I'm Fatima Bey, and I'm excited to share some insights from a recent episode of my podcast, Mindshift Power. In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mae Mae, a Spanish teacher from Michigan with over 25 years of experience working in underserved school districts.

Our conversation was centered around the challenges and opportunities facing students today, and how we as educators and adults can better support them in their journey to success. We delved into some critical topics, including the importance of keeping it real with students, the impact of political correctness on their progress, and the need to address the growing apathy towards education.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the need for honesty and transparency in education. We discussed how "keeping it real"with students means helping them understand the relevance of their education and how it can benefit them in the long run. It also means acknowledging the challenges they face and providing them with the support and resources they need to overcome them.

We also touched upon the sensitive topic of political correctness and how it can sometimes hinder open and honest dialogue in the classroom. While it's crucial to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, we also need to encourage students to express their thoughts and opinions, even if they're controversial. By fostering a culture of respectful discourse, we can help students develop critical thinking skills and become more engaged in their learning.

Another critical issue we discussed was the growing apathy towards education among some students. We explored the various factors contributing to this apathy, including societal influences, lack of motivation, and the perception that education is not relevant to their lives. We emphasized the importance of making education more engaging and relevant, and helping students see the connection between their learning and their future aspirations.

Throughout our conversation, Mae Mae shared her personal experiences and insights, providing valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing students today. Her passion for education and commitment to her students was evident, and her words resonated deeply with me.

I hope this blog post has given you a glimpse into our conversation. I encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode for a more in-depth discussion on these critical topics. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students and empower them to reach their full potential.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of mind-shifting and transformation. Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217223/episodes/13406465