Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are central and defining components of pedagogy. When we don’t explicitly consider DEI in our courses (syllabi, assignments, exams, grades) we end up actively contributing to an oppressive, inequitable monoculture. One of most helpful and inclusive practices we can cultivate as teachers is to listen deeply and compassionately. Drawing from research on cognition, learning and epistemology as well as my own experience as a researcher and teacher, I have a few suggestions for how to use listening as a teaching tool. All teaching requires a contract between the teachers and the taught, and the default (historical and tacit) contract puts undue and inequitable burdens on our students. It is our responsibility as educators to change our practices to address these inequities.