The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators

In this impactful episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Oakland educator Whitney Redd discusses how her experience in after-school programs, youth shelters, and mental health settings has shaped her approach to teaching—combining heart, structure, and intentionality. After being diagnosed with ADHD, Whitney redefined discipline as creating joyful structure, fostering a classroom environment built on positive reinforcement, trust, and student voice. “As a teacher, I already have power,” she states. “I don’t need to enforce it, I need to build it." Whitney openly shares her experiences leading a third-grade class of 39 students, tackling systemic inequities, and addressing the emotional challenges faced by Black teachers expected to do it all. Despite these challenges, her story is filled with joy, humor, and a fierce dedication to her students’ brilliance. Through Thee Redd Method, Whitney now helps other educators balance accountability with compassion and data with care. Her story emphasizes that true liberation in the classroom begins when educators embrace curiosity over control, and when Black joy becomes the foundation rather than a reward.