Key Questions

How do your negative cultural experiences influence your teaching?

For example: When you were a child, did someone of another culture hurt your feelings? Did you grow up hearing racial jokes? Did you travel to another country and have a bad experience?

How can you incorporate your own diverse experiences into your teaching?

Diverse experiences are not limited to travel overseas. Have you had a great discussion with someone of a different culture? Have you lived in a different part of the United States and dealt with that culture shock?

How can you help a student feel safe and included in your classroom?
Try to have the perspective of a student. First look around the room, and then look at the curriculum, and finally think about your own actions and words. Then think about the actions and words of the other students and individuals who enter your classroom.

How can teachers of different cultures become role models in their interactions with each other?

If there is a teacher of a different culture in your school, find a time to team teach or trade classrooms. Be the role models for the students. Show students that individuals of different cultures can work together. Role play disagreeing with each other. Let students see two adults of different cultures disagreeing, yet still respecting each other.

How can you teach respect for all cultures?

This starts with your own attitudes and values first. Then decide where you want to begin. After that, set goals for yourself and your students.

What is your responsibility in confronting the way students, teachers, and administrators exclude some students while showing privilege to others based on cultural differences?

This you will have to decide based on your comfort level, but remember that you do have a responsibility to all students. No students should be excluded for any reason. But remember, confrontation rarely wins. How can you influence others to not exclude people in a positive way?