Student Diversity

     Being from a small town in Alabama, it would be easy for me, and for others in similar situations, to be completely ignorant of student diversity and its effect on student learning. I say that because I am what most people would call stereotypical. That's a straight white male with a working-class family that is interested in sports and other "masculine" things. It is easy for people like me to fall into the mold and accept the ideas and biases of people before us.

    Being stereotypical myself, I know my classroom will be full of students who are different from me. There will be students from different backgrounds, racially diverse students, and students who are both male and female. As a teacher, it is important that students feel represented and understood. If a student feels misunderstood or underrepresented in class, they will be less engaged in learning and more likely to struggle in the classroom. It is important to put students in the best possible position for success.

    I can honestly say I want each student to have the best chance to succeed, regardless of background, ethnicity, or any other aspect of their identity. Before studying this area in this class, I hadn't thought about it. I am a little ashamed to say that, but I have come to realize that diversity in learning can/will have a huge impact on students' success. 

    The textbook is very clear on how to approach a diverse classroom. Knowing your students, knowing yourself, involving families, and having a curriculum that reflects student diversity are all key to student success. 

    I am always learning more about myself. I think knowing yourself plays a key role in your own success. Understanding the biases you may hold, how your mental health affects your relationships with others, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses will significantly impact the effectiveness of your teaching.

    Knowing your students is equally important, if not more so. Knowing their teacher cares about them and their success can make all the difference in their learning. I plan to conduct a survey with all my students at the beginning of every semester, asking them about their likes, dislikes, personal interests, responsibilities, and favorite activities. I believe this will give the students confidence that I care about them and want them to succeed. 

    It all comes down to caring about the students. Being a teacher is about giving kids opportunities through education. Whether a student is from an underrepresented ethnic group, from a lower-class family, or has difficulties learning in typical ways, quality inclusive education is the foundation for reaching their goals. I hope to be the teacher who is always there for the betterment of the students and nothing else.