For the Kids, Not the System with Akil Parker Episode 70
For the Kids, Not the System with Akil Parker
What does it cost to teach with integrity in a system that demands your silence? In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Akil Parkera former finance major turned math educator, tutor, and founder of All This Mathto explore his 20-year journey through classrooms, charter schools, and community spaces. Akil shares honest reflections on being pushed out of schools for challenging harmful norms, the emotional toll of being separated from students he deeply cared about, and the moment he realized he was no longer working for the systembut for the kids. From surviving toxic school cultures to creating culturally rooted math content for families, Akils story is both a warning and a call to action. Whether you're a Black educator facing similar challenges or someone interested in true retention, this episode is a raw reminder: real education centers the child, not the institution. Have you signed up to join Podcast and Pause: An Unbook Club for Black Educators?It's a space for us to discuss curated episodes of the podcast AND discuss ways that Black educators (teachers, paraprofessionals, admin, coaches, etc.) can be well in spite all that is happening in our education system. Sign up today and share the info with Black educators in your circle! |
Black Educator, Be Well
Happy Friday, beautiful people! I have something special for you to support your wellness this weekend. I created a reflection guide to accompany my conversation with Dr. Jamita Horton, Pressing the Reset Button. Together, the episode and guide invite you to sit with a simple question: Who am I underneath all the noise? The work. The roles we carry. The news. The scrolling. The people who need us. All the things competing for our attention. Find a little time this weekend, press play, and...
When The Harm Follows You: Black Educators, Nonprofits & Racial Battle Fatigue From, Letters from the Lab The morning before I was fired from my last job at a nonprofit organization, I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and asked myself a question: Do you want to stay or do you want to go? I remember looking at myself and answering honestly. I want to leave. At that point, I had already changed. I had become quieter. More detached. Less hopeful. I was spending more energy trying to survive...
Greetings, beautiful people! We hope this week has started off well for you and your families. We are reaching out to let you know that this is the last week to sign up for Podcast and Pause: An Unbook Club for Black Educators. Our first session last week was amazing and we are excited to continue the conversation over the next six sessions. If you are interested in joining, sign up today. After you register, someone will reach out to catch you up on what you missed in our first session....