I was recently interviewed by Akia Garnett, host and producer of the Akia Garnett Show, regarding some of the stories I shared in my memoir during my final forty days as a public school teacher. I’m not gonna lie—there were moments when I wasn’t sure if I could make it through the answers to the questions without breaking down and crying. 

While my voice wavered and cracked a few times, I steadied myself by taking a few deep breaths, then grounded my answers in two things I KNOW are missing from public education reform discussions: truth and love.

And when I was challenged by Akia with her viewpoint on physical touch, and for “the hugging incident” that transpired in those final few days of my career, I stood firm and fought back with my words and personal convictions. 

Akia has since said, ”It was a very moving experience spending time with Shannon on The Akia Garnett Show talking about her traumatic final forty days as a New York City Public School Teacher. I have three beautiful children, and I can only imagine how frustrating the experience must have been for all parties involved. It is incredibly brave of Shannon to share her story, and it is eye-opening to watch her navigate such failing areas of the education system in America. I invite you to listen to the show and then follow up with Shannon to see how you can be of support to her, as she strives to support teachers across the nation.”

I do hope you will take time to listen to this moving interview. You can check out the full interview here.