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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💜 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.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison joins us to explore why teaching is political and how early conversations about race, gender, consent, and body positivity can shape a more just and equitable future. A political educator and co-author of the award-winning First Conversations book series, Dr. Megan shares insights into addressing complex topics with young children in an age-appropriate and impactful way.

Drawing on her Sociopolitical Ecology of Development framework, she highlights the profound role early education plays in fostering self-awareness, self-esteem, and critical thinking in children. Together, we discuss actionable strategies for educators and parents to create inclusive spaces, engage young minds in discussions on justice, and confront bias in their everyday interactions.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about equity in education, this episode will equip you with tools and inspiration to approach these vital conversations with confidence and compassion.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why early childhood education is a critical foundation for political education.
• How the First Conversations book series empowers adults to navigate complex topics with toddlers.
• Practical tips for discussing race and gender with young children in ways that build their empathy and self-awareness.
• Insights into Dr. Madison’s Sociopolitical Ecology of Development framework and its application in education.
• Strategies for overcoming discomfort or resistance when discussing social justice with children.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why teaching is political and why early conversations matter.
• 05:30 – Dr. Madison’s journey: Radical Black feminism and the Sociopolitical Ecology of Development framework.
• 12:45 – Breaking the stigma: Talking to toddlers about race, gender, and body positivity.
• 20:15 – Practical tips: Engaging young children in anti-bias discussions at home and in the classroom.
• 30:40 – Addressing skepticism: How to respond to critics of early political education.
• 40:00 – Tools and resources: Recommendations for educators and parents.

Resources Mentioned:

• First Conversations book series by Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison and Jessica Ralli.
• Police free in ECE Community with Dr. Megan and Ijumaa Jordan
• National Association for the Education of Young Children NAEYC

Stay Connected:

• Follow Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison on Instagram: @meganmadison
• Learn more about First Conversations: @first_conversations

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!

👍🏾 Keep up with Conscious Pathways:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@conscious-pathways

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious.pathways/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-pathways-education

Newsletter: https://pathwaysofpromise.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ConsciousPathways

🚀 Sponsors & Affiliates

Support Local Bookstores: https://bookshop.org/shop/conscious

Black Girl Vitamins: https://blackgirlvitamins.co/

👉🏾 Use Code UPLIFTED15 to save 10% off your order!

⭐ Support Conscious Pathways:

Donate to Conscious Pathways: https://ko-fi.com/consciouspathways

💜 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.

In this powerful episode of the Conscious Pathways podcast, host Brittney Carey sits down with Andratesha Fritzgerald, a seasoned educator, consultant, and author of Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success. Together, they explore the transformative intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and anti-racism in education.

Andratesha shares her personal journey into education, from her early experiences to becoming a passionate advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. She discusses how UDL—a framework originally developed to improve accessibility—aligns with anti-racist practices to create equitable opportunities for all students.

The conversation also highlights the power of recognizing and honoring each student’s strengths and cultural backgrounds through multiple means of engagement, representation, and expression. Andratesha emphasizes the importance of family involvement in education and introduces the concept of “Power Talks”—a strategy for parents to effectively communicate and collaborate with teachers to support their children’s success.

Whether you’re an educator or a parent, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating a more inclusive and dynamic educational experience for every learner. You’ll walk away with practical tools to foster transparency, student agency, and a community-driven approach to education.

Key Topics:

• Understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its connection to anti-racism
• Honoring students' cultural backgrounds and strengths in the classroom
• Strategies for building inclusive learning environments
• The role of parents in advocating for their children through Power Talks
• How teachers and families can collaborate to ensure student success

Connect with Andratesha Fritzgerald

• Website: https://www.buildingblocksofbrilliance.com/
• Social Links: https://linktr.ee/fritztesha
• Book: Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success
• https://bookshop.org/p/books/antiracism-and-universal-design-for-learning-building-expressways-to-success-andratesha-fritzgerald/15094778?ean=9781930583702

Resources Mentioned

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles: https://udlguidelines.cast.org/
• Parent-Led Power Talks: https://payhip.com/b/lH0m7
• Discount Code: CPLISTEN

Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Conscious Pathways podcast. Share this conversation with a friend or colleague passionate about equity in education.

Let’s continue to reimagine education—together.

👍🏾 Keep up with Conscious Pathways:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0XKxiBJsib2e6lvR-Wn9Q

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious.pathways/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-pathways-education

Newsletter: https://pathwaysofpromise.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ConsciousPathways

🚀 Sponsors & Affiliates

Support Local Bookstores: https://bookshop.org/shop/conscious

Black Girl Vitamins: https://blackgirlvitamins.co/

👉🏾 Use Code UPLIFTED15 to save 10% off your order!

⭐ Support Conscious Pathways:

Donate to Conscious Pathways: https://ko-fi.com/consciouspathways

💜 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.