The Post-Pandemic Classroom: Addressing Mental Health, Social Media, and Critical Race Theory in the Digital Age

01/06/25 • 54 min

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris engages in a deep discussion with educators Melanee Duncan Friday and Dave Stieber about the pressing issues of mental health in students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the impact of social media, the challenges faced by students in processing emotions, and the role of schools in providing support. The conversation highlights the need for more resources, the importance of trauma-informed teaching, and the complexities of managing cell phone use in educational settings. In this conversation, educators discuss the impact of technology on learning, the challenges of teaching history and critical race theory, and the media's portrayal of parental perspectives in education. They explore the balance between digital citizenship and classroom management, and ultimately reflect on what gives them hope in the current educational landscape.
Additional resources on the topics discussed in the episode:

Addressing mental health challenges among students in all grade levels.
- Kid's Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of our Time,' Surgeon General Says
Cell phone bans in schools across the country
Black History Bans
- Black History 'Underground Railroad" forms across U.S. after increase of book bans

Join the Conversation:

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@theteachersforum.bsky.social
X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

Addressing mental health challenges among students in all grade levels.
- Kid's Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of our Time,' Surgeon General Says
Cell phone bans in schools across the country
Black History Bans
- Black History 'Underground Railroad" forms across U.S. after increase of book bans

Join the Conversation:

[email protected]
@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.

Previous Episode

A New Path in Education: The Rise of Black Homeschooling

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, LaQuinda Johnson shares her transformative journey in education, from her early influences and teaching experiences in Miami and Atlanta to her decision to leave the classroom and start Lady Quinn Enterprise. She discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching in diverse environments, the importance of building relationships with students and parents, and the rise of homeschooling among Black families, particularly during the pandemic. LaQuinda also elaborates on her own homeschooling experience with her daughter and the formation of a co-op that focuses on culturally relevant education. In this conversation, LaQuinda Johnson discusses her experiences as a homeschooling mom and entrepreneur, emphasizing the flexibility that homeschooling provides. She addresses the challenges of balancing her entrepreneurial responsibilities with her role as a mother and educator. LaQuinda also highlights the importance of socialization for homeschooled children, the benefits of homeschooling for children with disabilities, and the growing trend of African American families choosing to homeschool. She shares insights on the resources available for homeschooling families and discusses her own educational enterprise, Ladiquin Enterprise, which offers various educational services.
To reach Laquinda and learn more about company you can email her at
[email protected] or visit her website at https://ladiquinenterprise.com/

Join the Conversation:

[email protected]
@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.

Next Episode

A Note to Self: Adrian Gordon’s Journey as a Black Composer in Classical Music

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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews Adrian Gordon, a distinguished music educator and composer and one of only a handful of Black composers of classical music in the nation. Adrian shares his unique journey in music, from his early influences growing up in a Jamaican household to his experiences in music education and composition. He discusses the challenges of representation in classical music, the importance of mentorship, and the need for diverse voices in music education. Adrian emphasizes the significance of introducing young students to a variety of musical styles and the role of composers in shaping the future of music education. In this conversation, Adrian Gordon discusses his involvement in the Canon Project, which aims to diversify music education and promote young black composers. He reflects on his multifaceted career as a composer, performer, teacher, and author, emphasizing how these roles inform one another. Adrian also shares insights from his book 'Note to Self,' which addresses the challenges of transitioning into new teaching environments and the importance of mental health and authenticity in education. He also explores the concept of imposter syndrome, particularly among educators of color, and discusses the current state of inclusivity in classical music.
To contact Adrian you can reach him at Adriangordonmusic.com
You can also listen to Adrian's composition, "A Tender Moment in Time" on YouTube
For more on black composers in classical music click here.

Join the Conversation:

[email protected]
@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.