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Heather Griffin
Consulting Teacher at Seattle Public Schools
Heather Griffin is a Consulting Teacher at Seattle Public Schools, where she focuses on supporting middle and high school students in enhancing their educational practices to ensure success for all students. With over 15 years of experience in education, Griffin has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at promoting racial equity and ethnic studies within the school system.
Background and Career
Griffin began her teaching career at West Seattle High School, where she developed a keen interest in social justice education. She later joined Chief Sealth International School, participating in the school's inaugural Racial Equity Team. This experience deepened her understanding of systemic racism and the importance of addressing it within educational settings.12
Griffin has been a member of the Ethnic Studies Advisory Group (ESAG), contributing to the development of an ethnic studies curriculum intended to be integrated across Seattle Public Schools. Her work emphasizes the need for educators, particularly white teachers, to confront their implicit biases and understand how these biases affect their teaching practices.12
Advocacy for Ethnic Studies
Griffin advocates for the inclusion of ethnic studies in K-12 education, believing it can foster critical thinking and a more equitable learning environment for all students. She argues that ethnic studies not only benefits students from diverse backgrounds but also enriches the educational experience for white students by broadening their understanding of history and society.12
In her discussions, Griffin highlights the importance of creating a curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and encourages students to engage critically with the material. She believes that this approach helps all students feel included and valued in their education.12
Current Role
As a Consulting Teacher, Griffin continues to work within Seattle Public Schools to implement strategies that support student success and promote inclusive practices among educators. Her ongoing commitment to racial equity and educational reform positions her as a significant figure in the movement for systemic change within the Seattle education system.3


