Welcome to The CREATE (Ed) podcast, where we explore key issues shaping the future of education. Today, we're diving into the importance of community in K12 education—how fostering strong connections among students, parents, educators, and the broader community can transform schools into places of empowerment and growth.

Together, Dr. Chantee Earl, and Dr. Melissa Speight Vaughn will discuss why community engagement isn’t just an added bonus, but a critical element in the success of every child. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or someone passionate about the future of our children, this episode will provide insights and strategies for creating a supportive, liberatory and inclusive environment in K12 schools. Executive Producers: The CREATE Project, Dr. Chantee Earl and Dr. Melissa Speight-Vaughn.

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To meet the CREATE teacher residency’s expansive goals, today's episode features Jacob Hackett from Georgia State University and Ayinde Summers from Project South discussing the design and impact of an immersive teacher workshop. This teacher residency workshop uses concepts of place-based education, the Southeast and Atlanta-based movement organizing work of Ella Baker, Lugenia Hope and Septima Clark, and community-based organizations to deepen the critical consciousness of our future teachers.

Executive producers: The CREATE Project, Dr. Jacob Hackett and Ayinde Summers

In this episode, we explore the journey of a Black male mathematics teacher whose teaching practice has been significantly shaped by his participation in the CREATE Project's teacher residency program. Dr. Nickolaus Ortiz and Cam Bentley dive into how the program's principles and strategies have influenced approaches to research and to teaching math, particularly in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Black male educators. Cam Bentley shares his experiences of being a resident to becoming teacher in the field of mathematics education. He discusses how the CREATE program helped him develop culturally responsive teaching methods that resonate with his students and helps to build a supportive learning environment.The episode highlights key themes such as identity, the importance of representation, the role of mentorship, and the impact of collaborative research on teaching practices. Join us as we unpack the personal and professional transformations of both Dr. Nickolaus Ortiz and Cam Bentley through their research and how their collaboration's influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping a vision for equitable and effective mathematics education.

Link to article discussed: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09518398.2022.2061623

Executive producers: Dr. Nickolaus Ortiz, Cam Bentley and The CREATE Project