He shares his vision for a culturally responsive school system that values every student's background and creates an inclusive environment where every student feels heard and valued.

If you're interested in learning more about how student advocacy and voice can transform a school system and positively impact students' lives, you can find this podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Radio Public. Additionally, the episode is available to watch on TESO's YouTube Channel.

During the podcast, Curtis talks about the inspiration behind the creation of ASPIRE and the collaborative approach with government, education, non-profit, and industry partners. He also shares stories of previous clients who have benefited from the program, highlighting the diverse career exploration opportunities it offers.

If you're interested in listening to the podcast, you can find TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series "Why is it so Hard? Shining Through The Shadow of Resistance with Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak" on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Radio Public. Additionally, the episode is also available to watch on TESO's YouTube Channel.

Kelley discusses the numerous obstacles that young people face when attempting to access mental health services, as well as the critical factors that contribute to the lack of access to mental health care among young people, particularly in underserved communities. She also explains how socioeconomic factors, such as income and insurance status, affect a young person's ability to obtain mental health services.

TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series "Why is it so Hard? Shining Through The Shadow of Resistance with Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak can be found on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Radio Public. Additionally, the episode can also be watched on TESO's YouTube Channel.

During the discussion, Frisby talks about her journey towards becoming a champion of justice and her involvement in local politics. The episode explores the topic of social justice and the importance of advocating for change within the community. Frisby shares her experiences and insights on creating a positive impact, overcoming resistance, and pushing for progress in the face of adversity.

TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series "Why is it so Hard? Shining Through The Shadow of Resistance with Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak can be found on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Radio Public. Additionally, the episode can also be watched on TESO's YouTube Channel.

Through her exploration of historical landmarks and encounters with local residents, Dr. Breland offers a deep insight into the injustices faced by Black people and the ongoing fight for civil rights. She also attends a riveting presentation by Civil Rights Lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, the one behind the founding of both The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and the Peace & Justice Memorial. She also takes a walk on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, offering a powerful look into the city's past and present.

Learning about our history is crucial for shaping our future, and this episode highlights the importance of understanding the struggles and triumphs of those whose shoulders we stand on, many of whom suffered violence and their lives.

Join us as we embark on this journey with Dr. Breland as our guide and discover how learning about our history can impact our future.

In Part 4: Say It Loud: Positive Racial Identity, they explore ways to center diverse perspectives in order to foster a sense of belonging for all students. The hosts also emphasize the need for educators to reflect on their personal biases and the importance of empowering student voice in the classroom.

Furthermore, Dr. Breland and Mrs. Leak stress the significance of collaboration with families to create a supportive learning environment that celebrates diversity.

Tune in to learn how you can create a positive and inclusive environment that affirms the racial identity of all students.

Join Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak in Part 3 of their latest series, "Things I Wish I Knew About Race," where they discuss cultural stereotypes and the importance of avoiding offensive language. 

This episode entitled "What Did I Say Wrong?" specifically addresses how to recognize and address cultural stereotypes that surface in your classroom.

Don't miss out on the chance to join the conversation and share your own thoughts.

Tune in to be inspired and learn how to create transformative, equitable systems that benefit everyone.

In this episode, titled "What About the 'N' Word?," you'll learn why it's important to address the use of this word, and how educators can handle it in their classrooms. Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak share their insights on the entertainment industry's use of the N-word in shows and songs, and they invite you to join the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on this issue.

Tune in and be inspired to create transformative, equitable systems that benefit everyone.

Tune in today and be inspired to promote transformative equitable systems in our schools and communities.

Discussing the action strand of the Social Justice Standards at learningforjustice.org helps teachers give students the skills to take what they have learned about identity, diversity, and justice and apply it in their communities. 

How are you encouraging students and colleagues to speak up and take action? 

This episode explores the justice strand of the Social Justice Standards at learningforjustice.org.

 How will you help your colleagues and students highlight justice and injustice in their community?

In this podcast episode, "A World of Difference," Tonya and Erika discuss practical strategies for teachers to use in the classroom to help students and colleagues acknowledge and respect and highlight the differences that individuals bring with them. Discussing the diversity strand of the Social Justice Standards at learningforjustice.org, they share their insights into the importance of helping students develop the curiosity, language, and culture to understand the world more deeply and appreciate every individual's uniqueness.

What are some ways you do this in your classrooms or social environments?

In this episode, we discuss five of the 20 Social Justice Anchor Standards, which help individuals develop positive social identities based on their membership in different groups. The standards encourage acceptance of multiple identities, accurate language, recognition of complex individuals, confidence in one's identity while respecting others, and understanding different cultures.

A more vital self-awareness and appreciation for diversity can be achieved by embracing these standards. How will you apply these standards in your classroom?

About The DEI Back To School Edition, A 5-Part Series

As educators, we know that the back-to-school season can be both exciting and challenging. That's why we are excited to share with you the DEI Back To School Edition, a five-part series dedicated to helping you navigate some of the most pressing issues in education today.

Over the course of this series, we'll discuss topics like managing the cultural mismatch, addressing identity crises in the classroom, recognizing and celebrating a world of difference, embracing justice, and taking action to create a more inclusive learning environment.

Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, we hope you'll find this series to be a valuable resource as you work to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering learning environment for all of your students.

In this podcast episode "Managing The Cultural Mismatch," Tonya and Erika discuss practical strategies for teachers to use in the classroom where there may be a cultural mismatch between them and their students.

Some strategies include a willingness to confront biases, engage students in open dialogue, and understand cultural reference points. They can create an inclusive environment by using varied instructional styles, building strong relationships, and embracing a collectivist approach. By doing so, schools and classrooms can be genuinely welcoming for all.

About The DEI Back To School Edition, A 5-Part Series

As educators, we know that the back-to-school season can be both exciting and challenging. That's why we are excited to share with you the DEI Back To School Edition, a five-part series dedicated to helping you navigate some of the most pressing issues in education today.

Over the course of this series, we'll discuss topics like managing the cultural mismatch, addressing identity crises in the classroom, recognizing and celebrating a world of difference, embracing justice, and taking action to create a more inclusive learning environment.

Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, we hope you'll find this series to be a valuable resource as you work to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering learning environment for all of your students.

Diversity in leadership is crucial for creating a fair and inclusive workplace. When people from different backgrounds and experiences are represented at all levels of an organization, it can lead to more creativity, innovation, and better decision-making.

It's important for organizations and leaders to seek out and promote diversity in their teams actively and to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. By doing so, they can help to create a more equitable and successful workplace for all.

Does your workplace have a diverse leadership team, and if so, how has it impacted your workplace?

Is privilege not an honor? It's a question that often arises in discussions about meritocracy and diversity.

Some people believe that privilege is earned through hard work and success, while others argue that it is simply a result of one's race, gender, or social status. This debate often leads to discussions about white fragility and the ways in which those with privilege can become defensive when confronted with their own advantages. Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge and address privilege in order to create a more equitable society.

We would love to hear from YOU! Share with us how privilege impacted your educational and career path.

Some people believe that privilege is earned through hard work and success, while others argue that it is simply a result of one's race, gender, or social status. This debate often leads to discussions about white fragility and the ways in which those with privilege can become defensive when confronted with their own advantages. Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge and address privilege in order to create a more equitable society.

What type of privilege has impacted your life?

Resources like diversity training and inclusive hiring practices can serve as another teacher to combat these biases. Changing the law is one way to make progress, but changing the culture is equally important to achieve true equity. It is up to all of us to recognize and challenge our own biases and work towards a more just and equitable society.

What are your thoughts on this topic and what should be done about affirmative action post Supreme Court decision? 

It's essential for schools to actively fight against anti-black racism because it is a pervasive issue that affects the well-being and success of black students. However, some predominately white school districts, that are taking a stand against anti-black racism, are receiving pushback from a few vocal members of the community. By standing up against racism, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

How will you encourage others to push through the discrimination and fear so that we can create a better society for our children? Share your journey with us.

When we listen to someone's story, we can better understand their perspective and challenges. This leads to greater empathy and appreciation for diversity. We should encourage each other to share our stories to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. 

How will you share your story with others? What is your DEI story?

Education that promotes diversity will help students develop empathy and respect for others, creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Banning these topics only perpetuates harmful stereotypes and prevents meaningful conversations. We need to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students to learn and grow as they discuss these important topics. 

What are your thoughts? Where do you have influence to change the landscape?

Unconscious biases and stereotypes can also influence hiring decisions and promotions, making it harder for people of color to be recognized for their talents.  Many argue that true meritocracy is impossible in a society that still has issues of racism and inequality.

What does the system look like where you are? What types of challenges have you faced in your workplace?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. What is your comfort level with racial conversations? Have you ever explored what contributes to your level of comfort? What resonates with you from today's podcast?

The episode concludes with helpful advice on overcoming the difficulties women of color face in the workplace. What challenges have you encountered as a woman of color in your social and work spaces?

They also examine how confronting bias can lead to positive change. The co-founders of Just Work, author Kim Scott, and CEO Trier Bryant emphasize the importance of a shared vocabulary, commitment, and norms in this process. 

Bias can be a difficult subject to tackle, but it is necessary to create a fair and equal society in all areas, including the workplace, civic groups, families, schools, and churches.

How do we confront bias in a way that helps people to learn to do better? How does confronting bias helps us to usher in change?

Being an ally is a lifelong process and requires ongoing work. They also explain the eight types of allyship in the Allyship Continuum. No matter where you fall on the continuum, it's part of the journey towards becoming an active ally who can make a positive change by dismantling oppressive systems.

Have you identified which type of ally you are? Are you ready to move up the continuum? Remember, you may have more influence, voice, or agency in one area than another.

This episode allows the audience to lean into the difficult conversations to create safe spaces and ultimately an opportunity to move forward together. Tonya and Erika encourage you to use each episode as an example to start your conversations about race with your family, community, or workplace. 

How will you start the conversation about race? 

In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss how racial stress and trauma affect us, speaking to what is known as “Racial Battle Fatigue.” They share their own stories of the current day and the past that further illustrate how racial stress and trauma are present.  

Listen in and join the conversation as they open up the dialogue about all types of daily experiences of racial discrimination, racial microaggressions, and institutional or systemic racism.

How has the impact of racism informed your view of our society and what do you think needs to be done?

In this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Tonya and Erika discuss how Black teachers play a crucial role in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system. The research is clear about the benefits on Black teachers for not just Black students but students of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. Indeed, Black teachers can serve as a valuable asset to the school community by ensuring the inclusion of necessary voices and perspectives in curriculum, family engagement and student interaction.

Tonya and Erika also share their experiences as educators and provide insight into why black teachers sometimes don’t feel supported in the workplace. Listen in and join the conversation on why Black Teachers Matter.

In this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Tonya and Erika discuss Individualism vs. Collectivism, where Individualism holds individual achievement in high regard, and Collectivism values community, relationships, cooperation, and interdependence.

When we think about our classrooms and the workplace, providing opportunities to collaborate, interact, and work together is a strategy that values a collectivist approach and leads to more innovative, effective, and efficient solutions, and provides personal and professional growth opportunities for the individuals involved.

When have you had some of your greatest successes? Was it you alone or you with others?

Join us for this conversation in this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance."

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

When a person feels like they don't belong in a setting, it can hinder learning, production, and achievement. Tune into this podcast episode where Tonya and Erika discuss the meaning of belonging and ways to ensure that each person feels like they belong and can show up as their authentic self ready to offer their best to their environment. 

In addition, Dr. Tonya Breland shares the challenges that she experienced when her educational privilege and marginalized social identity intersected. Join us for this conversation in this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance."

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

What do you think about cancel culture? 

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

What do you think determines success? 

We'd love to hear your thoughts.

In the latest TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series episode, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak share their thoughts on book banning and the missed opportunities for teachable moments. They also talk about their personal experiences as youth and as educators. They discuss how African American Author Toni Morrison’s books have been and continue to be banned in some schools as well as the 1619 Project, whose perspective does not come from a white-centered lens. They also explore whether students should read controversial books that mention the N-word and much more.

What is your opinion about banning books in school? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

In the latest TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series episode, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss the roles they've served in their educational career and share their perspective and experience with the discipline policies in schools and how they are disproportionately unfair to Black and Brown students.  

They also discuss restorative justice, the "adultification of black girls,' how policing black bodies trace back to slavery, and how to improve engagement between the teacher and student through empathy.

How do you feel about school discipline policies? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

They share personal childhood stories about their experiences with dress code regulations they had to follow. Tonya and Erika also explore biases and messaging about gender-specific clothing standards and how policies express cultural terms that often target children of color. How have you been impacted by dress codes? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

In TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss how inequitable AP/Honors enrollment policies marginalize students of color. Tonya and Erika discuss their experiences with academic tracking as teachers and as students.  They explore how these enrollment policies create academic tracks that predetermine an academic path and eventually impact a student's post-secondary education journey in life. 

TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss the birth of their partnership through working at a state education agency and how they got started addressing inequities in education. 

In addition, they will provide examples of how to bring people together to confront inequities and discuss the challenges of risking your relational/social "capital" in the workplace when you stand up to injustice.

In the latest episode of TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series, “Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance,” Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss DEI Deniers - people who deny the need to talk about race and even the existence of systemic issues with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Listeners will take away strategies to have difficult conversations with DEI Deniers. Though those interactions may be uncomfortable, they may still be a doorway to creating a safe space, building and strengthening relationships, and widening lenses. Even in disagreement, you can begin to work through our differences.

In the first episode of TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series, “Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance,” Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss their early memories and experiences with marginalization. 

Listen as they answer questions: What did we notice about inequities growing up?; When did you know you were black?; Why do you care about this? And How did it change, impact or influence you?