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The Class Act

The Class Act

Written by: Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool
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About this listen

The Class Act podcast goes beyond lesson plans and report cards—it’s about the people who shape our lives through encouragement, creativity, and compassion. It may be your favourite teacher, but it could also be a supportive coach or mentor. Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool has been an educator for over twenty-five years and has mentored many students and colleagues along the way. She’s also an author who’s written children’s books with Juno award-winning artists Maestro Fresh Wes and DJ Charlie B.

Rhodora also cares deeply about “holding the door open” for the next generation. More importantly, opening new doors! She’s also an artist manager and serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Music Canada.

At home as a mom of two, in the classroom as a teacher, or on the sidelines as a coach, she embraces every teachable moment as a chance to learn alongside the next generation.

Because every class act deserves a champion.

Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and watch for new episodes at the theclassactpodcast.com.

Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Teaching Beyond the Dress Code: Inspiration from Miss Hassan

    Teaching Beyond the Dress Code: Inspiration from Miss Hassan
    Nov 6 2025

    In this inspiring episode of the Class Act podcast, host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool sits down with Miss Hassan—teacher, influencer, and advocate for authenticity in education. From her early experiences navigating dress codes to becoming a role model for students and fellow educators, Miss Hassan shares her journey of embracing identity and personal style in the classroom. The conversation explores the realities and challenges faced by new teachers, the importance of representation and student advocacy, and the delicate balance between professional purpose and motherhood.


    (00:00) – Introduction & Guest Welcome

    (01:24) – Embracing Personal Style in Teaching

    (02:47) – Challenges of New Teachers

    (05:14) – Bringing Fashion & Identity to the Classroom

    (06:53) – Amplifying Voices & Public Speaking

    (08:25) – Making a Difference in Education

    (11:13) – Miss Hassan’s Student Experience

    (13:44) – The Importance of Arts & Creativity

    (14:20) – Representation & Community in Schools

    (14:35) – Balancing Teaching and Motherhood

    (16:01) – Reflections, Gratitude, and Support

    (16:45) – Closing, Social Media, and See You Soon!
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    17 mins
  • Lessons from the Court and Classroom: Miss Domingo’s Journey

    Lessons from the Court and Classroom: Miss Domingo’s Journey
    Oct 23 2025

    Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool welcomes Aleena Domingo, a passionate new teacher and coach from Toronto, to discuss balancing life as an educator and parent. They explore the influence of role models, the importance of empathy and high expectations in the classroom, and the impact of both mentorship and collaboration among teachers. Miss Domingo shares her teaching philosophy shaped by diverse school experiences, highlights the value of making all students feel included, and offers practical advice to aspiring teachers about flexibility and creativity in the profession.


    More about Miss Domingo:

    Aleena Domingo, known as @HeyMissDomingo, is a Toronto-based educator, women’s basketball coach, and content creator whose work centres in authenticity, equity and empowerment. As a former college athlete, she now coaches basketball while encouraging young women to embrace their individuality and confidence on and off the court. In the classroom, Aleena is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces, particularly for students from racially marginalized communities, helping them reach their full potential while celebrating who they are.

    Through her social media presence, she shares honest glimpses of the realities of teaching, coaching and new motherhood, inspiring others to break barriers, live authentically, and pursue their passions with confidence.


    (0:00) – Introduction & Guest Welcome

    (0:21) – Meeting in Person & Shared Backgrounds

    (0:46) – Discussing Family Connections & Podcast Topic: Balancing Life

    (1:27) – Challenges of Being a New Teacher & Parent

    (2:28) – Inspirations and Role Models in Teaching

    (3:41) – Coaching Styles: Supporting All Students

    (5:09) – Teaching Philosophy: High Standards & Diversity

    (8:13) – Impact of Teachers & The Digital Age

    (10:03) – Laying Educational Foundations & Empathy

    (12:38) – Mentorship and Finding Support as a New Teacher

    (15:13) – Reciprocal Mentorship & Collaboration

    (16:10) – Plans for the Year & Balancing Coaching and Family

    (16:51) – Advice for Aspiring Teachers

    (18:35) – Being a Teacher-Influencer: Social Media & Reception

    (19:56) – Wrapping Up: Gifts & Final Thoughts


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    21 mins
  • Director X: Legacy Behind the Lens

    Director X: Legacy Behind the Lens
    Sep 25 2025
    Host Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool welcomes her first guest, none other than Director X. The well known Canadian discusses his journey in the film and music industry, highlighting his work with artists like Aaliyah, Justin Bieber, and Drake. He shares many experiences about how he overcame challenges since he was young to arrive in this chapter of power. He highlights the importance of self-belief, collaboration, and mentorship. He also talks about his TED Talk on meditation's impact on the brain, which led to a documentary and initiatives to promote meditation in schools.More About Director X: Julien Christian Lutz P.K.A. Director X is one of the most iconic music video directors of our time, known for his work with Drake, Rihanna, Rosalia, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West, among many others, he has been nominated and received many accolades for his work. As a filmmaker, Julien debuted his first Sony studio feature film, Superfly produced by the legendary Joel Silver. As an artist, Julien has created art installations for Toronto’s Nuit Blanche: Death of The Sun, which was also featured in Drake’s “Boy Meets World,” European tour and “Life of The Earth,” in collaboration with the Ontario Science Center. Using his platform for social change, Julien founded Operation Prefrontal Cortex, an initiative created to reduce Toronto’s gun violence through mindfulness and meditation. A highly intelligent speaker, Julien’s talks hit on creativity, innovation, wellness, and community, and how bettering ourselves and those around us is the way to ensure a more peaceful, compassionate world. https://directorxfilms.com/ http://op-pfc.com/#the-program Connect with Rhodora Meliton-Vanderpool: ⁠https://www.theclassactpodcast.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/redrhover/⁠ ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/rhodoravanderpool⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
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