing these disparities, we often talk about access and opportunity but what if there is something that we are missing in that conversation? This episode explores the possibility that this gap persists because many of our students, and not just African-Americans, exist within households and communities where the language needed to navigate academia is not commonly used and is, in many ways, foreign to them. What do you think?

In this episode, I chat with Marcus Belin, the Principal of Huntley High School, President of Illinois Principals Association, 2021 National Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year, and 2020 Illinois Principals Association Kishwaukee Region Principal of the Year. Marcus received his Bachelor’s and Masters from Bradley University and his Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. He is also the creator and host of the podcast Unapologetic Leadership which can be found across most platforms and on his website drmarcusbelin.com.

During our conversation, we discussed time. Yes, that’s right time. The fleeting resource that most of us wish we had more of so that we could accomplish all that we have to do. And yet this valuable resource is finite and thus we are forced to consider how we make the most of it. Marcus points out that our constant desire to “catch up” is a fallacy considering that we exist within an ever changing environment. Instead, he suggests that we examine our mission and vision to ensure that they are aligned with our actions so that we are moving in the right direction. Marcus also assures us that it is okay to set boundaries and give ourselves grace.

Ready to hear more? Let’s go.

What happens when trauma goes unaddressed? What happens when a community is denied the opportunity to access adequate health care? What happens when individuals are convinced that engaging in discussions around mental health is a sign of weakness? Join me as I reflect on how these issues perpetuate ongoing trauma within our communities and will continue to do so until they are truly addressed and resolved. 

In this episode, I chat with Lissette Jacobson and Maurice McDavid, the co-hosts of the Black, Brown, and Bilingue podcast, a show designed to unite the Black and Brown communities through education, storytelling, and community engagement. Both Lissette and Maurcie have over a decade of experience serving in education and both are currently principals in the suburbs of Chicago.

During our conversation, we focus on the intersectionality of language and identity. When was the last time you considered the relationship between the two and what did your assumptions or reactions say about your perceptions? For example, Lissette and Maurice talk about the “improper language” that is used in academia and yet is commonplace with those who use this same language to convey love, affection, and support. They point out that language which is acceptable in our educational system is often elitist and serves to create barriers among many of our marginalized populations despite great skillsets.

Ready to hear more from this dynamic duo? Let’s go … or should I say vamos.

Based on the best-selling book by Ellen Notbohm, this episode provides a frank discussion on the gap between what we say and what we do. Yes, we say (and honestly believe) that all students can and deserve to learn and yet, due to a myriad of reasons, we often fail to deliver on this. While our general education students who fit traditional models of learning excel, many groups of students struggle to keep up if not fall behind all together. Listen as I share the 10 things that every child with autism wishes you knew as I connect it back to my own experiences both as an educator and as a grandfather. 

In this episode, I chat with Jonathan Alsheimer, the unorthodox, energetic, and entertaining middle school teacher who refuses to live a life of limitations and works with UFC Fighters, Celebrities, and Clothing Brands and he is the author of "Next Level Teaching”.

Jonathan, taught at the world-renowned Fred Lynn Middle School, which was featured in two documentaries "Relentless" and "Relentless: Chasing Accreditation.” He has been featured as the teacher who forged a partnership with UFC Fighter and light-weight contender Paul Felder to bring a message of never giving up, fighting for their education, and empowering the students to believe in themselves, all principles that Jonathan promotes in his classroom.

As Jonathan always says, "Game-changing is not a cliche motto; it is a way of life... some talk about it while others live by it!

During our conversation, Jonathan pushed back on what it means to be an effective teacher. He points out that so many teachers have been conditioned to teach to the test or focus on test scores that they have forgotten how to make teaching and learning fun. He shared that when he shifted his focus to students being engaged in authentic and relevant learning experiences that his scores not only improved but so did the students in his classroom. Jonathan suggests that teachers not overwhelm themselves by trying to revolutionize everything but by making steady, small shifts to take elements to the next level. That’s how he turned a geography assignment into a zombie apocalypse survival game.

Ready to hear some more about these game-changing ideas so you can start living them? Let’s go.

As long as I can remember, we have been following fads to accomplish most of our goals. The New Year is no exception. In fact, I once joked that my resolution would be to make no more resolutions and I am proud to say that I am still going strong. My concern is that most fads do not result in achievement of one's goals. Instead, they often serve as distractions and we often find ourselves further from our intended destination because of a commitment to something that is not aligned with what it is that we want to accomplish. This year, I am proposing something different. 

For the past two years, I have hosted a holiday special as we explore various holiday traditions celebrated by educators. This year, I wanted to get the voice of students on the show and what better way to teach upcoming podcasters by having them participate in a show! This episode features three students from Michele Clark. Enjoy!

What systems exist to adequately provide our educators with the opportunity to heal in the light of a traumatic event? Join me as I reflect on how me and my team have been struggling to do this following the loss of a student steps from the front of our school.  

In this episode, I chat with Bethany Hill, an educator for 24 years. She has taught grades kindergarten, first, second and third grades, has been an instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. Bethany currently serves as a retention and recruitment specialist for an education service cooperative and supports novice teachers in 26 school districts. She also promotes social emotional learning through facilitating learning experiences centered around trauma sensitive practices and the implementation of working dogs in schools. She is the handler for an educational assistance dog who visits schools with her.

During our conversation, we focused on the misnomer that is the “teacher shortage.” Bethany pointed out that not only are there a large number of people transitioning into teaching but that there are also a large number of teachers who have chosen to work outside of their certification. The teachers, as individuals, didn’t disappear, but instead they have made a choice to stop working and we should be inquiring as to why. Bethany stresses that we should shift our focus from recruiting new talent to retaining those who are already in our buildings. How? Yes, money is one factor but there are also plenty of others.

Ready to hear some more on how we can get teachers back into their classrooms? Let’s go.

What Britney Spears, Sarah Rector, and the Osage Nation all have in common? They were all deemed incapable of handling their finances and thus court appointed a white male to oversee it for them. While the results are mixed, there is a common thread that impacts not just the three named but instead signifies an ongoing injustice in which the U.S. Government continues to implement inequitable systems and policies in an effort to oppress and control groups and individuals who threaten the status quo. 

The #BlackPanther franchise has been a source of #inspiration for many fans of the #MCU. But what happens when a potentially damaging & divisive message is portrayed?

In this episode, I chat with Connie Hamilton, who has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and central office leader. She continues to devote her time to supporting teachers and leaders to implement quality instructional methods through her collaboration with educational organizations and the numerous books she has written.

During our conversation, we explored allyship across difference through the lens of a white female. While I know that this may initially sound controversial, we wanted listeners to hear from someone who is traversing the challenging journey of self-discovery so that they can show up authentically as an ally. It is our hope that this understanding will not only encourage others to embark or continue on their own journeys but also provide helpful insight for others who are attempting to better understand the process. The truth is, we must all go through a version of self-exploration if we expect to be positioned to better align ourselves with those who are different from us. After all, as August Wilson once said, you’ve got to be right with yourself before you can be right with anyone else.

Ready to dive into this transparent and vulnerable episode? Let’s go.

Jean Lacoste was a French tennis player and business man who went by the nickname "The Crocodile" which ended up serving as the iconic logo on his clothing line. He was an accomplished tennis player having won several cups and was considered the number one player in the world in both 1926 and 1927.  Lacoste even earned a bronze medal in the 1924 Olympics. Despite all of the accolades and public recognition, there exists a lingering mystery that still causes debates within some circles today.

Was Lacoste a Black man?

Join me as I share how this information came to my attention as well as the details I learned, and subsequent questions I developed, through my investigation into this tennis star's background. 

In this episode, I chat with TaRael Kee, an Assistant Principal at Collinsville High School, a site-based trainer for the American School Counselor Association, and the Past-President of the Illinois School Counselor Association. He is the Founder of The Kee to Success YouTube Channel/Podcast and Successful Shopping Online Store. TaRael is also a published author.  He was named the Collinsville School District e-Educator of the Year (2017),  recognized by College Board in (2018), received the Lindenwood Alumni Spotlight (2019), and was awarded Illinois School Counselor of the Year (2021).  TaRael graduated from Lindenwood University with a specialist degree in Educational Leadership in May of 2021.

During our conversation, we talked about the impact that politics have on education, including how shipping migrants across the country affects the educational institutions receiving a sudden influx of students despite already struggling with a lack of resources. TaRael reflects on the ongoing battle between moral arguments and practicality. Yes, as educators we know and want to do what is right but are we equipped to always deliver on that message? We touch on the ongoing departure of educators as they are being left alone to figure it out and more often than not figure themselves out of the field. But … TaRael also leaves us with some words of wisdom … or should I say Kees to Success … on how we can respond to these challenges.

Ready to hear more? Let’s go.

Leadership can be lonely ... but only if you are doing it wrong. Join me in this reflection as I urge our educational leaders to use this time to build their networks so that they are not moving through this journey alone. 

In this episode, I chat with Starr Sackstein, a recovering perfectionist who is an assessment reforming enthusiast. Currently, she is the COO of Mastery Portfolio, an Edtech Startup committed to helping schools move to Standard-Based communication.  Additionally, she works with teacher teams to engage students in the learning process, advocate for personal growth, and effectively use student data to drive instruction. Starr was a high school English and journalism teacher for 16 years, a lead Humanities learner for 2 years, a publisher and developmental editor, and social media manager. She is an author, blogger, and speaker committed to changing the way we do assessment nationally and globally. You can learn more about her work on her website MsSackstein.com and you can follow her on Twitter @MsSackstein. When Starr isn’t advocating for students and educators, she is a mom and partner looking for the next adventure.

During our conversation, we talked about … assessments. In fact, Starr pointed out that we cannot expect major risk-taking in high stakes situations. And this goes for both our staff and our students. Starr shared stories of how she developed spaces for students to serve as cocreators of the curriculum in her space and was then investigated when students came to her class but skipped others. She shares the idea that our modern approaches disrespects and dishonors the natural learning process and questions why it seems that the love for learning happens to begin diminishing around the same grade level when these high stakes assessments are implemented.

Ready to hear more about the role assessments could play in your classroom? Let’s go!

As parents, we all want to believe that our children are special, that they are unique, and that they are smart. But how would you respond if you were told that the level of your child's intelligence would be contingent upon those with whom your child went to school? That say, for example, your child would be considered gifted at one school because your child's academic abilities were beyond those of your child's peers but would qualify for special education services in another setting because those students were academically superior to yours? Understandably, most parents would celebrate the first scenario and contest the latter. Yet, this very thing is happening within our schools as we speak. 

This episode shares a revelation that our family had when challenging my grandson's school and their push for him to be in a cluster program based an outdated IEP. Listen and let me know what you think. 

In this episode, I chat with John Whalen, a leading Restorative Practices pioneer in both theory and application. He has trained thousands of teachers, staff, and students throughout the United States. He is an innovator in professional development and training.  John has spoken at numerous national education conferences including ASCD Empower, ASCD Leadership Conference, the ESEA Conference, National Association of Community and Restorative Justice Conference, the Music City SEL Conference, and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Conference.

John is the author of the book Classroom Circles: A Toolkit for Building Relationships and Strengthening School Communities.

John currently brings his experience to his role as a principal at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy, a 4th-8th grade building in Upstate New York. He spent 15 years in the classroom teaching both 2nd grade and 6th grade mathematics.  He also spent over three years as a district Restorative Practices Coordinator leading implementation in over ten primary and secondary schools.

John resides in Conklin, NY, with his wife and two daughters.

During our conversation, John brings up a great point that often undermines the role and resulting impact of restorative practices in schools. Districts often focus on improving discipline issues when they should be focused on improving community connections and culture. In fact, he points out that the root of the word discipline is to learn and yet we do not spend enough time teaching how to get the results we want but instead hope that punishments will teach that lesson despite plenty of research that suggests otherwise. John stresses that restorative practices does not mean that we do not hold students accountable for their actions and the harm they have caused. He also stresses that this is a process … not a program … and thus the implementation and outcomes may look different from one building to the next. In the end, if we want change to happen, then we need to be willing to change.

Ready to dive into this episode? Let’s go!

Folktales are a central part of our educational systems ... especially in the early grades. However, these tales reflect the Eurocentric ideologies that drive these institutions causing a large part of our population to abandon and forget the stories rooted in their respective cultural pasts. What can we do to reverse this trend?  

In this episode, I chat with Shaun Woodly, a decorated K-12 teacher, university professor, and author whose deep passion and research have allowed him great success as an educator and entrepreneur. He is the architect behind the educator movement “Teach Hustle Inspire” and has written the best-selling book “MC Means Move the Class: How to Spark Engagement and Motivation in Urban and Culturally Diverse Classrooms”. In both education and life, Dr. Woodly believes in having fun! He educates with love, enthusiasm, motivation, and hustle!

During our conversation, we talked about the 2%. You know, the percentage of the teaching force that is composed of Black Males. We discussed the desire to force us into constrained positions such as disciplinarians and managers because we are not often considered as capable of being instructional leaders. We examined code switching and whether or not it should be necessary for our students in order to be accepted as “normal.” We differentiated between culturally relevant and culturally responsive. And, of course, we touched on music and explored Woodly’s parallel with his favorite medium and his role in the classroom and beyond.

Ready to slightly transform your groove? Let’s go.

Resiliency is often used to describe strong individuals ... those who push through the toughest of obstacles and emerge victorious. For many, it has become a badge that is worn with honor - a symbolic representation that they were able to overcome. 

But what if resiliency isn't always necessary? What if, resiliency is the necessary byproduct of functioning in a dysfunctional world?

In this episode, I explore this concept as it relates to our students and their families and question whether or not the resiliency they demonstrate should be looked upon in inspiration or if it is an excuse used to justify the ongoing perpetration of oppressive and unjust systems. 

In this episode I chat with three phenomenal guests. T.J. Vari, Connie Hamilton, and Joseph Jones have experience as building and district school leaders. They have authored or co-authored nine books, including their most recent publication with Corwin Press, 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders.

T.J. Vari is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District in Delaware. He’s also a co-author on 5 books for school leaders, including two Corwin books: Passionate Leadership and 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders. You can find his blogs, podcasts, and other work at theschoolhouse302.com.

Connie Hamilton served the field of education as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and district leader. She is the author or co-author of four books including 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders published by Corwin Press. Find out more about Connie’s work at www.conniehamilton.net

Joseph Jones is the Superintendent of Schools in the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. He is the co-author on 5 books for school leaders, including two Corwin books: Passionate Leadership and 7 Mindshifts for School Leaders. Find out more about Joe’s work at theschoolhouse302.com

During our conversation, we discussed the reality that often is leading an organization - that we are firefighters. So often we are consumed with the day to day issues that we are unable to recognize and address the root causes that continue to feed into them. It is this reason that these amazing leaders identified 7 mindshifts to help us approach education from a different perspective. Using examples from businesses and organizations from various markets, they challenge leaders to shift their mindsets so that they can improve their outcomes.

America is many things and none of those things are mutually exclusive. Why then, do we often apply that same principal to those who respond differently to patriotic symbolism? In this episode, I explore some of the history behind our nation's anthem and why I struggle with supporting it considering the language it contains. Does that make me Un-American or less patriotic? 

In this episode, I chat with Vernon Wright, an entrepreneur, speaker, life coach, consultant, and leader. He has over 18 years of experience in education working in large, urban school districts and has previously served in the roles of teacher, teacher leader, campus leadership team member, and district-level support.

Vernon has shared his experiences as a speaker numerous times over the years at the campus, district, regional, state levels, and beyond garnering acclaim and accolades from recognized industry leaders and colleagues. He has even impacted educators on a global scale with his message reaching people from afar in collaboration with Microsoft EDU and CUE Inc.

Vernon has brought his unique style and combination of insight, storytelling, experience, humor, authenticity, and epiphanies to audiences for years.  He knows that real change begins when we first start with authenticity and altruism within ourselves and then commit to creating a vision for future impact.

Vernon has an established presence on Twitter and other social media (@TheWrightLeader across all platforms), and he unabashedly stands as a voice for the people with zero apologies (ZeroApologyZone.com). You can connect with Vernon’s previous speaking and podcast appearances at TheWrightSpeaker.com where you can get a first-hand look at his style. He is committed to a life of inspiring and elevating others. He does this with a relentless focus on informing minds and touching hearts around the globe.

During our conversation, Vernon inspires us with a number of gems so be ready to get your notebooks ready. If you’re in the car, listen, take some mental notes, and then come on back. For example, we discussed the importance of stepping outside of our comfort zones and sharing the knowledge, skills, and experiences that we have with our colleagues. While something may be common knowledge for you, it just could be someone else’s breakthrough. We jumped into leadership and the importance of inspiring your people. After all, how can we expect great results if they are not galvanized to do great things? We even touched on trauma and recognized that just because we may find ourselves broken, there is no need for us to remain so. See … lots of nuggets in this episode.

Ready to hear them in their entirety and get fired up by this amazing educational leader? Let’s go!

What happens when you are torn between leaving a company and serving your community? Listen as I share my decision to walk away after 10 years of working at the same company. 

What is your story? Have you shared it?

What is a lesson that you learned? Have you shared it?

What we often consider normal just may be someone else's breakthrough. It is our duty to put out this information so that we can continue improving our field. 

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations.

I’m your host, Charles Williams. An urban educator for more than 15 years, a current school principal in Chicago, an educational consultant, an equity advocate, and the co-host of Inside The Principal’s Office.

--

This episode is a pause to ponder segment. These biweekly sessions will allow me to share with you my personal thoughts and reflections on a wide spectrum of topics as they relate to education. It is my hope that you will be able to take something from these segments and apply it in a meaningful way as you continue to do amazing work. Remember, while we all have different roles, we all have a single job, educating our students.

--

What do the New York Yankees and teacher retention have to do in common? Well, consider that in the past 25 years, 44% of the championship teams also fell into the top 3 salary spendings for their respective years. In fact, the average winning team had a payroll that was nearly one standard deviation higher than the average. And the Yankees? Well their five championships during the past 25 years can be attributed to having a payroll that was 2 standard deviations higher than the average. 

What does this mean?

One of my favorite players, Anthony Rizzo, former first basemen for the Chicago Cubs, recently joined the Yankees and has not been quiet about his dissatisfaction with the teams reluctance to pay him or others what they were worth. In short, he said to invest in your people. 

While I understand that MLB salary caps and educational funding are vastly different models, the point of this discussion still holds true. How is it possible that there are teachers who are making a liveable wage (or higher) while others are required to work additional jobs to survive? Furthermore, how can we expect the same level of performance from these same groups of teachers? Or even, what are we saying about how much we value their contributions to our organizations?

In short, if you value your people, you need to invest in your people. Yes, it may be costly up front, but the results speak for themselves. 

--

I want to thank you for listening to The Counter Narrative Podcast. If you like what you are hearing, please be sure to like, subscribe, and of course share it with friends and family. I’d also love to hear your thoughts about the show so please leave a comment or two as well.

I’m not sure what platform you’re using but the show can be found on Anchor, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and plenty of other platforms. If the show isn’t on your preferred site, let me know and I’ll be sure to get it up and running.

This podcast is also featured on SchoolRubric.com, where you can find educational articles, videos, and interviews with educators from around the globe.

Be sure to connect with me and other listeners by following the show on Twitter at @theCNpodcast and joining the show’s Facebook Group.

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations.

I’m your host, Charles Williams. An urban educator for more than 15 years, a current school principal in Chicago, an educational consultant, an equity advocate, and the co-host of Inside The Principal’s Office.

--

In this episode, I chat with Zachary Korth,  a second year Assistant Principal within Chicago Public Schools. He previously served as the Math Instructional Coach and College and Career Counselor within Austin ISD and a STEM Instructional Coach in Portland Public.  With a wealth of experience in restorative practices and building a climate and culture of high expectations and energy, he ensures everyone gets what they n eed to be successful. Whenever interacting with Mr. Korth you know he will always listen, support, and, if needed, offer solutions.

In honor of Pride Month, we centered our conversation around the