Reclaiming the Narrative: What Educational Equity Really Means

Mirko Chardin is the Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer at Novak Education. He previously served as the founding Head of School at Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He co‑authored Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL with Dr. Katie Novak and facilitates learning on topics such as implicit bias, microaggressions, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), restorative practices, identity, and courageous conversations about race.In this conversation, Mirko Chardin urges educators and leaders to reclaim the narrative around “equity” by grounding it in clear, shared definitions and everyday practice—what he calls “concept stabilization.” He argues that school is for kids, not adults, and that listening to learner voices and removing barriers must guide decisions at every level. The episode also explores UDL as a framework (not a bag of tips) for building cultures where all learners can become expert learners, supported by leadership that prioritizes humanity, reflection, and authentic impact.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/mirko-chardin-reclaiming-the-narrative-around-educational-equity/