In the final episode of 2024, host Brittney Carey takes listeners on a reflective journey through the achievements, challenges, and pivotal moments in education and social justice over the past year. From celebrating California's implementation of the ethnic studies requirement and the growth of transitional kindergarten to highlighting national victories against school voucher programs and book bans, this episode strikes a balance of hope and honesty.

Brittney also addresses pressing challenges such as the rise of anti-DEI legislation, educator burnout, and low morale, encouraging listeners to see advocacy, community, and voting as critical pathways for change.

On a personal note, Brittney shares her experience navigating different “seasons” of life—reflecting, planning, and taking action—and why pausing to regroup is essential for sustainable progress. Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise Newsletter to be notified of upcoming exciting adventures with Conscious Pathways!

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:44 Reflecting on 2024
• 04:53 Wins in Education and Social Justice
• 15:42 Challenges and Lessons Learned
• 23:00 Advocacy and Moving Forward
• 25:44 Building Community and Looking Ahead
• 28:21 Conclusion and Gratitude

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Key victories in education and social justice in 2024

✅ Challenges educators and advocates are facing nationally

✅ The importance of reflection, planning, and seasonal life phases

✅ How advocacy, community, and voting can effect meaningful change

✅ What’s next for Conscious Pathways in 2025

Don’t miss this episode full of insights to help you rethink the role of education in fostering equity and justice from the very start. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow educators and parents committed to creating a better world for our children!

Resources Mentioned:

Gwendolyn Wallace on Representation in Children's Literature

School Vouchers rejected by voters - Propublica

Book bans decrease in 2024 - The American Library Association (ALA)

Key Insights Into America's Teachers - Education Week

The State of ECE wih Dr. Denise Kennedy

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⭐ Support Conscious Pathways:

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💜 About Conscious Pathways:

Conscious Pathways is the leading education consulting agency dedicated to supporting educators, parents, and supportive adults with the tools to build a brighter future together starting with early childhood.

A conscious approach to education views students as active participants in their learning rather than recipients of knowledge. Conscious Pathways is a mindful approach to reimagining education for social equity, justice, and innovation.