What does it look like when a classroom teacher takes her passion for inclusion beyond the school walls?
On this week’s episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Jessica Werner, founder of North Shore Learning—a global consultancy that helps schools create meaningful, lasting change through inclusive education practices.
Jessica’s story begins in Central California in the 1980s, where she watched her physician father enroll in night classes to learn Spanish. That early example of cultural responsiveness stayed with her, and today it’s a core value of her work: meet people where they are.
As schools grapple with the long-term effects of the pandemic—including behavior, mental health, and academic gaps—Dr. Werner offers a refreshing perspective. She reminds us that our students aren’t “bad,” they’re just navigating an entirely new reality. Her team’s approach? Start by listening. Understand what teachers and school leaders are going through before offering strategies.
What really stood out was her rejection of the “one-and-done” PD model. Instead, her team builds tailored solutions grounded in real relationships. “When you’re in it all the time, it’s hard to see your blind spots,” she says. That’s where thoughtful, outside perspective can truly help.
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or DEI advocate, you’ll find so much wisdom in this episode.
🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform
📺 Or watch the full interview on YouTube
👉 Click here to dive in!
Let’s keep leading with equity and empathy,
Jebeh Edmunds
