On this episode of the SENIA Happy Hour podcast, host Lori Boll speaks with Maymouna Sakho and Dr. MaryAnn DeRosa about their collaborative project “From the Margins, For the Margins.” These two passionate educators share their personal journeys and how their experiences have shaped their approach to inclusive education. Maymouna and MaryAnn discuss the importance of developing a mindset that celebrates neurodiversity and different ways of learning, rather than viewing students as problems to be fixed. They explain how their monthly meetups exemplify their strategy of distilling mindset, knowledge, and practice into accessible steps for educators. The conversation highlights their unique approach to professional development in inclusive education, emphasizing joy, practical strategies, and the power of building a supportive learning community. Listeners will gain insights into how these educators are working to transform learning support practices in international schools and beyond, with a focus on student agency and dignity for all learners.
Connect
- Email: adjam.sakho@gmail.com & mas.derosa@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: Maymouna
- LinkedIn: Dr. DeRosa
- Website: Sakho Learning Consultancy
Resources From Today’s Show:
- Book: Culturally Responsive Teaching
Transcript
Transcribed by Kanako Suwa
[ Introduction music plays ]
Welcome to the SENIA Happy Hour with your host, Lori Boll. We know you’re busy so we bring you 1 hour of content in under thirty minutes, leaving you with time for a true happy hour.
[ Outro music plays ]
Thank you for joining us for today’s show. For more information including how to subscribe and shownotes, please head to our website. That’s SENIAinternational.org/podcasts. Until next time… cheers!
Bio
Maymouna Sakho is an educator, inclusion and equity advocate, and systems builder. Maymouna is the founder of Sakho Learning Consultancy – dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations to innovate through embracing and implementing equitable and inclusive practices.
Maymouna’s passion for working to create equitable and inclusive spaces comes from her experience of growing up between two cultures, having to learn a new language and system, and finding a place and voice for herself. She is a connector of people and ideas and loves to engage in conversations about inclusion and serving others – particularly children – to reach their fullest potential.
She serves as the Chair for SENIA International Africa Board, mentor for the AIELOC Aspiring Leaders of Color Program, and is a co-founder and co-trainer for AIELOC’s Learning Support Affinity Group For the Margins, From the Margins with Dr. MaryAnn DeRosa. Additionally, Maymouna serves as a co-chair for MSA Accreditation Evaluation Team Visits and as a member of CIS Accreditation Evaluation Team Visits.
MaryAnn DeRosa Ed.D is a passionate progressive educator with over 24 years of experience working in the classroom as a lead classroom teacher, special educator, and instructional and SEL/Equity coach. As a teacher leader and teacher trainer, she has led professional development on topics including SEL, Equity and Inclusion, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, UDL, and Cultivating Creativity. MaryAnn earned her doctorate from Northeastern University in Boston, with coursework focused on social justice and equity in education. Always from a change agent lens, her research centers on fostering creativity and designing inclusive, justice-centered engaging learning environments. MaryAnn has spent her career teaching in Washington DC charter and public schools as well as in international schools in China, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and in Milan, Italy. MaryAnn is a member of AIELOC and an ASCD Champion in Education. Currently, MaryAnn is an education consultant and Professor and Curriculum Designer for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners at Relay Graduate School of Education.