Normalizing the Pause: An Intentional Reflection on How Our Biases Show Up in the Classroom

Cathy Durand-Horne joins us to talk about the importance of reflecting on our own biases. Cathy asserts that to shape children’s thoughts around inclusion, diversity, and equity, we have to take a look at the biases that we each have and intentionally work to change them. We have to begin to make a habit of (i.e., normalize) the process of intentional self-reflection. And the effort must be intentional because some of our biases are unconscious or implicit, so in some cases we do not even realize that they are present and at play.

Once we are in touch with our own biases and set intention, we have the opportunity to teach children how to honor, acknowledge, and respect the differences that exist between us. Cathy gives specific examples about how to respond to students who notice differences, reframing them as celebrations of what makes us all unique and opportunities for learning about other cultures.

Cathy reminds us that intentional self-reflection is not just for the classroom; this process can and should be applied to every area of our lives!