Teachers’ Voices bonus episode 11
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Join educational researcher Nina Alonso for this podcast series as she shares powerful stories from teachers around the world, talking in their own words about their own experiences.
How can teachers support students in emergencies or difficult contexts? In this bonus episode, Nina hears advice for teaching in challenging conditions from four educators.
First Nina meets Diana Suárez, a teacher in Colombia and an expert in multilingualism and multiculturalism. Diana says that safe play spaces let children reconnect, express themselves, and feel joy again.
“ When we teach with empathy and love and create spaces where children feel loved, respected, and free to be themselves, we are giving a real change for them to grow and learn, even if the situation is so hard.”
Diana Suarez, Educator, Colombia
Next, Nina speaks to Gilson Penha, who teaches in a public school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Gilson believes in building a welcoming school environment to support community involvement and hands-on, real-life activities that keep students motivated.
Murimi Nyaga, known as Turi, is a middle school teacher from Machakos, Kenya. He tells Nina about connecting students with nature through school gardens and conservation projects. These experiences help students develop a sense of belonging and purpose, even if they struggle academically or face difficult home lives.
Finally, Nina meets Antonio Castillo, a recent graduate from Spain, who works in afterschool programs for youth at risk of dropping out. He builds trust through authenticity and humility. By letting his students teach him first, he is able to truly connect.
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Guests and resources
Diana M. Suárez: LinkedIn
Gilson Penha: Instagram
Surimi Nyaga (Turi): LinkedIn
Antonio Castillo
Teachers Without Borders: website
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