Diversity within education is not just about black and white or rich and poor. It is much deeper than that...

It is about teachers and students educating themselves and each other on what makes our differences so important for learning.

Self Awareness

As teachers, school staff, or students, we must first understand ourselves before we start to learn about others. What is your culture about? Does your family talk about it, or do you even know what that means?

As a teacher, it is my responsibility to create a safe and inclusive learning setting for my students. I am aware that my students will have backgrounds that are different than mine, so I must teach accordingly!

Teacher Bias and Blended Learning

Being a teacher may be one of the most difficult jobs around. We talked about student culture and inclusive learning spaces. Think about the thin line a teacher walks each day, you have students of different backgrounds, students with learning disabilities, or maybe even students with special needs. How do you set aside your biases or feelings to accommodate students' needs?

This is a blended classroom, and a teacher is tending to a group of students at the board. Ryan and Jimmy have done well in this class, so they step away to help Jess, who is falling behind. This allows the teacher to stay up with each student, empower students, and control the learning pace. 

I need help!

Okay class, time for the next lesson!

I got you, Jess!

I can help too, I finsihed my work.

Socio-economic Status

Socio-Economic status plays a huge role in our modern-day school systems. Schools usually tip the scale in one of two ways: a heavy low-income population or a heavy high-income population. Some students are blessed to have a home that will supply them with everything they need to be successful at school, while others are not so fortunate.

Mr. Blaize, my mommy forgot to pack me a lunch today, and I've been sooooo hungry. I can't focus at all in class.

Let's get you to the school food party to find you something to eat, Adele. I'll take care of it!

Race and Ethnicity 

Race and ethnicity will always be tied to the conversation of diversity, but why is it so important? Race and ethnicity are physical characteristics of people, and they vary from person to person. It is important that students are protected for their differences and pushed to lean into what makes them unique. What comes with the differences is the opportunity to educate about unique experiences.