Episode 52: Interview with Hedreich Nichols

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations.

I’m your host, Charles Williams. An educator for 15 years, a current school principal in Chicago, and an educational consultant.

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Before we jump into today’s episode I wanted to tell you about a super exciting event that I have coming up and I would love for you to be in attendance. In addition to this show, I am the co-host of Inside the Principal’s Office, a web series that runs live on the first and third Saturday of each month. During the show my co-host, Michael McWilliams, and I bring on other educational leaders and discuss the most pressing issues and topics facing us today. We also have a facebook group where educators can connect and learn from each other.

Well this summer, we are planning to host an event where we can get together in person. That’s right. Not another zoom. Not another google meet. But live. Even better? Its free! So join us in Dallas for a networking reception on Friday, July 30th followed by a day of activities on Saturday, July 31st. Stop by our twitter page, join us on facebook, or check out an upcoming episode for more information.

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In this episode, I chat with Hedreich Nichols, an author, educator and consultant helping educators and districts amplify the voices of all students. Hedreich’s YouTube series and podcast, SmallBites, further helps campuses amplify student voices by focusing on equity in education. Between SmallBites and her work as a writer, Hedreich works to help educators create more culturally responsive classrooms and campuses. Her Cherry Lake trade titles "What is Antiracism?" and "What is the Black Lives Matter Movement?" provide teachers

with materials to help students understand systemic inequities; and her upcoming Solution Tree Title provides educators with guiding principles to help them become more culturally responsible.

As a speaker at conferences like VASCD, MASCD, CUE, ISTE, etc. Hedreich provides educators with inspiration to move beyond conversations around race; giving them hands-on, research-based strategies that can be immediately implemented.

Hedreich received her Master of Education in educational technology at Texas A&M

University.

During our chat, we discuss “The Work” … you know … ensuring equitable spaces, disrupting systems, countering the narrative … that work. We took a hard look at some of the painful and uncomfortable truths about the role of systemic racism in education and discussed meaningful and practical approaches to begin unraveling engrained practices and developing long-term solutions. Hedreich’s use of a football analogy helps to clarify why these conversations are so hard for so many and her tips and strategies may cause us to reflect on long-held approached to doing this work. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get some work done, this is the episode for you.

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I want to thank you for listening to The Counter Narrative Podcast. If you like what you are hearing, please be sure to like and subscribe. The show can be found on Anchor, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and several of your other favorite platforms.

This podcast is also featured on SchoolRubric.com, where you can find educational articles, videos, and interviews with educators from around the globe.

Be sure to connect with the host and other listeners by following the show on Twitter at @theCNpodcast and joining the show’s Facebook Group.

Take care.

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Connect with Hedreich

Twitter