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The Exit Interview premiers with the story of Sataira Douglas.
When she came into the teaching game, Sataira was a highly regarded rising star in teaching. In a profession that struggles to recruit, let alone retain, Black teachers, Sataira was sought after by multiple school districts.
The situation decayed quickly. Microaggressions and macroaggressions. Gaslighting. Frozen out by colleagues. Rumors. Blamed for colleagues health problems. Invisible labor. The stress on family and community members who watched her struggle and still hold her head high. Belittled publicly in front of colleagues.
And still, Sataira came to work. Told herself “it could be worse.” Worried what would happen to her students if she left. Staying for a community of parents and children that she felt a bond with. Hold your head down. Just do your job.
And yet, “I knew I was going to quit by October.”
But through the pain and professional harm done to her, Sataira found a way to rise. To discover her power. To learn exactly how much was too much.
First of all.... have you signed up for our newsletter, Black Educators, Be Well? Why wait?
Amidst all the conversations about recruiting Black educators, where are the discussions about retention? The Exit Interview podcast was created to elevate the stories of Black educators who have been pushed out of the classroom and central office while experiencing racism-related stress and racial battle fatigue.
The Exit Interview Podcast is for current and former Black educators. It is also for school districts, teachers' unions, families, and others interested in better understanding the challenges of retaining Black people in education.
Please enjoy the episode.
Peace out,
Dr. Asia Lyons
Business Operation Manager
Can I let you in on a secret? Its a bit scandalous..
I've been feeling meh lately.
I've been yearning for more, even though, I loved the thought of the dream I had intended to live out; educating those around me. It seemed like an appropriate dream given the Bachelors & Masters of Arts in Education I obtained. Nevertheless, this flame began to dull.
And that's when it happened; the spark that had been missing ignited the moment I had to adapt professionally, while maintaining a personal well being in the mist of a whirlwind, unprecedented global pandemic. It was then that I had to examine and depart from the business as usual ways of being a professional.
With the drop of a dime, this prompt shut down required the ability to attend to many multi-facet problems and address inequities head on. And I can't get enough of these challenges that requires both passion, and continuous learning, combined with the innovation, and analyzation of systems, policies, and legislation.
Since then, it has kept me on my toes to continue to purse a more just, inclusive, and accessible world, while simltautiouemsly challenging oppressive systems. It's oddly satisfying, but without a doubt, challenging. It's very similar to the kind of person I am; adaptable, innovative with a sense of being grounded.
I am a servant leader with the capabilities to quickly learn, advocate, analyze and innovate to address complex problems whilst keeping the core of relationship building, and lived experiences to humanize abs… Read More
Here are some great episodes to start with.
