In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting youth and families, mostly in Black communities. She discusses the challenges and motivations behind her career shifts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the impact of leadership changes, and the quest for better opportunities. Elia also delv ..read more

This episode of The Exit Interview features a deep dive into the experiences and insights of Jailyn Jenkins, a former STEM educator who transitioned into a role supporting Black educators after facing burnout. Jailyn shares her personal journey, highlighting the significance of mental health, the critical need for authentic recruitment and retention strategies for educators of color, and the transformative power of rest and healing. The discussion also covers the establishment of BEST (BIPOC Educational STEM Thinkers), a community initiative aimed at fostering joy, belonging, and advocacy amon ..read more

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons and special guest Dr. Cletis Allen delve into the educational journey of black educators. Dr. Allen, an advocate for culturally responsive literacy instruction and a curriculum development specialist, shares her transition from a classroom teacher to a consultant. Discussing the importance of teacher participation in curriculum decisions, shared experiences of navigating through educational careers, and the significance of seeking joy and satisfaction in personal and professional life. This episode sheds light on challenges faced by black e ..read more

In this episode, of the Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators Yasha Chapman, an accomplished Black educator and CEO of Elementary Education Evolved, shares her experiences and insights about the challenges faced by Black educators and the importance of retaining them in the field of teaching. Yasha discusses her journey in education, from initially wanting to be a pharmacist to becoming a classroom teacher and eventually an instructional coach. She emphasizes the need to amplify the voices of Black educators, involve them in decision-making processes, and compensate them for their expe ..read more

In this week’s compelling episode, we speak with Dr. Asia Lyons, CEO of Lyons Educational Consulting, co-facilitator of the Black Educator Wellness Cohort, and co-host of The Exit Interview Podcast. With experiences spanning Detroit to Denver, Dr. Lyons shares her journey, from attending a gifted high school and navigating failure in college, to shedding light on the critical role of community colleges and nontraditional pathways into education (#shoutout to those bus routes!).  ..read more

After teaching in Atlanta's public schools Brittni had to make a choice, quit teaching or try her hand at teaching in the Middle East.  Take a listen as she shares her experience as an educator both here and abroad, what she feels would improve schools in the United States and what she is up to now that she is back state side.  ..read more

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Kev and Dr. Asia sit down with Deidra Fogarty founder of Black Girls Teach an organization that offers Black women educators a supportive environment to openly grow, collaborate, and unite as they demand change in education.  Take a listen as she talks about her transition out of education, strategies she feels could turn the tied of Black women leaving education and how Black Girls Teach is changing the game for education across the U.S.  ..read more

Michelle Emmanuelle is a former private school educator turned wellness educator, consultant, and professional speaker.  In her episode, she discusses the ways she navigated pressures from administrators and students.  Michelle also provides our audience with healing practices that they can begin anywhere and in any situation.  ..read more

In this episode, we are joined by Lacey Robinson, the president and CEO of UnboundEd and the chair of the Board of CORE Learning. As CEO, Robinson sets the organization’s vision for transforming instruction for students at the margins. She is a former teacher, principal, and professional development specialist who has focused on literacy, equity, and school leadership for more than 25 years. Her life’s work aims to enable educators to disrupt systemic inequities in their school districts and classrooms.  She shares her journey from a pre-service educator at Marva Collins Prep to her curr ..read more

We're back for another episode! In this edition, we have a conversation with Ronda Haynes-Belen, a former family liaison who played a vital role in connecting families with essential resources within a school district in the Denver area. Tune in as she opens up about her encounters with instances of anti-Black sentiment within her department, her choice to step away from that environment, and the self-care and healing she now prioritizes ..read more