Video Resources

Mindset Shifts

In this TED Talk, Julianne S. Bourrelle argues how we see the World through cultural glasses. By changing the glasses you can change the way you interpret the World.

Burundi-born American Seconde Nimenya discovered through her migration to America, that the similarities of people around the world bridges the things which separate us. She travels the world sharing a message of tolerance and peace, working to bridge the gaps between multicultural communities, and urging others to use the adversity in life to become better people by starting where they are, being brave, and being flexible.

Lisa Sechrest- Ehrhardt discusses diversity, equity and inclusion and suggests that we need to take time to take do a "self-check" and take a look at ourselves. We need to ask if our social identity statuses are helping us to be more loving and open in a community,  moving us toward embracing diversity by including people in my space from whom I will listen and learn because they are different from me.

Classroom and Schoolwide Implementation Ideas

This bilingual elementary school offers students a more inclusive educational experience—through music and culturally relevant instruction

This video provides several different strategies for teaching students from culturally diverse backgrounds, race, nationality, etc. Many of the strategies in this presentation may be incorporated immediately by classroom teachers. 

When teachers strive for more equity in the classroom, all students can contribute and feel a sense of belonging.

This animation introduces some of the key characteristics of an inclusive learning environment. It also presents some active learning techniques that educators can use to cultivate an inclusive classroom. 

Rita Pierson - beloved educator - shares wisdom and insight

Rita Pierson shares insight for how rules at home may collide with rules at school...and the hidden rules that need to be uncovered to build deeper understanding of why we do what we do.

Rita Pierson gives insight into the difference of "Formal Registry" and "Casual Registry" and why there is a need for both--especially if we want to create more equitable learning experiences for all learners.

Rita Pierson gives insight into how the norms of school may not always match with some norms practiced in the family...and why we need to come to a better understanding of why policies exist.

Creating a Welcoming & Inclusive Classroom for English Language Learners

In this video, Meg Parker, shares practical classroom strategies that help make English more comprehensible no matter what additional language is spoken. 

In this video, Fingtam--an author and YouTuber, explains the difference between acquiring and learning English. He articulates, in a simple way, Dr. Stephen Krashen's stages of language acquisition.

Putting supportive systems into place for newcomers and creating a classroom culture that celebrates each student’s heritage helps all learners feel like they belong.  By intentionally honoring home cultures, encouraging peer support, and providing tech to bridge language gaps, teachers can help newcomers settle into the classroom—and set them up for success. These strategies not only support students who have just come to the country, but create a holistic culture of acceptance, collaboration, and risk-taking.

Setting up a self-contained classroom for English language learners bolsters academics and helps students reach fluency faster. In this classroom,  content is taught in English using specific instructional strategies by a teacher who is certified to teach English to speakers of other languages (ESOL). 

This bilingual elementary school offers students a more inclusive educational experience—through music and culturally relevant instruction.

By intentionally creating lessons that are social, collaborative, and joyful, educators can make it easier for students to build their skills—and confidence—in a new language.

King Middle School in Portland, Maine gives students time to explore ideas with no immediate grade pressure. The research shows this helps motivate them to be creative and take intellectual risks. This video is part of  a How Learning Happens series, which explores teaching practices grounded in the science of learning and human development.