FocusED Show Notes with Guest Hedreich Nichols

Hedreich, author of Finding Your Blind Spots: Eight Guiding Principles to Overcome Implicit Bias in Teaching, joins the show to discuss the need for systemic change in education.

Hedreich shares stories from her childhood and her son’s experiences in school, highlighting the pressure and discomfort that comes from expecting students of color to represent entire groups, especially during heritage months.

She urges educators to recognize that there is not one “history,” but multiple “histories”—valuing diverse perspectives and voices in the classroom.

The episode explores strategies to build inclusive learning environments, such as expanding our “us” circles, fostering empathy for all groups (including those who may feel unfairly blamed), and acknowledging America’s persistent social divisions.

She explains that everyone has “blind spots”—unconscious biases and stories we tell ourselves, often based on upbringing and past experiences. She shares techniques for self-reflection, like identifying emotional triggers and exploring their origins.

Storytelling is highlighted as a powerful leadership tool. Hedreich advises school leaders to use personal and community stories to bridge differences, build relationships, and promote meaningful change.

The conversation encourages listeners to reimagine broken relationships and to “go first” in mending divides—whether in family or professional settings.

The episode concludes with a reminder that building equity and inclusion is about embracing complexity, remaining open to new perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for growth as educators.

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