The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators

What does it cost to teach with integrity in a system that demands your silence? In this powerful episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Akil Parker—a former finance major turned math educator, tutor, and founder of All This Math—to explore his 20-year journey through classrooms, charter schools, and community spaces. Akil shares honest reflections on being pushed out of schools for challenging harmful norms, the emotional toll of being separated from students he deeply cared about, and the moment he realized he was no longer working for the system—but for the kids.

From surviving toxic school cultures to creating culturally rooted math content for families, Akil’s story is both a warning and a call to action. Whether you're a Black educator facing similar challenges or someone interested in true retention, this episode is a raw reminder: real education centers the child, not the institution.