Teach Your OWN Kid! Podcast

In this episode, Arianne offers an uninhibited and transparent view into some of her struggles as an early teacher. At one point, "for the sake of the team", she was placed in a classroom setting for which she was not qualified and received minimal support from school leaders. This caused Arianne to make a critical decision only five years into her career as teacher. 

Arianne has wanted to be a teacher since she walked into Mrs. Flora Weber's 4th grade classroom. She vowed that she would impact kids just as Mrs. Weber had impacted her. In part one of this encore episode, Arianne shares her own story in hopes that it will inspire others to stay the course.

In this final installment of a two-part episode, Earnest Salsberry (the youngest Chaplain to serve at Dillard University) shares how he almost failed to get his college degree because he had become distracted by the lucrative jobs he held during college. When Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city of New Orleans in 2005, it served as somewhat of a wake-up call for Earnest, who then decided it was time to get his degree. Here is the rest of Earnest's story.

Earnest grew up in the small town of Port Arthur, Texas. He had no way of knowing that the same university he called home as a student- Dillard University- would eventually become his home base as its youngest Chaplain to ever serve. Although it was music that lured Earnest to the city of New Orleans, it is mission that has compelled him to return and remain. Here is Earnest's story.

Don't let your kids "lose it in the pool"! Arianne offers 5 ways to beat the summer brain drain in this short, sweet and hard-to-beat episode.

Alexander is a children's author who grew up in the city of New Orleans. A product of a family of educators, "Alex" has made it a part of his life's work to expose young people to possibility through writing. Alex has traveled to over a dozen countries speaking to young people and credits his ability to make life-altering decisions on a whim to feeling safe in his school and home environments. This is Alex's story.

Gerod grew up in Warrenton, North Carolina. Having moved in with his grandmother at an early age as a result of his parents' divorce, Gerod considered himself an average student. It wasn't until representatives from a local radio station visited his 7th grade class that he considered the possibilities for his future career. Gerod became a volunteer at that radio station and continues to contribute to the New Orleans community in both radio and television today. Here's Gerod's story.

Cyndi Nguyen, born Xuan Thi, and her family escaped from Vietnam on a boat in 1975. Cyndi struggled to adjust to American culture while still being expected to behave like a traditional Vietnamese girl. Cyndi's parents shipped her to several boarding schools in an attempt to save her from herself. In the end, a school shooting and a host family in Iowa helped to steer Cyndi in the right direction. In 2018, Cyndi became the first Vietnamese American to serve on the City Council for the City of New Orleans. Check out Cyndi's story.

As a kid growing up in her hometown of Selma, Alabama, Krystal often got into trouble with teachers who complained that she "talked too much" and "asked too many questions". Today, Krystal uses that same gift of voice to champion the cause of educational equity in school systems across the country and abroad. Krystal's experiences in an Alabama boarding school led her to the dorms of Notre Dame for her undergraduate degree and currently has her working toward her Doctorate degree in Education at Columbia University. Here's Krystal's story.

Roger 'Raj Smoove' Dickerson set his sights on becoming a deejay as a teenager. Although he flunked Earth Science in middle school, he learned from that experoence and finished as the number one student in both his high school and college graduating class. Raj Smoove, who has been called "The Greatest DJ in the World', has worked with 'Lil Wayne' on the Cash Money/Ruff Ryders Tour and produced for other sought-after artists. Raj says that providing a sense of community for kids is paramount. This is Raj's story.

Life, for Latoya, wasn't easy. She endured the pain of witnessing both parents battle drug addiction and viewed education as her way out. Latoya credits her grandmother with 'rescuing' her from this dire situation and has dedicated her life to helping others in need. This is Latoya's story of recovery. 

In this episode, Arianne uses the new year to pause for reflection. She suggests that since the Fall of the school year is gone that this second half is a prime time for behavioral review and adjustments. Arianne offers strategies that teachers and parents can use to help their kids develop the kind of study habits that will ensure that they finish the school year strong.

In this NEW FEATURE- Parents Who Teach- Arianne took the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom on the road to Washington, DC for the American Federation for Children's Annual Policy Summit. She sat down with Linda Ann Crosby (Phoenix, Arizona) to discuss Homeschooling. In her first few years of motherhood, Linda realized that the inconveniences she was experiencing did more to serve the school system than her family. Linda gives practical information that's sure to benefit parents who are in the throws of homeschooling their children and even for those families who are considering it.

In this week's episode, Arianne discusses ten extra-curricular activities that will make a high schooler's resume more attractive to the best colleges. She says that colleges are looking for young people who can think critically and that one way to develop those critical thinking skills is by gaining experience through participation in activities that reach beyond academics.

One of the biggest mistakes teens make when choosing a college is deciding to attend based on what's hot now. These teens fail to take into consideration that pledging a fraternity/sorority or gaining entry into some elite club will not necessarily positively impact their lives AFTER graduation. In this week's episode, Arianne talks about the importance of considering several factors when choosing the right college and how focusing on the post college endgame (lifestyle, salary, life's work, etc.) is critical to the college application process. 

Think that just because your kid attends a 'College Prep' high school that she's ready to be set free on a college campus? Think again! College preparation entails so much more than just academics. Teenagers are crossing the threshold from childhood to adulthood and oftentimes do so while missing critical skills like discipline, organization and the ability to self-advocate. In this week's episode, Arianne continues the College 101 Series by asking some practical questions about your kid's college preparation. 

This week, Arianne begins the TYOK College 101 Series- a collection of episodes that will cover college topics submitted by the TYOK community. In this week's episode, Arianne discusses the ten things every parent should know about college. She clears up some misconceptions and offers advice to help parents navigate what can be a very daunting undertaking. 

Parents are powerful! In this week's episode, Arianne sits down in the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom with two of them. Latoya Douglas and Dana Wade refused to sit idly by and allow test scores and hasty community/political leaders to decide the fate of their kids' school. Without prior training, these two mothers organized and mobilized what is today called the 'Parent Advocators'. This group was not only successful in keeping their kids' "failing" New Orleans charter school from closing, they also led the charge to improve its letter grade and the overall culture of the school.  

Far too often, parents and educators encounter those kids who just don't seem to be motivated by anything. They just don't seem to care. In this second part of a two part episode, Arianne proposes that these kids do, in fact, care and that there are some practical steps we can take to help these "unmotivated" kids to achieve.

Far too often, parents and educators encounter those kids who just don't seem to be motivated by anything. They just don't seem to care. In this first part of a two part episode, Arianne proposes that these kids do, in fact, care and that there are some practical steps we can take to help these "unmotivated" kids to achieve. 

The partnership between the school community and the family is far too often riddled with missed opportunities and, at times, outright confusion. One way to remedy this, Arianne believes, is through effective communication. In this week's episode, Arianne shares insight with the Teach Your OWN Kid! community by exploring some basic expectations from the perspective of the teacher. 

In the city of New Orleans alone, 7 out of every 10 third graders are unable to read on grade level. Unfortunately, a similar statistic rings true in cities throughout the country. In this week's episode, Arianne unpacks the impact of that statistic and offers five solutions that parents can implement to help their children become better readers. 

Have you ever wondered where basic skills like cursive writing and penmanship have gone? It seems like those fundamental skills that we once learned in school have been forgotten in today's classroom. This week, Arianne takes a stroll down memory lane and talks about a few of those lessons that, if incorporated into modern curriculum, would transform our kids into more prepared, well-rounded individuals. 

In this age of technology and savvy shortcuts to communication, it's becoming increasingly difficult to prove how  critical face-to-face parent-teacher meetings are to the overall student experience. Most parents are busy and have very little extra time to devote to meetings. In this week's episode, you'll hear Arianne discuss five reasons why it's critical for even those busy parents to make the sacrifice and show up to parent-teacher conferences.  

 Should teachers be held to a higher standard when it comes to social media? Some teachers believe it's unfair to expect them to filter their social media interactions just because students and their parents might be watching. In this week's episode, Arianne discusses this controversial topic and gives her take on it.

Should your child take the ACT or the SAT? In this week's episode, Arianne compares the 'big two' college admissions tests and provides insight that is sure to help parents, students and even high school counselors make a decision about which test works for their specific situation. 

Is your teenager bugging you about having his "own money"? Does he think that an after school job is the solution? In this week's episode, Arianne discusses some of the pros and cons associated with teens and after school jobs. This episode is sure to be a great conversation starter!

In this encore episode, Arianne sits down in the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom with children's author, Havilah Malone. Out of the ashes of child abuse, Havilah has risen like a phoenix to accomplish tremendous feats. This Napoleon Hill Foundation Instructor uses her children’s book- The Amazing Adventures of Oliver Hill to pass on Hill's seventeen principles of success to young people.

During her pregnancy and even long after her very first child was born, Teresa White had no idea that her son had a brain disorder that would cause him to have challenges beyond those of the average child. Teresa sat down with Arianne in the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom to discuss what it was like finding out that her son had Autism. She  opens up about the devastation of the diagnosis and the eventual redemption found in her support system.

In this week's episode, Arianne discusses ten extra-curricular activities that will make a high schooler's resume more attractive to the best colleges. She says that colleges are looking for young people who can think critically and that one way to develop those critical thinking skills is by gaining experience through participation in activities that reach beyond academics. 

In today's episode, Arianne discusses how critical it is to set Internet boundaries for kids. With the surge in human trafficking in recent years, this is the time for parents to scroll through their kids' phones and other devices to ensure that they are not falling victim to those that would exploit them. Arianne says it is also imperative that kids learn some basic facts about the nature of the online community. 

In part two of the special Ask the Teacher! Back-to-School episode, Arianne answers questions submitted by members of the Teach Your OWN Kid! community. She even offers advice to a parent in New Jersey who admits that he is not very patient when it comes to helping his kids with homework. 

In today's episode, Arianne spends time answering questions submitted by the Teach Your OWN Kid! community. She discusses everything from juggling after-school activities to making the house more 'school friendly'. 

It's that time of year again! School supplies are on the shelves and teachers are already creating lesson plans. In this episode, Arianne proposes that there's no better time for parents to schedule their very first teacher meeting. She offers 10 tips to help TYOK parents get a head start on opening the lines of communication with their child's teachers. 

This week, Arianne challenges parents to take an honest look at their kids' behaviors to determine if they might be part of the bullying problem. She suggests that all kids play a part- either as victims, perpetrators or witnesses. The key to prevention, Arianne says, is through asking parents to acknowledge and address bullying behaviors when they show up in their own kids. 

In this week's episode, Arianne discusses the issue of bullying. An unfortunate part of many children's experience, bullying has a negative impact on all parties involved. She shares some basic indicators to watch for and offers insight on where to go for help. 

The ESSENCE Fest Weekend Education Empowerment Brunch, a production of Packleader Enterprises, was incredible! Arianne shares  inspiring takeaways submitted by some of the attendees.

Arianne sat with college sophomore, Kimani K. Hamilton, in the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom this week. In this Young Rock Stars episode, Kimani talks about her internship at a local television station, her blog (Thee Queen Diary) and even opens up about the difficulties she experienced in her first year of college that led her to see a therapist. Kimani is living proof that even Rock Stars need help from time to time. 

In this previously published episode, Arianne discusses seven principles to help parents understand the importance of embracing their role as their child's first teacher. 

Kids are a parent's most precious asset. Since most parents have to work outside of the home, they must entrust their kids to Day Care and Early Learning Centers for the majority of the day. In this week's episode, Arianne offers 10 tips to help parents do the research and ensure that they're placing their kids in the hands of people who will truly care for and protect them. 

Has the way students dress at your child's school gotten out of control? Is the school's dress code policy enforced with fidelity and equity? Arianne tackles the issues that surround school dress code policies and offers her take on whether these policies are even necessary.

Far too often, when kids aren't doing well in school, parents respond by pulling them out of sports. This knee-jerk reaction does more harm than good. Research has proven that young people who have a well-balanced life filled with academic rigor AND sports develop skills that are not likely to be developed in a purely academic environment. Arianne shares the many benefits of sports involvement in this week's episode. 

In this week's episode, Arianne rehearses principles from a previous episode to make sure TYOK listeners are ready for summer! Since high-achievers don't get summers off, Arianne offers 5 ways to slow down the summer brain drain that all kids face when they're off from school for two to three months each year. These tips are sure to work!

In this episode, Arianne goes back to the book that started it all- Teach Your OWN Kid! Schools Can't Do it Alone. She gives TYOK podcast listeners an opportunity to reflect on fundamental principles by returning to the basics. New members of the Teach Your OWN Kid! community get to hear about Ms. Davis, the irate parent who finally provoked Arianne to put pen to paper. 

In this NEW FEATURE- Parents Who Teach- Arianne took the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom on the road to Washington, DC for the American Federation for Children's Annual Policy Summit. She sat down with Linda Ann Crosby (Phoenix, Arizona) to discuss Homeschooling. In her first few years of motherhood, Linda realized that the inconveniences she was experiencing did more to serve the school system than her family. Linda gives practical information that's sure to benefit parents who are in the throws of homeschooling their children and even for those families who are considering it. 

Arianne takes the TYOK Classroom on the road to visit Lead Meditation Guide of Meditate New Orleans, Stephanie Green Osborne. Stephanie shares insight on guided meditation that is sure to help every listener. She specifically highlights the positive results achieved when school leadership makes the effort to empower young people through meditation. 

Back by popular demand! In this previously published episode, Arianne talks about the importance of viewing the parent/teacher relationship as a committed relationship- a marriage. We don't easily sever the relationships that matter. The relationship between the school community and the family definitely matters!

In this brand new Teach Your OWN Kid! Podcast Young Rock Stars! feature, Arianne spends time in the TYOK classroom with high school senior, Christiann Cannon. Christiann overcame personal challenges and earned a full scholarship to major in Biology at Tulane University in New Orleans. Christiann tells how her middle school teacher pushed her beyond her limits and even remains a trusted mentor. She offers advice to parents who want their kids to excel and kids who want to do the same. 

Out of the ashes of child abuse, Havilah Malone has risen like a phoenix to accomplish tremendous feats. This Napoleon Hill Foundation Instructor uses her children's book- The Amazing Adventures of Oliver Hill to pass on seventeen principles of success to young people. 

In this week's episode, Arianne gets the TYOK listeners ready for summer! Since high-achievers don't get summers off, Arianne offers 5 ways to slow down the summer brain drain that all kids face when they're off from school for two to three months each year. These tips are guaranteed to work!

In this episode, Arianne spends time answering TYOK Community listener questions about everything from standardized testing to weekly spelling tests. 

As a six-year-old growing up in Compton, Ethan Ashley had an experience that would change his life forever. The experience affected him so deeply that it catapulted him to law school at the age of nineteen. By the age of twenty-two, Ethan had accomplished his goal of becoming an attorney and now devotes his time, drive, and talent to the young people of the city of New Orleans both as a policy-influencer and a school board member. In today's episode, Ethan joins Arianne in the TYOK Classroom to discuss his genesis and the reason it is imperative that kids, like his six-year-old self, have champions (advocates) on their side. 

Arianne continues discussing a chapter from her book- Teach Your OWN Kid! Schools Can't Do It Alone- detailing the final five milestones fundamental to a child's growth prior to entering school. She states that the best way to ensure that your child has options and is able to excel in the academic environment is to properly prepare him in the first 3-5 years of life.  

In this episode, Arianne discusses a chapter from her book- Teach Your OWN Kid! Schools Can't Do It Alone. She believes that the only way to give your child an academic advantage is to spend the first 3-5 years of life intentionally preparing him. Arianne encourages parents to maximize those first few years by recognizing various stages of learning and using the appropriate tools to ensure that their child sharpens skills that will naturally present themselves.  

Paris Woods, Co-Founder and Executive Director of College Beyond, joins Arianne in the Teach Your OWN Kid! classroom to discuss how parents can properly prepare their kids for college. Paris reminds listeners that college prep begins in the womb with literacy and math skills development. She also offers some practical steps for parents of middle and high school students. 

Having come to the realization that race and socioeconomic status don't protect children from distress, Dr. Brian Turner believes that it is critical for parents to provide the skills their kids need to navigate crises and trauma. In this episode, Dr. Turner joins Arianne to discuss the importance of young people having access to appropriate mental health services. 

Though a catastrophic storm named Hurricane Katrina altered the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Arianne's hometown, the academic landscape remained the same. In many ways, it actually took a turn for the worse. School leaders were so desperate to maintain their newly formed charter schools that staff was being instructed to do whatever was necessary to pass ill-prepared students along. In this episode, Arianne shares how she navigated during those especially difficult times and how she was forced to decide, once and for all, whether she was willing to continue in an obviously broken and seemingly irreparable system. 

In this second installment of a three-part series, Arianne reveals how she was physically threatened by a junior high school student during her third year of teaching. She shares how, after being made to teach in a classroom setting for which she had not been trained, she finally decided it was time to make some changes. Arianne suggests that the teaching profession is not for the faint. 

In this episode, Arianne invites the TYOK Podcast community behind the scenes into her life as a teacher. She reveals how she spent her first year overwhelmed and overworked. The task of motivating students who believed themselves to be "failures" and the frustration of being paired with a mentor who no longer had the passion to teach prompted Arianne to declare that she would leave her beloved profession within five years.

Arianne uses this episode to answer listener-submitted questions about homework. From California to Mississippi, parents asked advice on what to do if 'busywork' is being assigned and how much help should be provided to the child during the homework process. 

Do your kids get so much homework that you feel like YOU'RE in school?! In this week's podcast episode, Arianne helps parents just like you get rid of the Homework Blues. 

In this episode, Arianne suggests that the relationship between the school leaders and the families that make up the school community is a marriage- a partnership. As with any marriage, there are proactive measures that must be taken to ensure that the lines of communication remain open and uncluttered. According to Arianne, a healthy school community marriage requires commitment from all stakeholders and is centered around the core value of providing the kids the tools necessary to win. 

In this episode, Arianne uses the new year to pause for reflection. She suggests that since the Fall of the 2017-2018 school year is gone, that this second half is a prime time for behavioral review and adjustments. Arianne offers strategies that teachers and parents can use to help their kids develop the kind of study habits that will ensure that they finish the school year strong. 

In this episode, Arianne discusses seven principles to help parents understand the importance of embracing their role as their child's first teacher.

Arianne Craig Jolla, (Author, Speaker & Educator), hated teaching so much that she started her own school! The Teach Your OWN Kid podcast is an extension of the book Teach Your OWN Kid: Schools Can't Do It Alone, which was released in August 2017. The TYOK podcast is a continuation of Arianne's effort to develop stronger partnerships between the school community and the community's families. Enjoy this introduction to the TYOK community!