From the Grammys to the Classroom: Rethinking Education with Hedreich Nichols
What does a Grammy-winning vocalist have in common with an instructional tech specialist and equity consultant? Meet Hedreich Nichols. This week, we talk with someone who has truly done it all—from performing on world stages to coaching educators on cultural competence.
Hedreich shares her incredible journey from a life in music to her passion for education, including her time teaching in Switzerland. We get into why she believes learning can always be fun ("Want a bet?") , how to handle the arrival of AI in the classroom , and the powerful story behind her book on unconscious bias,
Finding Your Blind Spots.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
What education can learn from the arts about presence, creativity, and audience engagement , and why Hedreich’s motto is "cringe is the new cool".
The real-world equity implications of edtech , from disparities in home Wi-Fi access to the need for better device management in schools.
Why schools can't ignore AI ("the baby is here and you can't push it back") and why a student's ability to cheat with AI might point to a problem with an assignment's rigor.
The personal story that inspired her book,
Finding Your Blind Spots , including her experience as a "post Jim Crow" baby and her son’s frustration with Black History Month at school.
The power of a teacher admitting "I don't know" and how leaning into the "brilliance of your students" can make you a better teacher.
Connect with Hedreich:
You can find Hedreich on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blue Sky, and X by searching for her name:
Hedreich (H-E-D-R-E-I-C-H) Nichols.
About Our Guest:
Hedreich Nichols is a Grammy-winning vocalist, former instructional tech specialist, equity-centered curriculum consultant, author, and speaker. She brings artistry, advocacy, and authenticity to every space she enters and is the co-host of the
Unmuted podcast.
