Books over Bars

Books over Bars

by BreakFree Education
Non-ProfitSelf-ImprovementDocumentary
Season 2

Tech Check #4: Balancing Roles of Tech Coach and Teacher with Ana Roper

Ever wondered what it's like to be a teacher AND a tech coach in a juvenile justice school? In this episode of Books Over Bars, guest Ana Roper shares the complexities of educational technology in secure settings as a math teacher and tech coach. Learn about the challenges she faces, the strategies she uses to encourage tech integration, and the ways schools can better support teachers in using technology effectively. Shownotes: Desmos: free graphing calculator NotebookLM
S2 · E9
May 8, 2025
32:00

Learning Lab Episode #5: Putting Students First with Gena McGill

What does it take to prioritize student learning in even the most challenging environments? Join us for a conversation with Gena McGill, a dedicated educator who shares her experiences and insights on creating a student-centered classroom in a highly restricted setting. Discover how Gena advocates for her students, adapts to their unique needs, and fosters a love of learning despite the obstacles.
S2 · E8
Apr 28, 2025
39:06

Learning Lab Episode #4: Unlocking Potential: Theatre, Therapy, and Transformation in Juvenile Justice Classrooms

Can theatre-based practices help unlock the potential of confined youth? In this episode of Books Over Bars, Kaylah and Christina explore the innovative collaboration between Blake Tobey, a teaching artist, and Jodie Morgenson, a teacher in a juvenile justice school. Discover how they brought theatre-based therapeutic practices into the classroom, the impact it had on students, and the valuable skills these activities foster. Gain insights into this unique approach and learn how it can be adapted to empower youth in your classroom! Shownotes: Augusto Boal - Games for Actors and Non-Actors & Theatre of the Oppressed Rehabilitation Through the Arts Viola Spolin - Theater Games For the Classroom “Lone nut” exercise link Lesson Plans
S2 · E7
Apr 21, 2025
33:22

Learning Lab episode #3: Leading with Heart and High Expectations with Simone Garwood

How do you create a school culture where teachers thrive and students excel? Join us as we speak with Simone Garwood, a dynamic principal who shares her insights on fostering continuous improvement, holding teachers accountable with compassion, and building a school community where everyone feels valued and supported. Show notes: Hidden Opportunity: Youth in Detention Intro and outro music created by students at J.C. Montgomery School in King County, CA; Mastering by NEONMYST
S2 · E6
Mar 31, 2025
36:31

Tech Check Episode #3: Trust, Yet Verify: Building Innovative Tech Programs in Secure Schools with Derek Gagnon

How can we create truly innovative tech programs within the unique environment of secure schools? In this episode of Books Over Bars, Kaylah and Anthony welcome Derek Gagnon, DYS Director of IT for the Collaborative Educational Services in Massachusetts, to explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing cutting-edge technology to juvenile justice education. Derek shares his expertise in fostering innovation, navigating security concerns, and building programs that empower students and educators. Derek provides practical advice, leaving listeners with the adage of 'trust, yet verify.' Shownotes: safedoc (prevents collaboration in Google Workspace) Senso Managing Wi-Fi networks while enrolling Chromebooks Magicschool MagicStudent TransfrVR (Derek’s one new thing) ClassVR Intro and outro music created by students at J.C. Montgomery School in King County, CA; Mastering by NEONMYST
S2 · E5
Mar 25, 2025
40:03

Learning Lab Episode #2: Beyond the Classroom Walls with Ruth Edge

Ready to break down the barriers between your classroom and the real world? Join us as we talk with Ruth Edge, an inspiring educator who has mastered the art of connecting her students with authentic audiences in the community. Discover how Ruth's innovative approach fosters student engagement, builds real-world skills, and makes learning relevant and meaningful. Show notes: 9 years by K.E. (student poem) Out of Akron (student poem + artwork)
S2 · E4
Jan 16, 2025
28:43

Learning Lab Episode #1: Out of this World Classroom Experiences with Bill Laforme

Get ready to reimagine English class! Join Kaylah Holland and Christina Campbell as they chat with Bill Laforme, an incredible English teacher from Massachusetts, about innovative ways to engage students and create unique experiences in the classroom. Discover how Bill sparks creativity and fosters a love of literature in his students. Show notes: Unworldly Winners Jason Reynolds (Author) Rime of the Ancient Mariner Bill’s news clippings: A Look At Lynnfield In The American Revolution Christmas 1941: A Surreal Time For Lynnfield Are There Ghosts In The Old Meeting House?
S2 · E3
Dec 12, 2024
30:26

Tech Check Episode 2: Level Up Your Tech Integration: Asking the Right Questions Part 1

This episode is PART ONE of diving deep into the critical questions you need to ask before introducing new tech into your secure school environment. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini guide you through allowing technology into juvenile justice spaces while also keeping kids safe and secure online. Don't miss this essential guide for any tech specialist working in juvenile justice! Shownotes: Hapara BreakFree Base NoteBook LM
S2 · E2
Nov 19, 2024
31:31

Tech Check Episode 1: Preparing Devices for Secure School Success

This episode kicks off a tech series focused on accessible technology in secure schools. Hosts Kaylah Holland and Anthony Martini dive into preparing devices for the new school year and introduce BreakFree Base, a brand new online community. If you're a tech specialist in this space, you won't want to miss this! Reach out to us at podcast@breakfree-ed.org Shownotes: NIST password guidelines BreakFree Base: breakfree-ed.org/base One new thing: AI educational platforms: DreamBox Learning Edmentum Zearn VR platforms: ClassVR TransfrVR
S2 · E1
Oct 25, 2024
44:31
Season 1

Voices of Words Unlocked 2021

In this episode we’re joined by poet Sha’Condria "iCon" Sibley and Christopher, a winning student from our 2021 Words Unlocked contest. Words Unlocked is a nationwide poetry initiative and contest sponsored by BreakFree Education during National poetry month in April for students in juvenile justice facilities. Music from this episode was created by students and staff at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles in 2016.
S1 · E1
May 25, 2021
27:17
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