EP 29: Decolonizing the Mind, Decolonizing Curriculum w/Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif

In this podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif, an educator, former special education teacher and former school principal. We have a conversation about the black male experience in urban school leadership, and specifically Jamel’s experience as a school leader. We also discuss the struggles and possibilities of teaching 7th/8th grade children labeled as mentally challenged.  In this podcast, we also talk about what it means to decolonize one's curriculum and teaching practices.  Highlights: Jamel’s experiences as an educator in Queens and Brooklyn, NYC, and former principal in Massachusetts The importance of school leaders and educators building humanizing relationships with families, caregivers, and students. The psychological and emotional impact of colonizing school settings and practices on black male leaders. Examples of decolonizing practices in school leadership. The effects of black and brown kids being placed in accelerated classrooms without support (Imposter Syndrome). How leaders can grow in the field today as critical racial and social justice educators. Dr. Jamel Adkins-Sharif is the Director of Eskolta Boston, a high school research and redesign nonprofit committed to culturally sustaining school transformation. Jamel holds an EdD in Urban Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. His research explores race, social justice, leadership, and equity in schools. Jamel has had a successful career as a special education teacher of history and mathematics in New York, and was founding principal of both an elementary charter and district middle school in Massachusetts. Additionally, Jamel served two terms on the Principal's Advisory Cabinet of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and has consulted with the Department on culturally proficient school improvement. ****************************************************************** The Equity Experience Podcast is brought to you by Dr. Karla Manning, President of The Equity Leadership Group, LLC.   We help K-12 school leaders and educators build equitable and inclusive classrooms and school districts with our diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting services. I invite you to schedule a discovery call if your organization is interested in our curriculum development, leadership training, or coaching & consulting services: https://calendly.com/karlamanning/discoverycall20mins