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Ulric Shannon believes that students who do not see themselves reflected in their teachers and in the educational leadership develop harmful beliefs about authority, power, and value. Indeed, statistics show that the faculty in many school districts do not share the demographics or the backgrounds of the student bodies they serve. Ulric set out to change this. In this episode, Ulric and I discuss what he did, whether it is working, and how you can get involved. More information about Ulric and Surge is at talkingaboutkids.com.

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To succeed, to be happy and healthy, kids need safety and support. Unfortunately, too many kids do not feel safe or supported at school or in out-of-school-time programs (OST) because they do not share the dominant culture’s abilities, race, religion, orientation, identity or identity expression. For the third year in a row, Talking About Kids was granted media access to all of NYC Pride’s events, and took the opportunity to ask two of the parade Grand Marshalls about the importance of safe spaces for kids. The first voice you will hear is Elisa Crespo, the Executive Director of the Stonewall Community Foundation. After her, you will hear Alaina Daniels, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Transformative Schools. More information about these activists, including links to their organizations, is at talkingaboutkids.com.

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There is a richness to the new children’s book, Like That Eleanor: The Amazing Power of Being an Ally by writer Lee Wind and illustrator Kelly Mangan, that affords a caregiver and a child myriad opportunities for discussion, exploration, and, ultimately, connection. It weaves history lessons with contemporary, school scenarios that young children will recognize in a way that entertains while modeling skills that young children need. I think Lee and Kelly have created something special, and I was excited to talk to both of them about their process and what they want kids and adults to take away from this book. More about Lee and Kelly and Like That Eleanor: The Amazing Power of Being an Ally is at talkingaboutkids.com.