UTalks

UTalks Episode 12: Building Dreams and Bridging Gaps in Urban Education w/ Toni Fink

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:09:57 GMT

In this heartfelt episode of UTalks, host Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins sits down with Senora Toni Fink, a 25-year veteran educator at Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School and the 2023 ULC Alumna of the Year. Toni shares her inspiring journey from doubting her ability to become a teacher to achieving her dream through the Urban Learning Collaborative's alternative licensure program.

Toni reflects on her experiences teaching second grade entirely in Spanish, the challenges of urban education, and the transformative power of community involvement and mentorship. She highlights the importance of building confidence and relationships with students and families, emphasizing that these connections are at the heart of educational success.

This episode also explores the value of literacy initiatives, overcoming barriers in marginalized communities, and creating opportunities for all learners. Toni’s passion for education and dedication to making a difference shine through as she shares success stories of her students and discusses the lasting impact of her work.

To learn more, go to urban-learning.org.

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UTalks Episode 11: Leadership and Connection in Education with Roxanne Heard

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:07:15 GMT

In this inspiring episode of UTalks, host Dr. Clavon Byrd welcomes 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year, Roxanne Heard, from the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA). Roxanne shares her unexpected journey into teaching, starting as a para and office assistant and rising to become an award-winning educator. She reflects on the importance of building connections with students, the value of mentorship, and strategies for fostering literacy and growth in the classroom.

Roxanne discusses how her classroom became a haven of learning and structure, leading her students to make remarkable strides in reading proficiency. Discover how she taps into students’ interests to cultivate a love for reading and overcomes challenges like budget constraints and large class sizes through creativity and community support.

The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of education, emphasizing the need for equitable funding, smaller class sizes, and personalized learning programs. Dr. Byrd and Roxanne inspire educators and aspiring teachers to see the profound impact they can make, no matter their starting point.

To learn more, go to urban-learning.org.

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UTalks - Episode 10: From City Roots to Agricultural Impact

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 14:00:14 GMT

In this UTalks episode, Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins interviews Joshua Capodarco, the 2024 Alum of the Year and agricultural educator, who shares his journey from a city background to a passion-driven career in agriculture education. Capodarco discusses his transition into teaching, inspired by work on various farms and at a Milwaukee nonprofit focused on food justice, and highlights his efforts to make agriculture relatable to urban students, often by connecting lessons to food literacy and sustainability. He shares initiatives like establishing a "free store" at his Sun Prairie school to address food insecurity without stigma. Capodarco credits Urban Learning Collaborative for equipping him with essential teaching skills and praises the supportive community that helped shape his approach.

To learn more, please visit urban-learning.org.

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UTalks Episode 9: Purpose-Driven Impact with Deanna Singh

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:46:29 GMT

In this episode of U-Talks, Deanna Singh discusses her purpose-driven career focused on shifting power to marginalized communities through education, leadership, and social entrepreneurship. She shares her diverse background in education, ranging from teaching to administration and authorship, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities and access to high-quality education for all. Singh highlights the impact of literacy on empowering young people, especially through representation in books, and recounts how her own experiences as an educator and advocate have shaped her mission. Additionally, she introduces her latest project, the Uplifting Mansion, a space designed to foster collaboration, joy, and growth within the community.

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UTalks - Episode 8: Leadership & Veterinary Practice with Dr. Ramard Wright

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:26:44 GMT

In this episode of U-Talks, Dr. Clavon Byrd interviews Dr. Ramard Wright, a Milwaukee-born veterinarian and owner of Wright's Brown Deer Animal Hospital. Dr. Wright shares his journey from growing up in an urban environment to running a successful clinic while balancing a large family and a love for animals. He discusses the challenges of being a minority in the veterinary field, the importance of communication in his work, and his dedication to mentoring youth in marginalized communities. Dr. Wright highlights leadership qualities like listening, perseverance, and staying focused on long-term goals. The episode also celebrates his upcoming 2024 Trailblazer Award for his contributions to the community.

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UTalks - Episode 7: Mastering Communication

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 13:45:11 GMT

In this solo episode of UTalks, Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins, Executive Director of Urban Learning Collaborative, explores the first of the top five skills essential for effective leadership: communication. She breaks down the key components of leadership communication, including nonverbal cues, articulating a clear vision, setting goals, and active listening. Dr. Laci emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and open dialogue when leading a team. She wraps up by announcing the upcoming Leadership DevelopU program, designed to help emerging leaders grow and advance their skills.

For more information, visit urban-learning.org.

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UTalks - Episode 6: The One Thing

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 17:56:48 GMT

In this episode of UTalks, Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins and Dr. Clavon Byrd discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming 2024 Fall Ball hosted by Urban Learning Collaborative. They reminisce about the success of last year's event and share their anticipation for this year's celebration, which will be held at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel.

Dr. Laci highlights her passion for the event's live auction, which exceeded fundraising goals last year. Dr. Clavon reflects on the atmosphere of celebration and community at the Fall Ball. With live music, a silent auction, and a keynote speech by NBA legend Sidney Moncrief, this year's event promises to be an unforgettable evening supporting literacy initiatives.

To learn more, go to urban-learning.org/fall-ball.

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UTalks - Episode 5: Five Behaviors for Effective Leaders

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:31:55 GMT

In this episode of UTalks, part of the Leadership Defined series, host Dr. Clavon Byrd shares five key leadership behaviors that all effective leaders should embrace: clear and transparent communication, collaboration, empathy, constructive feedback, and accountability—not only to others but also to oneself.

Dr. Byrd wraps up the episode by introducing Leadership DevelopU, a leadership development program from Urban Learning Collaborative. If you're looking to grow as a leader, applications for the first cohort are now open at www.urban-learning.org.

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UTalks - Episode 4: Leadership Defined

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:29:01 GMT

In this episode of U Talks, Dr. Clavon Byrd discusses the concept of leadership for individuals who may not yet hold formal leadership titles. Drawing inspiration from a Harvard Business Review article, Dr. Byrd emphasizes that leadership is about growth, strengths, and connection. He encourages aspiring leaders to focus on daily personal growth, developing their strengths rather than weaknesses, and improving their ability to communicate authentically and empathetically with others. Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins closes the episode by inviting listeners to join Urban Learning Collaborative’s ongoing programs, including Leadership DevelopU and teacher certification opportunities.

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UTalks - Episode 3: Dr. Laci’s Leadership Journey

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:00:21 GMT

In this episode of UTalks, Dr. Clavon interviews Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins, Executive Director of the Urban Learning Collaborative (ULC), about the organization’s mission and its evolution from the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC). Dr. Laci discusses ULC’s programs, including Leadership DevelopU, which fosters leadership skills for educators and those in education-adjacent fields. She shares her own leadership journey, from classroom teacher to principal at a young age, and reflects on challenges, the importance of influence in leadership, setting boundaries, and knowing when to move on. The episode closes with an invitation to join ULC’s Leadership DevelopU and Teacher Certification programs.

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UTalks - Episode 2: Leadership Trip-ups & Triumphs

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:54:08 GMT

This episode of UTalks, hosted by Dr. Laci C. Robbins and Dr. Clavon Byrd, focuses on leadership, specifically the concepts of leadership trip-ups and triumphs. The conversation begins with defining leadership, emphasizing that leadership is about action. Both hosts share personal experiences to illustrate these concepts.

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UTalks - Episode 1: Welcome to UTalks!

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:14:52 GMT

In the inaugural episode of the Urban Learning Collaborative podcast, UTalks, hosts Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins and Dr. Clavon Byrd introduce listeners to the mission of their organization, which focuses on leadership development within the education community and beyond. The episode highlights the collaborative's various programs, including the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy and the new Leadership DevelopU initiative.

Dr. Laci and Dr. Byrd discuss the importance of leadership, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to be a leader, and outline the goals of the podcast, which will include engaging discussions, guest interviews, and insights from their certification program alumni. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for future episodes and to consider joining their Leadership DevelopU program to enhance their leadership skills.

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