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Equity Unscripted

This District is excited to relaunch Equity Unscripted in a fresh podcast format! This podcast will showcase Shaker Heights Schools' journey in seeking educational equity, which is based on the principles of fairness and equity in allocating resources, opportunity, treatment and the creation of success for each student. These conversations -- which feature the challenges, successes and goals of the District’s efforts -- are intended to push our community to reflect deeper and go further.

Episodes will release every two weeks on Sundays, and can be found on Apple, Spotify or whatever platform you find your podcasts. Be sure to like and subscribe for all the latest content!

All episodes can be found at the following links:

Season Two

Episode 7: "What is PBIS?"

On this episode, we are joined by Student Wellness and Success Supervisor Liz Massey and Administrative Intern Molly Kane to discuss Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS. They take us through what it is, how it looks in the Shaker Heights Schools, what the long-term goals are for this system and how it impacts educational equity in our schools.
Episode 6: "How Has the School Year Been Going, Part 2"

Listen in as we hear from our secondary principals - high school principal Eric Juli and middle school principal Michelle Hughes. They share with us how they prepared for the start of the school year, what is different this year, what is the same, what kind of culture they are hoping to create in their buildings and their focus on curriculum and instruction as we make our way through the 2022-23 school year.
Episode 5: "How Has the School Year Been Going, Part 1"

Listen in as we hear from two principals new to their roles this year - Woodbury principal Eric Forman and Onaway principal Dora Bechtel. They share with us how they prepared for the start of the school year, what is different this year, what is the same, what kind of culture they are hoping to create in their buildings and their focus on curriculum and instruction as we make our way through the 2022-23 school year.
Episode 4: "Get to Know the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion"

In this episode, you will hear from members of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, led by Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Larry Burnley, as they discuss the mission of their office, the goals of their work for this year and beyond and give an update on what they have been working on as they have kicked off this school year. 
Episode 3: "What is the NAACP?"

In this episode, Shaker Heights senior Carrington Hughes joins us to discuss the goals, importance and work of the NAACP; the founding of the SHHS NAACP chapter; and what she envisions for the future of this organization even after she graduates from Shaker Heights High School.
Episode 2: "What does Hispanic Heritage Month Mean to You?"

This week, we are joined by Shaker Heights High School teacher Joey Fuentes, who talks with four sophomore students about their Hispanic heritage, what meaningful traditions they have in their families, how they would like to see Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated and hat these celebrations and recognitions can mean for educational equity.
Episode 1: "What is Inclusive Excellence?"

This week Superintendent Dr. David Glasner and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Larry Burnley join us for an in-depth discussion of inclusive excellence - what it is, what it means and how it is impacting the work of the Shaker Heights Schools. You won't want to miss this great discussion!

Season One

Episode 1: "Meet the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department"

Our inaugural episode will introduce you to members of the Shaker Heights Schools DEI Department - what they do, how they do it, what their focus is and where they want their work to have the most impact. Hosted by Danielle Tall, our Shaker Heights High School student DEI intern, this inside look into our unique department will lay the groundwork for what’s to come on Equity Unscripted.
Episode 2: "Meet the FACE Center"

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center is an integral part of the DEI Department at Shaker Heights Schools. Listen in as Keith Langford talks about his role in the district and the impact that has on families and educational equity with Shaker parent Heather Macks.
Episode 3: "How to Discuss Being an Anti-Racist at the Dinner Table and Beyond" 

Shaker Heights students Jaimee Martin and Carrington Hughes and parent Dr. Jenna Rehmer join us this week to discuss the importance of being an anti-racist and having tough conversations about race at the dinner table and beyond. Join us as we explore the challenges and growth that come from calling out racist behaviors, and the opportunities that await families who dare to tackle these sensitive topics. For more resources on talking with students of all ages, check out the DEI Resource Collection.
Episode 4: "How to Avoid Further Marginalizing Cultures" 

Shaker staff members Jill Lasheen and Brittany Webb sit down with DEI Coordinator Tiara Sargeant to discuss what it means to be part of a traditionally marginalized community at school, how we can create inclusive environments throughout our schools and how small acts of acknowledgement can have a big impact on all students in our classrooms. We also discuss how our entire community can be especially aware of others around times of holiday seasons.
Episode 5 - "Accessibility - What does it mean and how can we do better?" 

In this episode, we are joined for two discussions. The first is with Reverand Chris Smith to discuss what it is like to be a parent navigating the world of school accessibility with and on behalf of their child. Then, we are joined by Shaker Heights Schools Chief Operating Officer Jeff Grosse and Van Aulken Akins architect Chris Dewey to discuss how Shaker Heights Schools currently serve our students and staff and how we can create a more accessible learning environment through the Forward Together initiative.
Episode 6 - "What does Martin Luther King, Jr's Legacy mean to you?"

This week, Shaker Heights staff member Tracy Williams is joined by three MAC Scholars to discuss the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's legacy on them, their community and the Shaker Heights Schools. Learn more about the impact of the MAC Scholars program from primary school through high school in this poignant discussion. 
Episode 7 - "How does Martin Luther King, Jr's Legacy impact Shaker Heights Schools?" 

In this episode, DEI Coordinator Tiara Sargeant is joined by Shaker Heights alumni Stephanie Shealy and Ifeolu A.C. Claytor to discuss the legacy of Dr. King, what Beloved Community means to them and to Shaker Heights, how their experience at Shaker Heights Schools has impacted their lives since graduation and what they think about educational equity. This important discussion brings up challenging topics and thoughts for a more equitable community.  
Episode 8 - "Meet Dr. Glasner and Dr. Burnley"

Dr. Glasner, Superintendent of Shaker Heights Schools, and Dr. Burnley, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, are interviewed this week by our very own Mercer students, Isabelle and Alexa! Asking interview questions developed by their classmates in Ms. Gerstenberger's second grade class, these two students help us get to know two of our school leaders, both personally and professionally. You might be surprised by what you learn!
Episode 9 - "How is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Reflected in Athletics?"

This week, we are joined by Coach Danny Young, and high school athletes Erin Williams and Andrew Loney to discuss their thoughts on diversity, equity and inclusion, the impact of race and equity issues on the athletic experience, the importance of advocacy and their visions for an athletic experience that embodies a diverse and inclusive environment. 
Episode 10: "Shaker Schools Foundation Presents A Night for Red and White"

Join us for this special presentation of Equity Unscripted, as we're joined by Kiki Stout, Laura Orazi and Miriama Whyte as they discuss the work of the Shaker Schools Foundation, the upcoming fundraiser, A Night for Red and White, and why this work is so important to the Shaker Heights School community.
Episode 11: "How do Race and Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity Intersect?" 

In this episode we're joined by administrative intern Mario Clopton-Zymlery and students Devon Panigrahi and Spencer Payton to discuss the concerns LGBTQIA+ students face, how their ally peers can help, how race intersects and impacts concerns in additional ways and what all of this means to the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of schools.
Episode 12: "What is it Like to be a Woman in School Leadership?" 

In honor of Women's History Month, this episode celebrates two of our female principals, Tiffany Joseph from Woodbury Elementary and Roneisha Campbell from Mercer Elementary, by discussing their journey to leadership, the impact they feel they can have on students through their roles, the challenges they face and how they overcome them and how being a Black administrator impacts their experiences.  
Episode 13: "What is the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning?" 

In this first episode of a three-episode series featuring the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning (or the IC), our special guests share what the IC is, what makes it different, what draws students and teachers to this educational model and how it serves the Shaker Heights Schools in a unique way.
Episode 14: "What does the student experience at the IC look like?" 

In this second episode of a three-episode series featuring the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning (or the IC), our special guests share what the IC is, what makes it different, what draws students and teachers to this educational model and how it serves the Shaker Heights Schools in a unique way.
Episode 15: "What does the teacher experience at the IC look like?" 

In this final episode of a three-episode series featuring the Innovative Center for Personalized Learning (or the IC), our special guests share what the IC is, what makes it different, what draws students and teachers to this educational model and how it serves the Shaker Heights Schools in a unique way.
Episode 16: "Let's talk about deleveling" 

In this episode, we are joined by Director of Curriculum & Instruction Dr. John Moore and Instructional Coach Miata Hunter to discuss deleveling - what it is, why we're doing it, how it's going, how it impacts educational equity and what they envision for the future of this unique approach to curriculum.
Episode 17 - "What is Social Emotional Learning and what does it look like in Shaker Heights Schools?"

In this episode, we're joined by Liz Massey, Student Wellness and Success Supervisor, and Mary Bourisseau and Emily Geier, two members of our social emotional support team, who discuss what social emotional learning is, how it has evolved in schools in recent years, why it is so important in today's school environment and how families can help support their student's social emotional wellness at home through the summer and beyond.  
Episode 18 -  "What is the fourth grade IB Exhibition?"

In this episode, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Marla Robinson interviews two students from Lomond Elementary School about their fourth grade IB Exhibition project. Aniyla and Milani share with us what they have been working on, the process they went through for their IB project and what they learned as they prepared for the Fourth Grade IB Exhibition for Shaker Heights staff and families.
Episode 19: "What is Social Emotional Learning and what does it look like in Shaker Heights Schools?"

In this episode, we're joined by Liz Massey, Student Wellness and Success Supervisor, and Mary Bourisseau and Emily Geier, two members of our social emotional support team, who discuss what social emotional learning is, how it has evolved in schools in recent years, why it is so important in today's school environment and how families can help support their student's social emotional wellness at home through the summer and beyond.  
Episode 20: "Civil Discourse - Using the N-Word"

In this second of our student-led summer series, graduating senior Erin Williams guides one of her peers, Jayden Sargeant, and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Larry Burnley through a civil discussion on the use of the N-word, a sensitive topic for both participants. Listen in for an example of how two people with opposing views can discuss, disagree and listen to one another.

Erin's senior project includes four episodes demonstrating civil discourse on a variety of topics. Tune in all summer to catch this great series!
Episode 21: "Civil Discourse - What Defines Professionalism and How Necessary is College, Really?"

In this third of our student-led summer series, graduating senior Erin Williams guides senior Wriley Slade and Assistant Principal Marinise Harris through a civil discussion two topics - what defines professionalism and how nececssary is a college education. Listen in for an example of how two people with opposing views can discuss, disagree and listen to one another. 

Erin's senior project includes four episodes demonstrating civil discourse on a variety of topics. Tune in all summer to catch this great series!
Episode 22: "Civil Discourse - How do you respond to social issues?"

In this final episode of the senior project of Erin Williams, we navigate an emotional conversation about the response to social issues and current events. Erin joins in this final discussion with her twin sister India and their mother Jackie, as well as Tiara Sargeant. 

Congratulations to Erin and thank you for a great summer series!

Equity Unscripted Video Archives

Equity Unscripted began as a video series of one-on-one interviews before evolving into its current podcast discussion form. To view the original Equity Unscripted video series, click here.