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Join us as we dive into the world of education, radical kindness, and the importance of empathy and inclusion. Dr. Deonna Smith, an educator, school leader, author, and social justice advocate, joins Kaitlin to share her insights and experiences.

Discover how radical kindness goes beyond mere politeness and plays a crucial role in reshaping our education system. Deonna explores the long-term consequences of students not feeling seen, valued, or loved for who they are, and why addressing this issue is essential.

Throughout the episode, Deonna emphasizes the importance of making space for others and advocating for genuine change. Learn how kindness can be a powerful tool for both personal growth and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic, and just society. Let's be part of the movement that promotes radical kindness, empathy, and inclusion as essential values in education and beyond!

Follow Deonna on Instagram
https://www.deonnasmithconsulting.com/

Full Transcript

Quotes
"Children aren't feeling seen and they aren't feeling valued and they aren't feeling loved for who they are in the books and in their educational experience."

"If you're six years old, you don't have the language to say, 'I don't feel good about being Latino.' Because when I go to class, all the stories that I hear in history are about Latino people being in the wrong and white people like saving the day."

"So, when you recognize what kindness can look like, not just doing it for others, but also for yourself, you're pushing for this for your own being as well as the well-being of others."

"I'm not saying this from a position of 'I was always a perfect teacher.' I'm saying you probably did what you knew at the time, and that's fine, and now, you need to do better."

"I think kindness has to be radical kindness. Radical understanding that you, in the fullest expression of yourself, deserve to be here."

"And I just think that right now, if we don't make some big changes, what happens in the future? What is my daughter gonna be doing?"

"What stories will we tell? I don't even know. The way that schools are trying to rewrite history."

"Let's be unapologetically for this. Like, I always say I'm unapologetically black wherever I go, and I'm gonna have a good time."

"So, it's not about shame. You can say, 'I'm a white teacher and I haven't been honoring my kids' culture, and I don't even know what that looks like, and I want to learn,' and that's okay."

"It doesn't need to be super dramatic, and the change is okay, no matter what that brings about."

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