Balanced Black Educator

Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

“I never forgot about my time as a K-12 educator.”

Dr. Siobhan Flowers

Licensed Mental Health Therapist / Higher Ed Professor (Former 7th grade ELA teacher and Lead HS Counselor)

https://www.balancedblackeducator.com/

"Black educators are more than just teachers… they are like family."

In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the honor of conversing with Dr. Siobhan Flowers, a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Higher Ed Professor, who has made it her mission to help Black educators manage and maintain their emotional health and wellness. Dr. Flowers' journey began in the K-12 space, and she never forgot the powerful impact educators can have, especially those who serve as more than just teachers – they become like family. Her experience in a "school within a school" environment, where representation and diversity were lacking, shaped her understanding of the profound influence educators have on students. She recalls her own high school counselor's limitations when it came to college guidance, sparking her passion to bridge the gaps, academically, socially, and emotionally.

"Teachers have more power than they realize."

Dr. Flowers' path led her to establish a therapy and coaching practice centered on mental and emotional wellness, emphasizing the mind/body connection. Her unique background, growing up in a military family and starting her career in journalism, has fueled her distinctive approach to education. Dr. Flowers recognizes the value of a two-year university and holds multiple advanced degrees in communications and counseling. Her advice to Black educators facing challenges teaching a curriculum that omits history is not just to keep history alive but to find innovative ways to ensure its continued significance. Join us in this episode as Dr. Siobhan Flowers shares her insights, her commitment to representation, and her journey of promoting emotional health and wellness in the education space. Her holistic approach to stress management and well-being highlights the power of intentionality in the field of education.