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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but for educators and students, the stress is year-round. In this episode, Dr. Almitra Berry dives deep into the realities of mental health in schools-why it matters, how it intersects with equity, and what you can do right now to support every student.

Discover:

• Why schools are the new front line for mental health support
• How Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) goes beyond buzzwords to transform classroom culture
• The importance of telling authentic stories and representing all students-including LGBTQ+, multilingual learners, and those in foster care
• Four actionable strategies: expanding access to mental health services, integrating mental health education, organizing awareness events, and collaborating with community partners

Get practical tips, real talk, and inspiration to help your school become a place where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Because mental health is equity-and silence is not an option.

Before we part ways, I want to hear from you. Text me your questions, stories, or topic suggestions. Your experiences and insights fuel our movement for educational equity.

This is Dr. Almitra Berry, reminding you that in times of educational crisis, silence is not an option.

And remember! Don't worry about things you cannot change, change the things you can no longer accept.

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In this episode of the Educational Equity Emancipation Podcast, Dr. Almitra L. Berry dives deep into the significance of Haitian Heritage Month and why representation matters for every child-especially those whose stories are too often erased from our classrooms. Discover the powerful history behind Haiti’s name, its legacy as the world’s first Black-led republic, and the impact of Haitian American voices in U.S. education.

Dr. Berry shares actionable strategies for educators to integrate Haitian heritage into classrooms all year long, not just in May.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or advocate, this episode equips you with practical tools and inspiration to make Haitian Heritage Month-and Haitian heritage-an ongoing celebration of identity, pride, and educational equity.

Key Takeaways:

• The roots and meaning of “Ayiti” and its importance to Haitian identity.
• The dangers of erasure and why inclusive curriculum benefits all students.
• Real-world examples of schools getting it right, like Boston’s Toussaint L’Ouverture Academy.
• Two actionable strategies for integrating Haitian heritage into your classroom and school community.

For show resources, go to the companion blog for this episode.

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Join Dr. Almitra Berry and Christina Rodriguez, founder of Tumbleweed Publishing, as they dive deep into transforming literacy education for neurodiverse and marginalized learners. Discover how culturally responsive, engaging decodable readers can empower children, challenge misconceptions, and create pathways to success for every student. A powerful conversation about breaking educational barriers and championing inclusive learning.

Christina Rodriguez is the founder and CEO of Tumbleweed Publishing. She has over 20 years of experience in educational publishing leadership. She began her career in the classroom and then leadership roles at the district level. Christina has held senior leadership roles at numerous publishers and with an editorial vendor. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing and implementing systems that support students and educators.

In her publishing career, Christina has created research-backed resources that have helped improve literacy outcomes. As the mother of a neurodiverse son, Christina is also a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Her advocacy has reinforced her commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities for all students, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed.

Christina holds an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Literacy

Contact:
Christina@tumbleweedpublishing.com
www.tumbleweedpublishing.com

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Dr. Almitra Berry explores the critical importance of recognizing and integrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage in K-12 education. She challenges stereotypes, advocates for authentic representation, and provides practical strategies for educators to create inclusive classrooms that honor the rich diversity within AANHPI communities. Learn how to transform curriculum, foster empathy, and empower students from all backgrounds.

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Dr. Almitra Berry explores the rich cultural landscapes of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. She provides educators with actionable strategies to amplify diverse voices, support neurodiverse learners, and create more inclusive classrooms. Discover practical tools for honoring cultural contributions, advocating for equitable literacy, and promoting mental health awareness in this powerful episode of the 3E Podcast.

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Dr. Almitra Berry sits down with Dr. Shelby Kretz, founder of Little Justice Leaders, to explore the transformative power of social justice education for elementary-aged children. With a Ph.D. in Education from UCLA and over a decade of experience, Dr. Kretz shares how her organization equips educators and parents with resources to teach kids about equity, inclusion, and justice. Discover why starting these conversations early is crucial, how biases form at a young age, and practical strategies for fostering empathy and critical thinking in classrooms and homes. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate for educational equity, this conversation will inspire you to take action in shaping the next generation of justice leaders.

Additional resources may be found here:
LJL.Education/3E
https://littlejusticeleaders.com
https://www.instagram.com/littlejusticeleaders
https://www.youtube.com/@littlejusticeleaders

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Dive into the powerful story of the Pearl, the largest recorded escape attempt by enslaved Black people in 1848, and explore the profound significance of Washington DC's Emancipation Day. This episode uncovers the systemic inequities of the 1862 Compensated Emancipation Act, traces the ongoing fight for racial justice, and challenges listeners to understand how historical oppression continues to shape modern educational and social landscapes.

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Dr. Almitra Berry unveils her groundbreaking new book, "The Culturally Competent Educator," offering educators powerful strategies to create inclusive classrooms. Through personal stories and practical tools, she explores how to dismantle systemic inequities, celebrate diverse learners, and transform educational experiences for every student. Discover actionable insights to build more equitable and culturally responsive learning environments.

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