In this thought-provoking episode of Great Minds TEACH Alike, Dr. Tasia Fields sits down with educator, speaker, and CEO of Black on Black Education, Evalaurene Jean-Charles, for an honest conversation about what it truly means to teach with courage, center student voices, and create classrooms where every learner is empowered to thrive.

Drawing from her experiences as a middle school history teacher in the Bronx and founder of Black on Black Education, Evalaurene shares how educators can move beyond simply managing classrooms to cultivating communities rooted in belonging, advocacy, leadership, and liberation.

Together, Dr. Fields and Evalaurene explore teacher creativity, educational equity, student-centered learning, school leadership, wellness, and the evolving political landscape impacting education today. They also discuss why educators must remain committed to serving students authentically—even when systems become increasingly challenging.

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, instructional coach, or aspiring educator, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role and recommit to the students sitting right in front of you.

What You'll Learn

✨ Why student voice is one of the most powerful tools for school transformation

✨ The real meaning behind Black on Black Education

✨ How educators can reclaim creativity inside scripted curriculum

✨ The difference between managing students and empowering leaders

✨ How administrators can better support teacher innovation

✨ The importance of helping students become advocates for themselves and their communities

Featured Resources

I'm Just a Teacher/I'm Just a Kid: What Can I Do - Guided Journal Set

Teacher: A guided journal designed to help educators reconnect with purpose, reflect intentionally, and continue growing as leaders.

Kid: A guided journal empowering students through reflection, self-awareness, leadership, and advocacy.

Student Action Board Curriculum

A student-centered leadership curriculum that empowers middle and high school students to:

• Conduct authentic research

• Solve real school challenges

• Strengthen leadership skills

• Practice advocacy

• Improve school culture

Schools implementing the Student Action Board create meaningful opportunities for students to lead lasting change—not simply participate in it.

Connect with Evalaurene Jean-Charles

Website: Black on Black Education

Evalaurene on Instagram

Connect with Dr. Tasia Fields

🌐 Instagram: Great Minds TEACH Alike (@greatmindsteachalike) • Instagram photos and videos

📚 Website: https://greatmindsteachalike.com/

🛍️ Grab Your Merch

🎨Get Your GMTA Coloring Book

Have a Question for The Fly Professor?

Have an education question you'd like Dr. Tasia Fields to answer on a future episode? Visit GreatMindsTeachAlike.com and submit your question. Your story—or question—may be featured on an upcoming episode.

If You Enjoyed This Episode…

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.

Share this episode with a fellow educator, administrator, instructional coach, or school leader who believes every student deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.

Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices of educators making a lasting difference.