How will I use culturally responsive practices to facilitate learning in my classroom?
As a culturally responsive educator, I will first have knowledge of myself. I will understand who I am and what privileges I possess before I react to my students. I will create a classroom environment in which students feel culturally and socially accepted and celebrated. I plan to provide clear communication with high expectations so my students know what is expected of them to succeed. I will build mutually respected relationships amongst my students so that they want to do well. I will support the needs of all learners by reshaping curriculum and delivery of services by providing students with specific outlets to meet their individual needs. I will provide "multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression" (National Center on Universal Design for Learning) to support and encourage all students. I plan to promote group discussion on academic topics as well and cultural and social topics to foster student learning, social abilities, and create a classroom community. This will allow culturally and linguistically diverse students a chance to feel apart of my classroom and society. According to Tips for Teachers: Promoting the Achievement of English Learners by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, students who express their thoughts in groups often have higher motivation (Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 2017, p.3). I look forward to becoming an equitable and caring educator and watching my students achieve their goals.