The Equity Hour

Dr. Tami Dean
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to The Equity Hour, a Dragonfly Rising podcast where we delve into powerful conversations on social justice, equity, education, and personal growth. Join your host, Dr. Tami Dean—an experienced leader, coach, speaker and facilitator with over 25 years of expertise—as she offers practical tips, resources, and actionable strategies to help you integrate equity into learning and working environments. Whether it’s a solo episode filled with insights or an engaging discussion with passionate educators, thought leaders, and change-makers, each episode is designed to inspire and empower you to create more inclusive and equitablespaces. Tune in each week to explore the challenges and successes of fostering diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in schools and beyond.

  1. Learning to Relearn: Building Identity-Affirming Classrooms

    10/28/2025

    Learning to Relearn: Building Identity-Affirming Classrooms

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Equity Hour, Dr. Tami Dean sits down with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah—founder of Identity Talk Consulting and author of Learning to Relearn—to unpack what it really takes to create identity-affirming, culturally responsive classrooms. They explore how “compliance culture” undermines agency, the history behind school policies (from uniforms to hair), and practical ways educators can “clean the lenses,” confront bias, and center joy, belonging, and critical thinking. What you’ll learn Why “compliance” often replaces true learning—and how to reverse itHow history informs present-day school policies (uniforms, hair, discipline)Practical steps to build identity-affirming, anti-bias, anti-racist practiceStrategies for nurturing student agency, joy, and criticalityWays teachers can honor their professional identity—even within constraintshttps://www.identitytalk4educators.com/ Get the book: Learning to Relearn Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    1h 2m
  2. Equity Starts Here: Why Joy Requires Belonging

    09/30/2025

    Equity Starts Here: Why Joy Requires Belonging

    Send us Fan Mail What if “joy in schools” isn’t possible without belonging? Dr. Tami Dean and Dr. Max Weinberg unpack how humane, trauma-informed practice—and real partnership with families, paraprofessionals, and communities—creates conditions where every student is seen, safe, and able to learn. What You’ll Learn Why belonging is the prerequisite for joy—not the other way around.How testing culture and scripted curricula erode critical thinking and equity.Practical ways to center in loco parentis and dignity in daily instruction.The overlooked power of paraprofessionals and how to align the whole team.Navigating 504/IEP rights with curiosity instead of compliance theater.Equity lenses on charters, vouchers, school funding, and neighborhood schools.How educator preparation and No Child Left Behind-era schooling still shape today’s classrooms. Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    51 min
  3. The False Choice: Equity, Adoption & Abortion

    09/17/2025

    The False Choice: Equity, Adoption & Abortion

    Send us Fan Mail Author and PhD student Shannon Quist joins Dr. Tami to unpack the false binary of adoption vs. abortion—and the equity issues hiding in plain sight. We trace the Baby Scoop era, Roe v. Wade, evangelical politics, and present-day practices like safe haven boxes and sealed birth certificates. Shannon shares her adoptee journey, the identity costs of transracial adoption, and why open records and community care matter. If you’ve wondered who profits, who’s protected, and who’s erased, this conversation offers language, history, and actions to move beyond either/or thinking toward real reproductive and adoptee justice. Shannon’s TEDx Talk: Would You Rather? Adoption vs. Abortion Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    48 min
  4. From Deficit to Belonging: Equitable Math Instruction & Instructional Coaching Strategies

    09/02/2025

    From Deficit to Belonging: Equitable Math Instruction & Instructional Coaching Strategies

    Send us Fan Mail In this energizing conversation, Dr. Tami sits down with Laneshia—math coach, curriculum designer, and host of Make Math Happen—to unpack what equitable math instruction actually looks like day-to-day. From combating deficit narratives to designing joyful, rigorous lessons, they explore why Tier 1 planning is urgent, how instructional coaches serve as “knowledgeable others,” and practical ways teachers can build classroom belonging, agency, and discourse. You’ll hear actionable strategies for the first weeks of school, embracing “productive messiness” during new curriculum rollouts, and how a simple “Power Hour” can transform your productivity and peace. If you support middle school math—or care about equitable learning anywhere—this episode is your blueprint for planning with purpose and leading with joy. Why equity starts at Tier 1—and why you can’t “small-group” your way out of weak whole-group instructionWhat effective instructional coaching looks like (and why every pro needs a coach)Practical back-to-school moves: planning, anchor charts, discourse questions, and organizationHow to replace deficit narratives with assume positive intentions and better family communication Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    48 min
  5. From Bias to Breakthrough: Inclusive Hiring Strategies for Modern Workplaces

    08/19/2025

    From Bias to Breakthrough: Inclusive Hiring Strategies for Modern Workplaces

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Equity Hour, host Dr. Tami  sits down with Jenn Tardy, founder of Jenn Tardy Consulting and author of The Equity Edge, to unpack the realities of bias in hiring and what leaders can do to build truly inclusive workplaces. With two decades of experience in recruitment and DEI, Jenn brings a clear, actionable perspective on why representation matters, how subtle and underexplored biases derail talent pipelines, and what organizations can do to move from “checking the box” to systemic change. Key Takeaways: Why equity—not just diversity—is the competitive advantage companies need in 2025Common but overlooked biases that shape hiring decisions (like “professionalism” and “competitor bias”)How to empower recruiters and hiring managers with plain-language tools to spot and mitigate biasThe difference between “calling out” and “calling in” — and how leaders can create space for accountability without defensivenessWhy equity is a marathon, not a one-and-done training, and how organizations can sustain momentum despite resistanceWhether you’re a C-suite leader, HR professional, or manager shaping team culture, this episode will give you practical strategies to create equitable systems that attract, hire, and retain top talent. Resources Mentioned: The Equity Edge by Jenn Tardy The Platinum Bias Checklist (free resource) Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    38 min
  6. When Equity Gets Political: Speaking Up, Showing Up, and Staying Rooted

    08/05/2025

    When Equity Gets Political: Speaking Up, Showing Up, and Staying Rooted

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and timely episode of The Equity Hour, Dr. Tami welcomes powerhouse educators Drs. Bre  & Kia to discuss what it really means to create safe, affirming schools for trans and gender-creative youth. With honesty, warmth, and lived wisdom, the trio digs into the story behind Bre and Kia’s new book, T*is for Thriving, which offers educators frameworks, tools, and community for equity work that doesn’t stop at intention—it builds real infrastructure. From navigating systemic pushback to cultivating joy in the face of oppression, this conversation explores how educators and allies can stay rooted in justice while speaking up when it matters most. In this episode: Why “just staying neutral” isn’t an option in today’s climateThe power of curriculum to affirm, include, and protectHow allyship means removing barriers—not just offering supportThe story of T* is for Thriving and the frameworks that guide itWhy joy, rest, and community are part of the resistanceWhat it looks like to be in someone’s corner (and let them rest)Resources:  T* Is for Thriving Book Mutual Aid & More Bridge to Thrive Framework SJ Miller Framework Goldie Muhammad Framework  Additional Resources:  Activism For LGBTQ+ educators To work with Dr. Kia: https://drkiadh.com/ Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    52 min
  7. Organizational Culture, Bias, and Belonging: The Equity Imperative

    07/22/2025

    Organizational Culture, Bias, and Belonging: The Equity Imperative

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Equity Hour, Dr. Tami Dean welcomes Dr. Courtney Teague—leadership strategist, executive coach, and founder of CLT and Associates—for a dynamic conversation on transforming organizational culture through equity, inclusion, and shared humanity. With over 17 years of experience across corporate, education, and government sectors, Dr. Courtney unpacks what it really means to build inclusive systems where people don’t just survive—they thrive. From uncovering mislabeling in special education to challenging performative equity statements in corporate culture, this episode explores how leaders in all industries can move from words to impact. You’ll learn the role of invisible bias, how data-informed decisions drive cultural change, and why “belonging” must be budgeted—not just branded. Key Topics Covered: Why equity work is deeply personal and not just professionalThe difference between inclusion and conformity in workplace cultureWhy equity should be a strategic imperative—not a charity initiativePractical ways to create data-informed, trust-based environmentsPerfect For: Education leaders & school district administratorsHR executives & DEI practitionersNonprofit directors & corporate change-makersOrganizational development and culture strategistsConnect with Dr. Courtney Teague: https://cltandassociates.com/ 👉 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: If you're ready to lead culture with intention—whether in your classroom or your boardroom—subscribe and share this episode. For more insights and upcoming events, visit https://dragonflyrising.org and follow The Equity Hour wherever you listen to podcasts. Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    53 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    Voices in Justice: Equity Insights from the Field

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful highlight episode, Dr. Tami revisits standout moments from six transformative conversations on The Equity Hour. These voices challenge, inspire, and ground us in what it means to lead with equity, courage, and clarity. 🔊 Featured Voices: Megan Fuciarelli on evolving from cultural missteps to culturally responsive teachingKatie O’Malley on humility, white guilt, and career choices shaped by justiceLaTerrian "LT" Officer-McIntosh on self-advocacy, storytelling, and shifting the narrative through mediaDewayne McClary on digital equity, system-level change, and the power of accessDr. Shelly Jones Holt on epigenetics, courageous leadership, and the myth of comfort = safetyLeroy Smith on reflection, healing, and leadership as spaciousnessWhether you’re deep into this work or just beginning, this episode offers honest reflections and tangible insights on how we move from awareness to action—and from discomfort to transformation. ✨ If this episode resonates with you, share it, tag us, and keep the conversation going. Coaching Discovery Call Support the show  Enjoying the show?   Become a subscriber: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2226037/support  Would you like to be on the show or know someone who Dr. Tami should talk with?  Let us know! Follow us on Instagram to find more resources connected to today's episode.

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Equity Hour, a Dragonfly Rising podcast where we delve into powerful conversations on social justice, equity, education, and personal growth. Join your host, Dr. Tami Dean—an experienced leader, coach, speaker and facilitator with over 25 years of expertise—as she offers practical tips, resources, and actionable strategies to help you integrate equity into learning and working environments. Whether it’s a solo episode filled with insights or an engaging discussion with passionate educators, thought leaders, and change-makers, each episode is designed to inspire and empower you to create more inclusive and equitablespaces. Tune in each week to explore the challenges and successes of fostering diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence in schools and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Tami Dean
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Equity Hour
  • Show Website
    The Equity Hour