After a short break, I’m back with a personal update. In this episode of Conscious Pathways, I share openly about navigating burnout, balancing responsibilities, and taking intentional steps toward rest and healing.

I also give you a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming changes for the podcast, including:

• Why I’m shifting to bimonthly episodes
• What a podcast rebrand will mean for listeners
• How I’m separating the podcast from my business to create more clarity and alignment

This episode is part reflection, part announcement, and part reminder that prioritizing self-care doesn’t mean stepping away from your passions — it means sustaining them in healthier, more intentional ways.

Episode Highlights:

• Facing burnout and finding balance
• The role of creativity in healing and growth
• Exciting changes ahead for the podcast
• Why self-care is a non-negotiable
• How you can help shape the future of Conscious Pathways

💡 I’d love your input! Please take a few minutes to complete the listener survey and help shape the future of the podcast: Listener feedback survey!

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, needed permission to pause, or wanted to realign with your values then this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on education, social justice, and the journey toward authentic living.

🎧 Listen and follow Conscious Pathways wherever you get your podcasts

💬 Leave a comment or DM me—what part of this episode resonated with you?

📲 Share this episode with an educator, parent, or colleague who needs to hear it

📍 Follow Conscious Pathways for more episodes & updates: https://linktr.ee/conscious.pathways

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In this powerful episode of Conscious Pathways, host Brittney Carey sits down with Dr. Helen P. Young—educator, counselor, and advocate for equity in higher education. With over 25 years of experience in both K–12 and community college settings, Dr. Young shares her inspiring journey into education, the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman in academia, and her groundbreaking work to create pathways from California community colleges to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Dr. Young dives into the California Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs, a program she helped lead to ensure students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—have access to meaningful higher education opportunities. We also explore her co-founded initiative, Pipelines to Possibilities (P2P), which supports and prepares HBCU graduate students to become leaders in California’s community college system.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or social justice advocate, this episode offers practical insights into how we can better support students of color and reimagine the educational systems that shape their futures.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• Why transfer pathways to HBCUs matter
• How parents can advocate for college access
• The realities educators of color face in higher ed
• What true mentorship and systemic change can look like

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who cares about educational equity!

🎧 Listen and follow Conscious Pathways wherever you get your podcasts

💬 Leave a comment or DM me—what part of this episode resonated with you?

📲 Share this episode with an educator, parent, or colleague who needs to hear it

📍 Follow Conscious Pathways for more episodes & updates: https://linktr.ee/conscious.pathways

“If we are comfortable enough to talk about Black suffering, we have to be comfortable enough to talk about how that suffering made Black folks feel.”

— Dr. Brittany Jones

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What happens when we strip emotion from how we teach history? In this powerful episode of Conscious Pathways, I sit down with Dr. Brittany Jones, a researcher, educator, and former social studies teacher whose work centers on Black emotionality, anti-racist teaching, and critical emotional pedagogy.

We explore the emotional weight of historical truth, how racialized emotions—like Black anger and grief—are often misunderstood or suppressed in schools, and how this shapes both curriculum and classroom culture. Dr. Jones shares how emotions carry power, and why educators must create space for students to feel fully, especially when confronting histories of oppression and resistance.

This conversation is a call to humanize the classroom, validate student emotions, and teach history with truth, care, and clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why emotional literacy belongs in social studies classrooms
• How racialized emotions show up in school settings
• The impact of misreading or weaponizing Black emotionality
• How to move from sanitized curriculum to truthful, liberatory history teaching
• Concrete strategies for educators to create emotionally supportive learning environments

🎧 Listen and follow Conscious Pathways wherever you get your podcasts

💬 Leave a comment or DM me—what part of this episode resonated with you?

📲 Share this episode with an educator, parent, or colleague who needs to hear it

📍 Follow Conscious Pathways for more episodes & updates: https://linktr.ee/conscious.pathways

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In this episode of Conscious Pathways, I sit down with Bee Alvarado—Child Development Specialist, children’s author, and founder of Mother Earth’s Learning Center. Bee shares her powerful journey from big sister in a Mexican-American family to visionary educator creating nature-based learning experiences for young children.

We talk about:

• How nature and healing shaped Bee’s teaching philosophy
• The role of storytelling and cultural identity in early education
• Her mobile program bringing earth-conscious, sensory-rich learning to communities
• Her upcoming book Miss B and Her Magic Hat
• Breaking cycles of generational trauma through education

If you’re passionate about early childhood education, environmental stewardship, and holistic practices that empower both children and families—this one’s for you.

Don’t forget to rate & review the show—it helps more educators and families find us!

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In this inspiring episode of Conscious Pathways, host Brittney Carey is joined by award-winning educator and TEDx speaker Nick Marmolejo to explore how purpose-driven learning can transform education. Nick shares his personal journey into the classroom, the pivotal role mentorship played in shaping his philosophy, and why purpose—not just performance—should be at the center of our schools.

Together, we unpack how cultivating a love for learning, creating emotionally safe environments, and rethinking the school-to-career pipeline can better serve all students, especially those with special needs. Nick also introduces his upcoming children’s book, Where’s My Compass?, a powerful story about a boy with autism finding his purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about reimagining education with equity, intention, and heart.

🎧 Tune in now to rethink how we shape the future of education!

🔗 Links & Resources:

📍 Connect with Nick Marmolejo: TedX: Are Schools Destroying Purpose?, LinkedIn

📍 Follow Conscious Pathways for more episodes & updates: https://linktr.ee/conscious.pathways

📍 Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise Newsletter for deeper insights: https://pathwaysofpromise.beehiiv.com/subscribe

💬 Join the conversation! What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #ConsciousPathwaysPodcast.

🔗 Subscribe & Share:

If this conversation resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a fellow educator or parent. You can also subscribe to Conscious Pathways for more thought-provoking discussions at the intersection of education and social justice.

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In Episode 55 of Conscious Pathways, Brittney Carey sits down with Dr. Erika L. McDowell—educator, equity steward, and liberatory leader—to explore how education can be a tool for freedom and transformation.

Dr. McDowell shares her powerful journey as a legacy educator and speaks candidly about the systemic challenges Black educators and communities continue to face. From her experience in district leadership to her work with the Black Wildflowers Fund, she highlights the importance of equitable funding, intentional support, and collective action in dismantling oppression.

This inspiring episode dives deep into what it means to reimagine education through a liberatory lens—where access, equity, and empowerment are not just goals, but guiding principles.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• The roots of Dr. McDowell’s work in community and legacy
• Why centering Black educators is crucial for system-wide change
• How initiatives like the Black Wildflowers Fund are reshaping possibilities
• Practical steps for building freedom-centered education spaces

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Black Wildflowers Fund
• Connect with Dr. Erika McDowell on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Follow Conscious Pathways on Instagram: @conscious.pathways
• Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise newsletter for early access and resources: Join Here
• Shop our recommended books on DEI and education through our Bookshop page – support local bookstores and social justice learning!

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Conscious Pathways

01:20 Meet Dr. Erica McDowell

02:08 A Legacy in Education

05:43 Challenges and Systemic Oppression

07:46 The Black Wildflowers Fund

14:51 Community and Advocacy

24:01 Understanding Trauma in Education

25:09 The Origins and Evolution of Education

25:58 The Importance of Diversity in Education

26:41 Personal Stories and Community Impact

28:27 Challenges and Solutions in Modern Education

34:08 Reimagining Education for Freedom

42:25 Connecting and Collaborating for Change

44:35 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

"We don’t stop fighting for inclusion just because policies shift—we double down on the classroom, the community, and each other." — Dr. Tr’Vel T. Lyons

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In this episode of Conscious Pathways, I sit down with Dr. Tr’Vel T. Lyons—educator, researcher, and DEI advocate—to explore what it means to fight for inclusive, supportive learning environments when educational policies and public narratives are increasingly regressive.

Dr. Lyons shares his personal journey into education, inspired by a college access program that changed his life, and dives deep into what it truly takes to create equitable academic spaces. We talk about supporting Black boys in the classroom, designing DEI-centered interventions, and how educators and parents can take meaningful action—even when the system feels like it’s working against us.

If you’re a teacher, parent, or advocate trying to navigate this moment with purpose and compassion, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and re-energized.

Dr. Tr’Vel T. Lyons is an adjunct assistant professor and associate researcher at the USC Rossier School of Education. His research focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic programs, with an emphasis on supporting historically underrepresented students. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban Schooling from UCLA, where his dissertation, Cacti in the Classroom, explored cultivating supportive learning environments for Black boys during their critical ninth-grade year.

In this episode we discuss:

• The impact of transformational college access programs
• Creating inclusive classrooms in the face of policy rollbacks
• Supporting Black boys through intentional, strength-based approaches
• The intersection of race, class, and gender in academic equity
• The emotional toll of advocacy—and how to stay grounded
• Real strategies for parents and educators to resist regressive systems
• Why hope and community are essential in this work

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Lyons’ work at USC’s Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice
• Follow Conscious Pathways on Instagram: @conscious.pathways
• Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise newsletter for early access and resources: Join Here
• Listen to our episode on Voices of Neurodiversity with Dr. JPB Gerald
• Shop our recommended books on DEI and education through our Bookshop page – support local bookstores and social justice learning!

Loved this episode? Take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more educators and advocates find the show!

What does it truly mean to learn? How can we create classrooms that affirm, uplift, and empower Black and brown children?

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In this episode of Conscious Pathways, host Brittney Carey sits down with Mike Browne, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington, to explore the critical distinction between schooling and learning. Mike shares his powerful journey into education, drawing from his upbringing and cultural background to advocate for culturally responsive and sustaining educational spaces.

We explore:

✅ The difference between education and the institution of school

✅ How to move away from behavior policing and toward fostering joy in learning

✅ The importance of identity, Black agency, and decolonizing educational practices

✅ Why kindergarten readiness should be redefined for lifelong success

✅ How community engagement and grassroots efforts can drive systemic change

This thought-provoking conversation challenges traditional notions of education and provides actionable steps for educators, parents, and advocates to build inclusive and affirming learning environments.

🎧 Tune in now to rethink how we shape the future of education!

🔗 Links & Resources:

📍 Connect with Mike Browne: @miguelitobrowne - Twitter, Linkedin, Podcast: Spotify, Apple, Instagram @napcast206

📍 Follow Conscious Pathways for more episodes & updates: https://linktr.ee/conscious.pathways

📍 Subscribe to the Pathways of Promise Newsletter for deeper insights: https://pathwaysofpromise.beehiiv.com/subscribe

💬 Join the conversation! What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #ConsciousPathwaysPodcast.

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In this powerful episode of Conscious Pathways, Brittney Carey sits down with Sharon Shelton, a leader in racial justice and equity, to discuss the pivotal experiences that shaped her decades-long career in social justice. Sharon reflects on her upbringing in South Los Angeles, attending predominantly white schools, and a life-changing encounter with civil rights icon Rosa Parks.

Together, Brittney and Sharon dive into:

• Why understanding history is essential for today’s social justice movements
• The intersections of race, gender, and equity in community organizing
• How Sharon’s Anti-Racism Wheel supports respectful, productive dialogues
• The role of education and mediation in building equitable communities

💡 Key Takeaways:

• How educators and parents can foster conversations on racial equity
• Actionable steps for community involvement in social justice
• The power of identity exploration for lasting social change

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creating pathways to a more just, compassionate, and equitable world.

👉 Subscribe and listen to more episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Beehiiv for early access.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Sharon Shelton’s Anti-Racism Wheel
• Community organizing tips for parents and educators
• Book recommendations on social justice from Brittney’s Bookshop.org page (support local bookstores & social justice learning!)

🎧 Call to Action:

💬 What steps can you take today to build a more equitable community? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Youtube, and LinkedIn @Conscious.Pathways

Listener feedback survey!

In this thought-provoking episode of Conscious Pathways, we dive deep into the transformative world of early childhood education with Akiea "Ki" Gross, a passionate advocate for abolitionist pedagogy and pro-Black, queer, and trans liberation. As the creator of Woke Kindergarten, an abolitionist early childhood ecosystem, Ki shares their innovative approaches to resist, heal, liberate, and create within the realm of education.

Throughout our conversation, Ki offers invaluable insights into:

🌟 Engaging Young Students in Critical Pedagogy: Discover practical strategies and techniques for nurturing critical thinking and social consciousness in even the youngest learners.

🌟 Seeing the Humanity in Children: Ki emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the full humanity of children, fostering environments where their voices, experiences, and identities are valued and respected.

🌟 The Educator's Role in Supporting Students' Educational Journey: From classroom teacher to cultural organizer, Ki reflects on the multifaceted role of educators in empowering students to navigate their educational paths with agency, dignity, and authenticity.

Join us as we explore the intersection of education, liberation, and social justice, and gain inspiration for fostering inclusive and transformative learning environments for all learners, regardless of age.

Listen in to gain fresh perspectives on early childhood education and embark on a journey towards conscious and liberatory teaching practices.

Connect with Ki:

• wokekindergarten.org
• Instagram

👍🏾 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

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In this episode of the Conscious Pathways podcast, host Brittney Carey speaks with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, founder of Identity Talk Consulting and author of Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom.

Kwame shares his journey from aspiring athlete to influential educator and consultant. Together, they explore how centering student identity can transform classrooms, build culturally affirming spaces, and support student well-being.

What you’ll learn:

• How anti-bias, anti-racist practices foster inclusive classrooms.
• Why reflective practice is critical for educators.
• Actionable tips for empowering students through culture and justice.
• Kwame’s vision for a reimagined education system.

Connect with Kwame:

INSTAGRAM - @kwam_the_identity_shaper

BLUESKY - @kwamesarfomensah.bsky.social 

LINKEDIN - https://linkedin.com/in/kwame-sarfo-mensah

PATREON - https://patreon.com/kwamesarfomensah

YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@kwamesarfo-mensah5785

WEBSITE - https://identitytalk4educators.com

PODCAST - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570

Don’t miss out!

Subscribe to Conscious Pathways for more insights on the intersection of education and social justice.

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In this episode of Conscious Pathways, Brittney dives into how parents, teachers, and caregivers can nurture children’s innate sense of fairness and justice, starting as early as three years old. Learn practical strategies for having age-appropriate conversations about equity, compassion, and social justice.

Discover how to:

• Use everyday moments to model fairness and empathy.
• Introduce complex social justice concepts through diverse books and media.
• Support your child’s growth into a socially conscious, justice-minded individual.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers actionable tips and insights for raising conscious kids in today’s world.

Resources Mentioned:

• Conscious Pathways Curated Book List on Bookshop.org
• Related Podcast Episode: Representation in Children’s Literature
• Teaching is Political: Early Conversations on Race and Justice with Dr. Megan Madison
• Empowering Young Minds: Representation and Social Justice in Children’s Literature with Gwendolyn Wallace

👍🏾 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

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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

👍🏾 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 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.

Listener feedback survey!

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.

Listener feedback survey!

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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💜 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.

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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:

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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 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:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@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/

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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.