Sheila Williams Ridge, co-director of the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS), was recently interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio’s Early Risers podcast. The segment discussed how race and implicit bias show up in the classroom, the ways in which teachers can learn to recognize their own biases, and how to talk to young children about race.
During the conversation, Williams Ridge shared her own experiences and reflected on moments throughout her life in which she noticed her own biases and the biases of those around her. At the CDLS, Williams Ridge has had the opportunity to observe and mentor student teachers. In this setting, she is able to assist aspiring teachers as they navigate racial conversations and support them in recognizing their implicit biases.
“Implicit bias is something you often don’t see, that is why I am here. I am here to help, this is why other people are here in this space to help you grow as a teacher,” Williams Ridge said.
Listen to the full interview here.