Dr. Heather Michel is an Education Consultant, Master Educator, and the founder of Teachers of Color Matter. With over 23 years in education, Dr. Michel has been a teacher, curriculum coach, professor, and is now a leader in educator preparation. As the director of the Residency Lab, she drives systemic change in how we prepare and support educators.
Dr. Michel is deeply committed to educational justice, teacher retention, and centering the voices of our most marginalized communities. She founded Teachers of Color Matter to ensure that educators of color receive the support, recognition, and resources they deserve—because when teachers thrive, students thrive.
Dr. Michel’s work reminds us that education is about liberation—and play is a radical act of freedom, creativity, and resistance. By centering teachers of color and reimagining educator preparation, she challenges us to build learning spaces where joy, equity, and belonging are the foundation. Play is more than just an instructional strategy—it is a mindset and a movement toward just, student-centered schools. Dr. Michel will leave us with a sense of purpose, urgency, and inspiration—so that as we leave DL25, we carry the work forward in our classrooms, schools, and communities.
