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

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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.