Best Dr Amy Vujaklija Podcasts (2025)

1
Honoring Dr. Cheryl Green 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

The podcast episode honors Dr. Cheryl Green, who passed away on April 23, 2025, after serving as President of Governor State University for four years. Dr. Green, a passionate educator with over 30 years of experience, received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Commitment in Education Award in 2023 and the Women in Excellence in Educati…

1
Reimagining Learning in the Digital Age with Laurie Hendrickson 40:24

1M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode, we talk to Laurie Hendrickson, a former middle school teacher and current educator. Hendrickson discusses the importance of student participation and technology integration in education. She emphasizes the need for technology to be used within the curriculum with a specific purpose, such as creating digital stories that enhance lea…

1
Transforming Learning through Experiential Education with Marshaunda Dixon 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Marshaunda Dixon, director of learning initiatives for Renaissance Christian Academy. We discuss the teacher shortage and lack of diversity in education, particularly among African American teachers. We highlight that while students of color are expected to make up 56% of the student population by 2024, only 82% of p…

1
Empowering Educators Through Community Partnerships 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode, we talk to Gynger Garcia, a former Chicago Public School teacher, who works as a community education liaison at Breakthrough Urban Ministries. She discusses the importance of community-minded education and the benefits of partnerships between universities and community organizations. Breakthrough's programs, including after-school …

1
Embracing Neurodiversity with Nichelle Cook 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

Nichelle Cook, educator, licensed attorney, social entrepreneur and neurodiversity disability advocate, discusses the importance of embracing neurodiversity and the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities. She highlights that 12% of employees and 11% of students have developmental disabilities, emphasizing the need for bette…

1
Developing Student-Centered School Leadership with Dr. Angela Diggs 49:04

3M ago49:04

49:04

In this episode, Dr. Amy Vujaklija and Dr. Joi Patterson discuss leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We interview Dr. Angela Diggs, a seasoned educational leader, about her journey from a peer professional to a Director of Special Services. Dr. Diggs highlights the challenges …

1
Blending Passion, Research, and Teaching: A Podcast Journey with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi 37:54

3M ago37:54

37:54

Dr. Debbie James interviews Dr. Amy Vujaklija and Dr. Joi Patterson, co-hosts of the "Teaching and Leading" podcast at Governors State University. We discuss our journey from hallway conversations to a podcast during the pandemic. We highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and the value of our podcast in elevating …

1
Advocating for Equitable Urban Education with Dr. Sandy Womack 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

Dr. Sandy Womack, an Ohio educator and administrator, discusses his passion for transforming urban schools and the importance of assessing performance beyond persistence rates. He emphasizes the need for data-driven approaches, community engagement, and creating a supportive environment for teachers. Womack highlights successful programs like the R…

1
Amplifying Black Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Cheryl Green 9:07

3M ago9:07

9:07

Dr. Cheryl Green, President of Governor State University, discusses her leadership journey. Despite challenges like the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd, she emphasizes the importance of higher education and the need for African American females to remain connected to academia. Green shares four pieces of career advice, including the value o…

1
Amplifying Black Voices: A Conversation with Mayor Joe Woods 16:12

4M ago16:12

16:12

Mayor Joe Woods discusses his dual passions for poetry and public service, highlighting his role as the 12th mayor and second African American mayor of Park Forest. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of lifelong learning. Woods also addresses the challenges of diversity and equity, offering a poem that critiqu…

1
Amplifying Black Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Phyllis West 11:50

4M ago11:50

11:50

Dr. Phyllis West, Director of Social Justice Initiative at Governor State University, discusses the evolution of respectability politics and the stigmatization associated with African American hair. She recounts her journey from being a high school cosmetology major to an academic, highlighting the societal pressures and personal challenges she fac…

1
Amplifying Black Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Rashidah Muhammad 12:19

4M ago12:19

12:19

Dr. Rashidah Muhammad, a professor at Governor State University, discusses her inspirational journey in academia, highlighting her admiration for influential Black figures like Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. Dr. Muhammad credits Dr. Geneva Smitherman, her "literary mother," for providing a pivotal motivational push during her studies. Dr. Muhammad…

1
Amplifying Black Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole Bing 9:26

4M ago9:26

9:26

Dr. Nicole Bing, an associate professor and speech-language pathologist at Governor State University, is featured on a special Black History Project episode. She shares her journey, highlighting the impact of mentors like Dr. Noma Anderson and Dr. Yvette Hyter. Bing's story underscores the importance of mentorship in the academic and professional l…

1
Inspiring the Next Generation of University Leaders with Dr. Cheryl Green 36:21

5M ago36:21

36:21

Dr. Cheryl Green, the sixth president of Governor State University, discusses her journey and vision for the institution. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership, noting that only 30% of university presidents are female and 5% are women of color. Green highlights her focus on engagement, transparency, and community relations, and h…

1
Preparing Today's Kids for Tomorrow's World with Stephanie Malia Krauss 55:18

5M ago55:18

55:18

Stephanie Krauss, an educator and mom, shares her personal journey from high school dropout to college graduate. She discusses her book Making It,"which aims to prepare students for an uncertain future by focusing on four key "currencies": competencies, credentials, connections, and cash. Krauss emphasizes the need to modernize education, moving be…

1
Cultivating Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices with Mr. Shannon Swilley 39:13

5M ago39:13

39:13

Shannon Swilley, an experienced educator and advocate for culturally responsive teaching, discusses the importance of understanding students' cultural backgrounds to enhance learning. He emphasizes that teaching is a complex craft requiring empathy, social intelligence, and continuous growth. Swilley's research highlights that while teachers acknow…

1
Nurturing Student Wellbeing with Dr. Giesela Grumbach 34:42

5M ago34:42

34:42

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Giesela Grumbach, a social worker and educator. Dr. Grumbach discusses the evolving role of school social workers, emphasizing their importance in providing counseling, home visits, and advocacy. She highlights the significance of social-emotional learning (SEL) standards and the multi-tiered system of support, which…

1
Reflecting on the Teaching and Leading Journey with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi 18:42

6M ago18:42

18:42

Dr. Amy Vujaklija and Dr. Joi Patterson reflect on their podcast's journey, which began during the COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020. We have released a number of episodes, discussing diverse topics through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We highlight the importance of being reflective practitioners, emphasizing self-awareness and impact.…

1
Understanding Restorative Justice Practices with Dr. Sara Schnoor 39:24

6M ago39:24

39:24

Dr. Sara Schnoor discusses her research on middle school leaders' perceptions of restorative justice practices. She emphasizes the importance of community and individual accountability in restorative justice, highlighting its benefits in education, healthcare, and other fields. Dr. Schnoor shares her journey from teaching to leadership, focusing on…

1
Exploring the Art and Science of Teaching with Dr. Christopher Dignam 55:01

6M ago55:01

55:01

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Dignam, a former K-12 educator and current university professor, discusses his journey in integrating art and science in teaching methodologies. He emphasizes the importance of portraiture, a framework that blends ethnography, phenomenology, and narration, to create a holistic learning experience. Dr. Dignam shares …

1
Implementing the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan with Colleen Gjataj 35:53

6M ago35:53

35:53

In this episode, we discuss the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan and its implementation in schools. Colleen Gjataj, Director of Literacy Pathways at Elmhurst 205 Public Schools, highlights the challenges of improving literacy among third graders, noting that 30% cannot read. She emphasizes the need for high-quality instructional materials and p…

1
Discovering Authenticity Through Storytelling with Jennifer Stiglic - Reboot 36:37

7M ago36:37

36:37

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of middle school with Jennifer Stiglic, an eighth-grade English teacher and author of the young adult novel Tisity. Jennifer shares her career transition from public relations to education, driven by a desire to make a positive impact. Tisity explores themes of authenticity and resilience among teenagers, …

1
Transforming Literacy: A Conversation with Kellyn Sirach and Kim Tate 46:54

7M ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, we talk to Kim Tate and Kellen Syrock, key contributors to the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, who emphasize the importance of evidence-based literacy practices. The plan, which includes teacher preparation, professional development, and district leadership, aims to improve literacy by focusing on effective instructional stra…

1
Career Changing to Education with Mr. Nick Pezzuto 38:49

7M ago38:49

38:49

In this episode, we talk to Nick Pezzuto, a career changer with 19 years in education. Mr. Pezzuto shares his journey from the restaurant industry to teaching. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning into education, emphasizing the transferable skills from his previous career. Mr. Pezzuto highlights the importance of relationship-b…

1
Teaching and Leading Through Writing with Kevin Kenealy 28:34

7M ago28:34

28:34

In this episode, we talk to Kevin Kenealy, an English teacher and writer. He discusses his inspiration from a high school gym teacher to publishing his first book 20 Something at age 23. He balances teaching, writing, and family life by maintaining a strict routine. His latest book, Neighborhood Watch, explores themes of childhood innocence and adu…

1
Nurturing Educators to Stay in the Profession with Dr. Keshia Swaringam 36:26

8M ago36:26

36:26

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Keisha Swaringam, Vice President of Sales at Sydney. Dr. Swaringam discusses her educational journey and the challenges faced by teachers. She highlights the importance of personalized professional development and the role of tools like SIBME, which uses video and AI to enhance teacher reflection and feedback. Dr. Sw…

1
Learning Why Educators Stay with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi (2024 Educator Conference Panel) 38:00

8M ago38:00

38:00

The 2024 Educator Conference Panel discussed the importance of supportive administrators in building a distributive leadership system that invites leaders to decision-making. The panel, comprising diverse educators, shared their motivations for entering education, emphasizing personal connections, love for content, and a desire to help others. They…

1
Advocating for Change with Tasneem and Abrea 30:55

8M ago30:55

30:55

In this episode, we feature two remarkable students from Governor State University - Tasneem and Abrea. Both young women proudly embrace their Palestinian heritage and are using their education to drive meaningful change. Tasneem is a first-generation social work student who has overcome significant odds to pursue higher education. Abrea is a two-t…

1
Leading Where You Are as Educators with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi 17:38

8M ago17:38

17:38

In this episode, Drs. Joi Patterson and Amy Vujaklija discuss the start of their 5th season of the "Teaching and Leading" podcast. They reflect on their past conversations about why educators leave the profession and why they stay, and how that has led them to focus this season on the theme of "leading where you are" as educators. The hosts emphasi…

1
Bonus Episode: Celebrating Pride with Dr. Jarrett Neal 41:47

12M ago41:47

41:47

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jarrett Neal, the Writing Center Coordinator at Governors State University, about LGBTQ Pride. Dr. Neal shares his experience with generational and differences in perceptions of the LGBTQ community. We discuss Safe Zone training to address and mitigate bias and marginalization. Dr. Neal describes the state and nation…

1
Reboot: Being Solution-Focused about Educator Burn Out with Dr. Kerry Klima 35:26

1y ago35:26

35:26

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Kerry Klima about educator burnout and wellness. She discusses her research on structures in place that promote educator retention and how we might move from revolutionary to evolutionary in redesigning work environments. We also discuss the responsibility of managers modeling healthy work habits and inviting formerl…

1
Answering Why Educators Stay with Ms. Charity McGee 25:50

1y ago25:50

25:50

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Charity McGee, a 7th grade math teacher who started an education career in spring of 2020. Ms. McGee describes her experience as a student and why she wants to create a safe space for learning for her own students. We also discuss what collaboration can look like and who Ms. McGee says motivates her to be her best se…

1
Exploring Meaning in Education with Ms. Jamell O'Neal 38:07

1y ago38:07

38:07

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Jamell O'Neal, assistant principal and former 2nd grade teacher, about her purpose in education. Ms. O'Neal shares her passion for centering students in conversations about education. She discusses how she engages families, collaborates with colleagues, and seeks feedback in her growth as an educator and administrato…

1
Rediscovering our Educator Passion with School Counselor Shannon Payne 30:38

1y ago30:38

30:38

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Shannon Payne about her start as a substitute teacher and how it led her to being a school counselor. Ms. Payne discusses the passion ignited by working with students and how she establishes relationships with students, families, and colleagues through trust. Her primary reason for staying in education is the service…

1
Reboot: Examining Teacher Retention with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi - Part 3 37:49

1y ago37:49

37:49

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1 and the sense of belonging in Part 2, we explore the ideal conditions for retaining teachers. We discuss the importance of positive conflict resolution and transparent communication. We also share some strategi…

1
Reboot: Examining Teacher Retention with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi - Part 2 23:16

1y ago23:16

23:16

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi talk about teacher retention. After discussing the causes of teachers leaving the profession in Part 1, we look at what we can do to keep them, especially experienced teachers. We discuss the necessary sense of belonging in a school culture and how educators need to feel they matter as part of the school and as …

1
Reboot: Examining Teacher Retention with Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi - Part 1 32:21

1y ago32:21

32:21

In this episode, Dr. Amy and Dr. Joi have a no-holds-barred conversation about teacher retention. We discuss the increase in teachers retiring or leaving the profession altogether, further impacting the crisis levels of teacher shortages across the nation. In Part 1 of this 3-part series on teacher retention, we use the Ultimate Guide to Teacher Re…

1
Leading Schools and Establishing Culture with Dr. Don Parker 55:16

1y ago55:16

55:16

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Don Parker, a principal, author, and professional development provider. Dr. Parker discusses relationships and clear expectations as the starting points for turning around a school culture. He explains the framework of his new book, Be the Driving Force: Leading Your School on the Road to Equity, a practical guideboo…

1
Focusing attention on Discipline Disparities with Dr. Pam Fenning 39:54

1y ago39:54

39:54

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Pam Fenning about persistent discipline trends in K-12 schools. Dr. Fenning shares prominent research on implicit bias, discipline policies, and discipline disparities, particularly within the intersection of race and different abilities. Dr. Fenning provides examples from her own observations as a school psychologis…

1
Achieving with and through Different Abilities with Dr. Janelle Crowley 40:20

1y ago40:20

40:20

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Janelle Crowley, Chief of Staff at Governors State University. Dr. Crowley shares her experiences with hearing but not accepting “no” in spite of her struggles with hearing loss. She tells about the positive encouragement she received from many teachers and professors that inspired her career trajectory, as well as t…

1
Enhancing Inclusion for Individuals with Disabilities with Ms. Angela Szczepanik-Sanchez 44:56

1y ago44:56

44:56

In this episode during Disability Awareness Month, we talk to Ms. Angela Szczepanik-Sanchez, Director of Access Services for Students with Disabilities (ASSD) in the Division of Student Affairs at Governors State University. We ask about awareness versus comfortability and the continuum of tolerance, acceptance, inclusion, and allyship. Ms. Szczepa…

1
Demystifying Special Education with Ms. Alexandria Pearson 41:08

1+ y ago41:08

41:08

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Alexandria Pearson about the responsibilities of a special educator. Ms. Pearson explains different classroom settings, as well as her role as co-teacher, one-on-one pull-out instructor, and case manager for children with exceptionalities. We discuss individualized education programs, modifications, and transition to…

1
Women of Color in Leadership with Dr. Gaetane Jean-Marie 44:56

1+ y ago44:56

44:56

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Gaetane Jean-Marie about her work in elevating women’s voices in social justice. Dr. Jean-Marie shares personal experiences modeling how we can prepare our voices while in safe spaces to speak up and speak out when we are in less comfortable situations. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning…

1
Advocating for Racism-Free Schools with Dr. Candace Smith 49:14

1+ y ago49:14

49:14

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Candace Smith, Assistant Professor in Early Childhood and Principal Preparation at Governors State University. We discuss the high instances of hate crimes and the newly-legislated Illinois Racism-Free Act. Dr. Smith shares her path to awareness and advocacy for anti-racism work and what she is doing in educator prep…

1
Reboot: Affirming Strengths and Identities with Dr. Frank Harris 45:02

1+ y ago45:02

45:02

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Frank Harris about affirming students’ identities and affirming their strengths. Dr. Harris shares how to disrupt the 3D effect of distrust, disdain, and disregard with trust, mutual respect, and care. We also talk about his newly developed concept of racelighting. This episode was originally released under Teaching …

1
Teaching on the Days After with Dr. Alyssa Hadley Dunn 47:46

1+ y ago47:46

47:46

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Alyssa Hadley Dunn, the Director of Teacher Education and an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Dunn describes the motivation for her book, Teaching on the Days After: Educating for Equity in the Wake of Injustice. She shares her education journey that led her to b…

1
Reboot: Being Culturally Responsive in Teaching and Leading with Dr. Marlon Cummings 33:18

1+ y ago33:18

33:18

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Marlon Cummings about meeting students’ individual needs by recognizing their cultural spaces. Dr. Cummings discusses ownership of our strengths and recognition of our weaknesses as we develop into culturally-responsive leaders. This episode was originally released under Teaching and Learning: Theory vs Practice Seas…

1
Reboot: Community Organizations as Education Liaisons with Dr. Drew Hines 39:16

1+ y ago39:16

39:16

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Drew Hines about STEM education and the mission of Greencorps Chicago. Dr. Hines discusses Greencorps’ project-based model to provide job training, support regional sustainability, and build partnerships with higher education. We also talk about theory versus practice in the practical application setting. Note: As of…

1
Organizing Communities and Empowering Youth with Mr. Jahmal Cole 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

In this episode, we go live on Radio Jaguar with Mr. Jahmal Cole, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of My Block My Hood My City. Mr. Cole shares the history of his inspiration for community organizing and for raising youth's awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood. Mr. Cole talks about the impact he wants his organi…

1
Reboot: Leading by Listening and Doing with Dr. Phyllis West 37:26

1+ y ago37:26

37:26

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Phyllis West, Director of the Social Justice Initiative at Governors State University. Dr. West discusses the importance of listening for opportunities, being curious, and doing what may seem most challenging. She talks about staying connected with friends, family, and teachers from her youth and shares the lasting p…

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Dr Amy Vujaklija Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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