The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators

Different Countries, Same Story with S. Jae Ali
EPISODE 92 • SEASON 6 01:35:57
  • July 21, 2026
  • 03:43 PM
  • Dr. Asia Lyons
S. Jae Ali, EdM, has taught in Charlotte, Chicago, China, and Brazil, and every classroom taught her something the next one couldn't fix. In this episode, the South Side Chicago native and former educator gets honest about the racism she faced in her teacher prep program, the mental health toll of toxic leadership, the thrill of watching struggling students soar, and why she ultimately walked away from the classroom. From COVID lockdowns in Zhengzhou to a private school in São Paulo where she was the only Black teacher, Jae's story is proof that the problem isn't always the kids and that choosing yourself isn't quitting. Now running wellness workshops and speaking engagements through her platform S. Jae Ali Speaks, she's still teaching. Just on her own terms.
All audio, artwork, episode descriptions and notes are property of Dr. Asia Lyons, for The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, and published with permission by ALIVE Podcast Network.
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