What if picture books were some of the most powerful tools available to educators—not just for teaching reading, but for helping students understand themselves?

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with literacy consultant and author Sarah Cordova to discuss the role picture books can play in shaping student identity, developing writers, and creating more inclusive classrooms.

Together, they explore how thoughtfully selected mentor texts can serve as both mirrors and windows—reflecting students’ lived experiences while expanding their understanding of others.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why picture books remain powerful across grade levels
• How mentor texts can strengthen writing instruction
• The connection between literacy and student identity
• Why representation matters in classroom libraries
• How immigrant and refugee stories help build empathy and understanding
• Practical ways teachers can use picture books to empower student voice

Whether you’re an elementary teacher, literacy coach, administrator, or secondary educator looking to strengthen writing instruction, this conversation offers practical ideas and inspiration for helping students see themselves—and their possibilities—through books.

Sarah Cordova is a national literacy consultant and author of The Power of Picture Books in Student Identity: Writing Lessons That Empower. Her work helps educators integrate identity, belonging, and culturally responsive literacy practices into daily instruction.

Teach in Truth.
Lead with Courage.
Belong to a Community That Gets It.

Libraries shouldn't be a luxury.

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán reflects on a social media post from an educator who challenged the reality that many students still attend schools without fully functioning libraries.

What happens when we say literacy matters but fail to provide access to books?

This episode explores:

- Why libraries are an equity issue
- The connection between literacy and opportunity
- What students lose when libraries disappear
- How budgets reveal priorities
- Why access to books should not depend on a ZIP code
- The role libraries play in belonging, curiosity, and identity

At a time when educators are being asked to improve literacy outcomes, this episode asks a simple but important question:

How can students become readers if they don't have access to books?

Key Reflection

"A library is more than a room filled with books. It's a declaration that a child's imagination matters."

Discussion Question

What is the state of your school library—and what does it communicate to students about what we value?

Teach in Truth.
Lead with Courage.
Belong to a Community That Gets It.

What happens when schools see refugee students through a lens of deficit instead of possibility?

In this episode of Our Classroom, Roberto Germán sits down with Dr. Yacoub Aljaffery, author of Narratives of Success and Resilience of Students from Refugee Backgrounds in U.S. Schools: From Invisible to Valuable, to discuss what educators need to understand about refugee students, multilingual learners, and the power of belonging.

Drawing from his own journey as a refugee and educator, Dr. Aljaffery challenges common misconceptions and invites educators to move beyond trauma-centered narratives toward asset-based approaches that recognize resilience, brilliance, language, culture, and humanity.

Together, Roberto and Dr. Aljaffery explore:

• What makes students from refugee backgrounds feel invisible in schools
• How deficit thinking harms students and limits possibilities
• Why multilingualism should be viewed as an asset, not a problem
• The difference between supporting students and “fixing” them
• How current global conflicts and immigration debates impact students in classrooms today
• Practical ways educators can foster belonging and dignity
• What gives Dr. Aljaffery hope for the future

This conversation is a reminder that refugee students do not need pity. They need opportunity, affirmation, and educators willing to see their full humanity.

Teach in Truth.
Lead with Courage.
Belong to a Community That Gets It.

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