Accommodating Diversity

In order to be an effective teacher, it is important to find out everything you can about your students to better serve and educate them.  We live in one of the most diverse countries in the world so it is extremely important to learn about each student’s background, living situation, culture, language, interests, talents and family.  We have so many students from different backgrounds and nationalities and it is important to make them feel comfortable by providing a physically and emotionally safe classroom environment so they can learn.   Inclusive classrooms are classrooms in which instructors and students work together to create and sustain an environment in which everyone feels safe, supported, and encouraged to express her or his views and concerns.  Many classrooms are full of diverse races and learning styles, so I think is crucial to change the way we teach and accommodate all of their needs.

I think respect is one of the most important factors to creating a safe environment.  Acknowledging and respecting each student’s culture is very important.  Teachers need to be aware of that and treat every student with respect, no matter how different they may seem.  As a teacher, you cannot be demeaning to any student.  Disrespecting a student’s race, heritage, clothes, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, language or religious beliefs is absolutely unacceptable.  Unfortunately, some teachers continue to demonstrate a lack of understanding and respect for students who are different from the majority.

The Hispanic community in Green Bay and throughout the United States has grown and continues to grow.  Our schools have many students of Hispanic background.  Spanish is a very popular language that is spoken here in the United States and in our schools.  We also have growing populations of Russian and Somalian families.  I think it is important for teachers to learn a second language to communicate with students and families, and to show the students that you are interested in them and what they have to say is important.  Even having something small in the classroom representing a student’s culture makes a difference.  As I mentioned in my autobiography, I went to a school where I was one of a few students of Hispanic background.  I did not have the help or support I needed in my own language (Spanish).  Sometimes I did not fit in or feel like part of the classroom because I did not know the language (English) yet.  I did not feel connected to my teachers.  I am glad things are getting better with bilingual education and English as a Second Language (ESL) services. 

I also think it is important to create a safe environment for the kids who are still searching for their identities.  Sexual orientation is often like a red flag for people.  Many students are afraid to express their sexual orientation because they do not want to be harassed by other students or possibly even by their teachers.  As a teacher, it is our job to make all students feel comfortable, safe, fully accepted and valued as a member of the class.  We need to be open-minded and not let our own personal opinions or biases affect how we teach. 

I think building that teacher-student relationship is very important.  Teachers can share with students a little bit about their own lives, when appropriate.  I think by doing this, students feel more comfortable with their teacher and begin to trust their teacher which leads to more sharing about themselves.