Dr. Nikki Harding

Written By Tim Terrentine

Unstuck 010: Everything is Figure-Outable: Fixing the System Behind Special Education

What happens when someone experiences the education system from every angle possible—as a teacher, district leader, advocate, founder, and parent?

In this episode of Unstuck, Tim Terrentine sits down with Dr. Nikki Harding, founder of The Inclusive Leadership Lab, to explore what it really takes to create inclusive educational systems that support both students and teachers.

From navigating the realities of raising a child with Down syndrome to leading innovation in special education support systems, Dr. Harding brings a perspective rooted in lived experience, leadership, and bold systems thinking.

This conversation explores the future of education, the role of technology, and the urgent need to move beyond compliance-driven systems toward true belonging and support.

You’ll hear:

  • Why compliance has replaced meaningful inclusion in many schools

  • The growing burnout crisis among special education teachers

  • How AI-supported coaching can provide real-time support for educators

  • Why teacher support systems must evolve alongside classroom expectations

  • The importance of designing around strengths—not deficits

  • How technology can reduce cognitive overload for teachers

  • Why relationships remain the foundation of successful education systems

  • The future of competency-based teacher preparation programs

A Key Insight:

“Everything is figure-outable.”

Dr. Harding challenges educational leaders, policymakers, and communities to rethink how we support the people responsible for shaping the next generation.

This episode is a reminder that innovation in education is not just about technology—it’s about dignity, somebody-ness, and building systems that help people thrive.

About the Guest:

Dr. Nikki Harding is the founder of The Inclusive Leadership Lab, an organization focused on transforming special education systems through leadership development, teacher coaching, AI-supported instructional tools, and innovative educator preparation programs. Her work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience as the parent of a child with Down syndrome.

Connect with Dr. Harding:

Tim Terrentine
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