Torin Ellis is the kind of person who shows up strong and then just get stronger. From the outset, this conversation forces me to question my understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by exploring the notion of Belonging. Torin guides me through a shift in mindset and in language as we talk about the power dynamics in organizations today, the core principles that D&I work require, and the healthy skepticism that's required when dealing with platitudes...ones that come in the form of phrasing such as "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" or in the form of federal holidays like Juneteenth. Along the way, I'm forced to consider my own viewpoints and language and the extent to which I'm working on what Torin believes is the true ROI of D&I: Humanity. Learn more about Torin's work at http://torinellis.com/ and follow him on Twitter at http://torinellis.com/. You'll find the time spent in his world bringing all kinds of ROI into yours. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Jim Questions Everything, I talk with Patty McLain, an educator and instructional coach in Northeast Pennsylvania. We talk about trauma during this episode and look at how both shared and individual trauma impacts teaching and learning. We explore the unmet needs felt throughout education, and the importance of meeting students and teachers where they are when it comes to addressing key social emotional issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.