Joyful Teaching & Learning: An Interview with Dr. Deonna Smith [S5 E163]

Listen to the full episode below:

This summer, we’ve been having a blast at Camp BNT, where we’ve been hard at work looking at different ways to approach our classrooms in a way that honors culturally responsive teaching. Our series of interviews with authors have helped us to understand how we can serve our students and communities in ways differently than we’ve done before.

Today we’re joined by another incredible author, Dr. Deonna Smith. Dr. Smith is a repeat guest (check her out in episode 113!) and works tirelessly to bring awareness to issues of equity in education. She’s just recently written her first book, Rooted in Joy: Creating a Classroom Culture of Equity, Belonging, and Care, and is here to tell you about it today. 

As Dr. Deonna Smith says in the interview, she “sees this as a book that seeks to reimagine what classrooms and education can look like”. Dr. Smith shares her insights on the transformative power of joy in education, the importance of reflection in classroom management, and her new book that challenges traditional approaches to behavior management.

Be sure to grab your workbook for this episode and more inside Camp BNT. Take notes, reflect, and get ready to feel centered and empowered to take on the year ahead!

Meet Dr. Deonna Smith:

Deonna is a doctoral candidate, advocate for educational justice, teacher and abolitionist. Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Deonna grew up navigating a system that was built to suppress and marginalize Black and Brown kids.

Deonna’s passion for justice began early, as the only student of color in most places, and a first generation college student, Deonna experienced firsthand the corrosive nature of systemic racism. Deonna uses her experience, expertise, and passion to support teachers and advocates in their journey.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

  • Some of Dr. Deonna Smith’s favorite high-interest read-aloud books

  • What led her to choose the title “Rooted in Joy” for her new book

  • When Dr. Smith realized that there was a need for her book, and who it’s for

  • A shift to finding joy in classroom management

  • The need for teachers and stakeholders to redefine success

  • Some important things that teachers can do before reading Rooted in Joy

  • The power of reflection before triggers actually happen

  • The role of vulnerability in a classroom of caring

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Amanda Cardenasinterview, discussion, inspiration