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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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 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

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⭐ 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

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

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👉🏾 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 Conscious Pathway, host Brittney Carey sits down with Ijumaa Jordan, a trailblazer in early childhood education and a dedicated advocate for anti-bias learning environments. With over 30 years in the field, Ijumaa brings a wealth of experience and insight as they explore the often-overlooked intersection of early education and social justice.

Together, Brittney and Ijumaa dive into a transformative discussion on police-free early childhood education (ECE), a radical concept challenging traditional views of authority in classrooms. They discuss how restorative justice practices can be implemented in ECE settings, offering alternatives to typical disciplinary measures.

Key themes in this episode include:

• Power Dynamics in Play: How educators can be mindful of power imbalances in children’s play and promote equity from an early age.
• Educator Ethics and Accountability: Ijumaa shares the ethical responsibilities that educators hold in creating safe, inclusive spaces for all children.
• Restorative Justice and Community Support: Practical ways to incorporate community-centered, restorative approaches in early childhood education.
• Challenging Institutional Norms: The importance of questioning long-standing institutional norms to build culturally responsive and anti-bias educational environments.

This episode is a must-listen for teachers, parents, and policymakers looking to understand and implement socially conscious practices in early childhood settings. Tune in to learn how small shifts in perspective and practice can create transformative impacts for young learners.

Subscribe to Conscious Pathway for more inspiring conversations at the intersection of education and social justice, and connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok to continue the conversation.

Connect with Ijumaa:

Website: https://www.ijumaajordan.com/

Police free in ECE Community: https://www.ijumaajordan.com/join-police-free-ece

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ijumaaj/

👍🏾 Keep up with Conscious Pathways:

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

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

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

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

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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 episode of Conscious Pathways, host Brittney Carey sits down with Ben Arthur, NFL reporter for FOX Sports and founder of the Pinnacle Code podcast, to explore the vital intersection of media literacy, culturally responsive education, and digital storytelling. As a first-generation Ghanaian American, Ben offers a unique perspective on the importance of culturally affirming education and how media literacy can empower both students and educators in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Throughout the conversation, Ben shares insights on the necessity of diverse, reliable information sources and offers practical strategies for managing media consumption in a way that supports mental health. Brittney and Ben also discuss the evolving role of digital tools like AI and augmented reality in democratizing storytelling, allowing for more diverse voices to be heard and celebrated.

The episode wraps up with a thought-provoking discussion on AI’s transformative impact on the workforce and how we can harness technology to focus on individual strengths. Listen in to discover how you can foster media literacy in your community, inspire future generations, and support a more inclusive, informed society.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The power of storytelling in humanizing athletes and diverse communities
• The role of culturally responsive education in an increasingly digital world
• Strategies for teaching media literacy in schools to combat misinformation
• Managing media consumption for better mental health
• The potential of AI and augmented reality in creating equitable storytelling opportunities
• The future of the workforce and the importance of focusing on personal strengths

Be sure to check out Ben’s podcast, Pinnacle Code, where he spotlights high achievers in the Black community from all walks of life. Don’t forget to subscribe to Conscious Pathways for more conversations on the intersection of education and social justice, and follow us on social media to stay updated on future episodes!

👍🏾 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 episode, I sit down with Olivier Bernier, the award-winning filmmaker behind the powerful documentary Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom and co-founder of Rota6 Films. As a passionate advocate for inclusive education, Olivier brings a unique perspective to our conversation, both as a filmmaker and as a father fighting for his son’s right to an inclusive education. His documentary sheds light on the often-segregated world of students with disabilities and explores an alternative approach where every learner is included.

Tune into Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom to see Olivier’s journey firsthand and learn more about the importance of inclusive education. If you’re passionate about transforming education, consider supporting organizations like ALL IN for Inclusive Education, where Olivier serves on the board, to help drive change in your local schools.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful discussions at the intersection of education and social justice.

Connect with Olivier:

Website: www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com or fmndoc.com

Facebook: @forgetmenotdocumentary

Instagram: @forgetmenotdocumentary

👍🏾 Keep up with Conscious Pathways:

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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 episode of Conscious Pathways, I am joined by Dr. Sarah M. Toutant, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Childcare Resource Center and an expert in advancing equity in higher education. Dr. Toutant shares her journey from studying education policy to becoming a passionate advocate for social justice, representation, and inclusivity in academia.

We dive into her experiences as a DEI leader, exploring the importance of faculty and staff reflecting the diversity of the student population and how higher education institutions can better serve underrepresented students. Dr. Toutant offers insights on measuring the success of DEI initiatives, the challenges of this work, and strategies for preventing burnout in a demanding field.

Our conversation also touches on the transformative role of student activism and the need for institutions to involve young voices in decision-making. Dr. Toutant shares her vision for reimagining education as a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive system that prepares students for life beyond college.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on building a culture of inclusivity and the hope that one day, DEI work will be so ingrained in every aspect of society that it won’t need to exist as a separate field.

Takeaways

⭐ Advocacy, social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are important aspects of higher education.

⭐ Representation and inclusivity in higher education are crucial for creating a positive student experience.

⭐ DEI work can be challenging and lead to burnout, so it's important to prioritize self-care and take breaks when needed.

⭐ Building a supportive community and finding satisfaction in the present are essential for navigating the challenges of DEI work.

⭐ Measuring the success of DEI programs and initiatives involves collecting data, setting goals, and creating a culture of inclusivity. The ultimate goal of DEI work is for it to become embedded in every aspect of society.

⭐Institutions need to listen to and engage with students, involving them in decision-making and creating a community within educational institutions.

⭐ Educators can start by recognizing and building on the inclusive practices they are already implementing in the classroom.

⭐ Reimagining education involves making it more inclusive, accessible, and supportive, as well as providing better support for students transitioning to post-graduate life.

⭐ Transferable skills gained through education can open up a wide range of career opportunities.

Connect with Dr. Toutant:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahtoutant/

👍🏾 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 episode of Conscious Pathways, Dr. Justin Gerald unpacks the critical intersection of race, language, and neurodiversity in education. As an educator, theorist, and author, Dr. Gerald shares insights from his latest book, which explores the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent students of color and the lack of representation and research in this area. Drawing from his personal experiences as a teacher and researcher, he emphasizes the importance of listening to students' voices and valuing their experiences.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gerald discusses the pervasive impact of systemic racism in language education and the urgent need for educators to challenge traditional notions of intelligence and language proficiency. He advocates for a reimagined educational system that prioritizes equity, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of each student's personhood. This episode is a must-listen for educators, advocates, and anyone interested in supporting neurodiverse students and dismantling oppressive structures in education. Tune in to learn practical strategies for fostering a more just and compassionate learning environment.

Takeaways

⭐ There is a lack of representation and research on neurodiversity in education, particularly in the intersection of race, language, and abilities.

⭐ Dr. Gerald's book aims to fill this gap and provide strategies for teachers to better support neurodiverse students.

⭐ Listening to students and their experiences is crucial in understanding their needs and providing effective support.

⭐ Qualitative research is important in capturing the personhood of individuals and their stories in education. Teachers need to respect and value students' voices and experiences.

⭐ Biases and assumptions about intelligence based on language proficiency need to be challenged and dismantled.

⭐ Education should prioritize equity, inclusivity, and the recognition of students' individual stories and strengths.

⭐ Teacher preparation programs should include courses that address systemic racism and biases.

⭐ Teachers should continuously engage in professional development to grow and improve their understanding of equity and inclusivity.

Connect with Dr. Gerald:

Website: https://jpbgerald.com/

👍🏾 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.