On a new Teachers’ Lounge, we have Elena Quintana! She’s the executive director of the Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice at Adler University in Chicago. She’s also helping lead a new bachelor’s degree program at Big Muddy River Correctional Center.
We talked a ton of her experience teaching about psychology and childhood trauma in prisons and her work with public safety advocacy. We also chatted about adjusting her classes to the pandemic as a professor.
Elena touches on some really heavy and important topics, and then we also get a little lighter at the end and talk about the very specific thing she thinks is absolutely hilarious.
Have you had an awesome teacher, coach or professor that inspired you who deserves a spotlight? Send your nominations to teacherslounge@niu.edu. While you're there, tell us about an education story or topic we should cover on the podcast. Also, subscribe to us and leave a rating wherever it is you listen to the show!
SHOW NOTES
Educator in this episode: Elena Quintana
Stories featured in this episode: School Summer Food Programs Are A Pandemic Idea That Lasted
College Is Still Possible For Some Illinois Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Music: Our show's theme music is from the northern Illinois-based band "Kindoves" and their songs "Popn," "Origins" and "Quiche." You can find more of their music on their Soundcloud page. You can also listen to the episode of WNIJ's own Sessions from Studio A where they were featured.
Teachers! People who know teachers! People with stories about teachers! Send us an email and be part of the show! Also, send us your topic recommendations: teacherslounge@niu.edu
