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In Part II of this compelling Pride Month conversation, David continues his interview with Dr. Rodney Glasgow, focusing on the recent pause of the NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), and what that means for equity work in independent schools.

Rodney reflects on the decision to pause the conferences and how it conflicts with their activist roots (04:05). He addresses the tension between POCC as a space for people of color versus a broader diversity conference (09:22), and offers historical context on the naming and founding of both POCC and SDLC (11:20).

He shares the real reason for his departure from SDLC leadership, a newly imposed term limits policy, and the lack of recognition for long-serving faculty (15:18). Rodney and David discuss the erasure of the conferences’ digital history (20:46) and his powerful farewell at SDLC (22:11).

Rodney looks ahead to new spaces created in response to the pause (26:30) and offers reflections on holding institutions accountable with love (29:54). He closes with a story of mentorship and impact from his 6th-grade teacher, Johnny Forman (34:15).

To contact Rodney and learn more about his work, visit The Glasgow Group.

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

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Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In Part I of this powerful Pride Month conversation, David speaks with Dr. Rodney Glasgow, a prominent educator and advocate for equity and inclusion, about the intersections of race, class, and sexual orientation, and the role of educators in today’s challenging climate.

Rodney reflects on growing up in Baltimore and how it shaped his understanding of racial and economic segregation (04:45). He shares his journey to the Gilman School (06:00) and how he navigated his identity in a predominantly white institution (10:34).

He explores the meaning of Pride and the importance of knowing one’s worth and finding community (19:20). The conversation then turns to challenges facing LGBTQ educators and students (25:20) and the importance of purpose and advocacy (31:22).

Finally, Rodney discusses navigating difficult conversations in education (33:00), the historical context behind today’s backlash (36:00), and the sustaining power of resilience and joy (40:14).

To contact Rodney and learn more about his work visit The Glasgow Group

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.

Send us a text message and let us know what you think and for ideas for future episodes.

In this episode of The Teacher’s Forum, David speaks with Michael and Lana Manson, founders of the Musical Arts Institute in Chicago, in celebration of African American Music Appreciation Month. They discuss their musical roots, the role of HBCUs in shaping their journeys, and the power of diverse musical training. The conversation explores the impact of music education on personal expression, critical thinking, and community building, as well as the challenges faced by programs in underserved areas. The Mansons share their vision for empowering youth through music, the realities of running a nonprofit, and the legacy they’re building—one student at a time.

Learn More and Support the Musical Arts Institute

To learn more about the incredible work Michael and Lana Manson are doing through the Musical Arts Institute, or to support their mission to provide high-quality music education to underserved communities, visit MusicalArtsInstitute.org

There you can:
Explore their programs and student success stories
Contact Michael and Lana directly
Make a tax-deductible donation to help expand their impact

Join the Conversation:

• david@theteachersforum.org
• @theteachersforum.bsky.social
• X (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993

Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.