The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators Dr. Asia Lyons

In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting youth and families, mostly in Black communities. She discusses the challenges and motivations behind her career shifts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the impact of leadership changes, and the quest for better opportunities. Elia also delves into her current pursuits, including her work in grant management and her passion project, the Mommyana podcast, dedicated to the experiences of Black motherhood. Join us as we explore Elia's journey, her insights on Black educator retention, and her valuable advice for those contemplating a career transition.

This episode of The Exit Interview features a deep dive into the experiences and insights of Jailyn Jenkins, a former STEM educator who transitioned into a role supporting Black educators after facing burnout. Jailyn shares her personal journey, highlighting the significance of mental health, the critical need for authentic recruitment and retention strategies for educators of color, and the transformative power of rest and healing. The discussion also covers the establishment of BEST (BIPOC Educational STEM Thinkers), a community initiative aimed at fostering joy, belonging, and advocacy amongst educators of color. The episode is an inspiring call to action for supporting Black educators, enriching educational environments, and prioritizing well-being in the educational field.

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons and special guest Dr. Cletis Allen delve into the educational journey of black educators. Dr. Allen, an advocate for culturally responsive literacy instruction and a curriculum development specialist, shares her transition from a classroom teacher to a consultant. Discussing the importance of teacher participation in curriculum decisions, shared experiences of navigating through educational careers, and the significance of seeking joy and satisfaction in personal and professional life. This episode sheds light on challenges faced by black educators and explores the transformative power of education.

In this episode, of the Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators Yasha Chapman, an accomplished Black educator and CEO of Elementary Education Evolved, shares her experiences and insights about the challenges faced by Black educators and the importance of retaining them in the field of teaching. Yasha discusses her journey in education, from initially wanting to be a pharmacist to becoming a classroom teacher and eventually an instructional coach. She emphasizes the need to amplify the voices of Black educators, involve them in decision-making processes, and compensate them for their expertise. Yasha's consultancy, Elementary Education Evolved, focuses on providing professional development and coaching for new teachers and aims to close the academic achievement gap for Black and Brown students in the K-5 setting. This episode offers valuable insights and strategies for school districts, human resources departments, and school unions to better retain Black educators and create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

In this week’s compelling episode, we speak with Dr. Asia Lyons, CEO of Lyons Educational Consulting, co-facilitator of the Black Educator Wellness Cohort, and co-host of The Exit Interview Podcast. With experiences spanning Detroit to Denver, Dr. Lyons shares her journey, from attending a gifted high school and navigating failure in college, to shedding light on the critical role of community colleges and nontraditional pathways into education (#shoutout to those bus routes!). 

After teaching in Atlanta's public schools Brittni had to make a choice, quit teaching or try her hand at teaching in the Middle East.  Take a listen as she shares her experience as an educator both here and abroad, what she feels would improve schools in the United States and what she is up to now that she is back state side.