Diversity is a fact of life. As educators we will have new students coming in each year from different socio-economic statuses, abilities, religious backgrounds, gender identities and much more. So, how do we become empowered to honor those different lived experiences of the children in our care, without being intimidated by that diversity?

Dr. Denise Reid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Biola University in La Mirada, California. She conducts research on the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities as they rise through their educational careers. Dr. Reid has authored several articles including, "Lessons learned: Educational experiences as described by individuals who attended Black segregated schools during Jim Crow" as well as, "Disproportionality in special education: The persistent reality for African American students."

In our conversation, we talk about the realities of diversity in the teaching environment, how we can manage the stress that may arise from simply wanting to honor each students lived experience, and she talks about the importance of starting a daily wellness journey we maintain consistently. 

This project is funded through a grant with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and Signal Centers, Inc.