Episode 48: Saying Yes Despite the Odds with Dr. Adrienne Smith - The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators

Episode Description

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview' podcast, hosted by Dr. Asia Lyons, Dr. Adrienne Smith shares her compelling journey as a Black educator. From humble beginnings working in fast food to overcoming hurdles in her pursuit of higher education, Dr. Smith details her experiences teaching in diverse environments, including Alaska. She highlights the importance of cultural competency, listening to Black and brown voices, and her transition to founding Adrienne's Educational Consulting Firm. The episode also delves into navigating toxic work cultures, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and the significance of family and community support.

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More about The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators

Amidst all of the conversations about the recruitment of Black educators, where are the discussions about retention? The Exit Interview podcast was created to elevate the stories of Black educators who have been pushed out of the classroom, main or central office. The podcast asks guests to share their education journey, the "last straw" that made them decide to leave education, and, most importantly, what they are doing now that they have left the traditional education sphere.