Too Dope Teachers and a Mic

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.

Kevin and Gerardo are back for the 2017-2018 school year with an episode inaccurately titled Catharsis. This episode represents a turning point from negative to positive, from vacation to work, from fear and stress to inspiration and encouragement. We discuss Charlottesville, staying #woke and teaching for justice in a time that desperately needs it.

Gerardo and Kevin reflect on the year past, discuss ways #TooDope teachers can spend their summer, and look to the 2017-2018 school year. Kevin shares his plan of action, Gerardo tries to see that his glass is half-full, and Kevin complains.

Kevin (aka Irate Observer) and Gerardo (aka Tha Hunter) host a roundtable of #TooDopeTeachers, including Smiling Prophet, Thunderous Mercenary, Expert Assassin, Queen Ill Figure, Medianoche Comandante, Erratic Criminal, and Xpert Commander to discuss the lives, experiences, and hopes of teachers of color. This one is loud, silly, powerful, and important. Plus Complaining Corner and Shout Outs.

Gerardo and Kevin are back! We introduce our new segment, "Teachin' Trump" to reflect upon the Trump Administration's recent moves which may impact our students, particularly the confirmation hearings of Betsy DeVos, as well as immigration in this administration. Then, the fellas interrogate the age-old practice of kicking misbehaving children out of class. One of your hosts shares a story about being kicked out of class. Listen and find out!