Episodes

In case you missed the YouTube LIVE with HISD Union leader Michelle Williams, here's the audio for you. In this episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, we are discussing the controversial case of Michelle Williams, a dedicated teacher and union leader within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Just days after being removed from her teaching position, Williams finds herself at the center of a storm, facing termination and alleging retaliation from district authorities. We unravel ...

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We are continuing our conversation with some dynamic educators of HISD. In this episode, , Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony, bravely share their experiences within Houston's education system post-state takeover. Mrs. Ebony pull back the curtain on the challenges teachers are facing at her NES-A campus. We discuss the struggles of navigating a compliance-driven environment, where scripted curricula fail to resonate with students and school libraries ar...

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast! We are continuing our conversation with some dynamic educators of HISD. In this episode, , Mrs. Muhammed and Mrs. Ebony, bravely share their experiences within Houston's education system post-state takeover. Mrs. Ebony pull back the curtain on the challenges teachers are facing at her NES-A campus. We discuss the struggles of navigating a compliance-driven environment, where scripted curricula fail to resonate with students and school libraries ar...

In this latest episode, we sit down with Mrs. Muhammed, a resilient educator who has just emerged from a termination hearing within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). With the results now in, we discuss the aftermath of the hearing, the ongoing uncertainty she faces, and what lies ahead for her and her students. Join us as we explore the critical issue of instructional gaps her students have endured during her absence, exacerbated by the challenges of teacher "jail" and administrat...

In this episode, we bring you the firsthand account of a teacher who is courageously confronting the systemic challenges within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Despite facing termination for her advocacy, she refuses to be silenced as she shares her story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Join us as we discuss the obstacles she has encountered, from standing up against a hostile principal to grappling with hidden testing data that undermines student learn...

Join us for a candid conversation with Mrs. Jackie Anderson, President of the Houston Federation of Teacher (HFT), as we discuss the pressing issues facing the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the broader implications for education in Texas. At the heart of our discussion is the controversial figure Superintendent Mike Miles and his implementation of the NES system, which has stirred significant animosity within the community. Mrs. Anderson sheds light on the reasons behind the wi...

In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the recent student walkout and protest at Madison High School, where students are pushing back against a new cell phone policy imposed by their school district, HISD, the district that has recently been taken over by the state's education authority (TEA). Our guest, TB, a student at Madison High School, offers a firsthand account of what life has been like since the TEA took over their school district, implementing policy changes that disproportionate...

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with B. Drake, a seasoned professional in the field of child welfare with years of experience. We team up to really get into the nitty-gritty of the child welfare system, swapping heartfelt stories about kids finding their way through state custody and foster homes. We dive deep into the challenging realities of the child welfare system, shining a light on the serious issues it faces. We're not shying away from talking about the troubling presence of ...

Welcome to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. We are prepping to return to work after the much needed winter break and I have some of my teacher besties with me to get the conversation started. We joke around about our holiday shenanigans and I try to pry about their holiday hook-ups, lol! We then get into the real discussion: Are teachers always supposed to be professional, selfless, sacrificial moral authorities with limited personal lives? How do societal expectations shape t...

Welcome to another episode of R4F- the Podcast and today we sit down with THE INCREDIBLE Dr. Byron McClure, a rare gem in the field of school psychology—part of the less-than-1% club of Black male school psychologists. We’re jumping right into his journey, starting with how he got into the world of school psych. We’re not skirting around the issues. Dr. McClure discusses the culture of low expectations that often shackles Black students, the hesitation to set high standards, and the unfortunate...

We left y'all with a cliffhanger on that last episode, so let's finish it off!!!! Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like you're dropping the ball in either role? We discuss the complexities of navigating advocacy challenges when it comes to our own children. H...

Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast. On this episode, I am joined by some teacher-moms as we discuss the chaos of being a loyal employee of a school/district where your own children attend. How do you manage this juggling act without feeling like you're dropping the ball in either role? We discuss the complexities of navigating advocacy challenges when it comes to our own children. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you desperately wanted to advocate...

In this long awaited episode, we get into the diverse and dynamic journey of Attorney Staci Childs, a remarkable woman who transitioned from the classroom to the courtroom. Staci, a former teacher turned attorney (and dope rapper), shares her insights and experiences serving on the Texas State Board of Educators, where she actively shapes policies that impact school districts across the state. As an outspoken advocate for education reform, Staci discusses with me the controversies surrounding c...

Welcome to another episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast. In this episode we are discussing the stories of black women teachers who have faced profound trauma under the guidance of black women principals. We will be taking some of my most recent a TikTok videos and turning them into a raw hour-plus conversation that will leave you inspired and enlightened. Our guests, experienced educators who have been in the field for years, openly share their experiences, and the emotional and mental tol...

We are continuing this episode with our college professors discussing the literacy gap and was they see from their POV. Our educators share their insights, experiences, and concerns regarding students' preparedness as they transition from high school to college. Are academic standards slipping? Is the 'Literacy Gap' real, and what's the impact? We'll discuss the controversial changes in academic standards and how they impact students. Our expert guests share their experiences and insights into ...

In this episode, we bring you an extraordinary panel of educators. Not only are they high school teachers and college professors, but one of them, a local comedian, achieved viral fame after being recorded by her students. Our educators share their insights, experiences, and concerns regarding students' preparedness as they transition from high school to college. Are academic standards slipping? Is the 'Literacy Gap' real, and what's the impact? We'll discuss the controversial changes in academ...

Welcome back to another episode of Ridgemont4'sfinest-The Podcast, where we continue our important conversation about black girls and their mental health in the educational landscape. In this episode, we revisit and deepen the dialogue with a panel of accomplished black female mental health professionals. Together, we explore the multifaceted journey of black girls as they navigate the challenges and opportunities within our school systems. Our guests bring their expertise and unique perspectiv...

In this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast , we confront a deeply troubling issue that is shaking communities across the globe: the alarming rise in suicides among school-aged children, teenagers, and young adults. Join us as we shed light on this heart-wrenching topic, its underlying causes, and the urgent need for action. We start by examining the staggering statistics, providing a stark reality check on the extent of the problem. With suicide now among the leading causes of death in t...

In this deeply moving episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, we are honored to share the remarkable story of a family that turned their unimaginable grief into a powerful force for change. Join us as we get into the inspiring journey of a family who transformed their pain into purpose by establishing the A Bold Story Never Ends foundation in loving memory of their son, Kameron. Through candid conversations with Kameron's mom and aunt- 2 mental health therapists, we explore the deeply person...

In this soul-stirring episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, we discuss the often uncharted territory of Black girls' mental health. Join us as we explore the multifaceted aspects of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, shedding light on issues that have remained in the shadows for far too long. We start by diving into the heart of the matter: undiagnosed mental health issues. Our panel of experts, including a dedicated teacher and mental health advocate, an experienced mental healt...

Get ready to get into some crazy conversations with a burst of energy and laughter in this episode of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast!Join us for a whirlwind of wisdom as a bunch of seasoned teachers spill the beans on their quirky, unconventional, and downright brilliant tips for newbie teachers. We call it "Quickie Professional Development," but trust us, we've got a knack for letting our ADHD lead us down the rabbit hole of epic conversations! ADHD aside, we're getting into the must-know secr...

In this highly anticipated season 2 premiere of Ridgemont4'sFinest-The Podcast, I am joined by some of my teacher besties as we celebrate the start of a new school year over brunch and beverages. Shout out to Extraordinary Creations, Steel Kitchen for the delicious meal!! We get into the importance of self-awareness and community involvement in the success of our schools. We discuss the privilege some parents/communities have in being able to focus on the schooling/education of their kids, whil...