Doctor+Theresa+Diversity

Read the [|Introduction] to the Diversity Toolkit Web page from the National Education Association. 1. Copy and paste a sentence or two that you really liked (agreed with, admired the verbiage, could empathize with, . . . ) in between the two quotation marks: " While diversity itself is not a value-laden term, the way that people react to diversity is driven by values, attitudes, beliefs, and so on. " 2. Tell why you picked those words: xThe term "diversity" has come to have so many "diverse" connotations. I appreciate that NEA is saying what we really need to address is the way that people react to diversity and that it is our own diversity that contributes to those actions/reactions. x

3. Which of the issues did you have the most issue with and why?: * "The Association also believes that education should foster the values of appreciation and acceptance of the various qualities that pertain to people as individuals and as members of diverse populations." * I actually agree with this statement. I cringe at the acceptance of teaching tolerance. I think tolerance is not enough. Tolerance means "hide your true feelings and don't bother to make the effort to move on to appreciation and acceptance."

4. Which strategy (or part of a strategy) will be the easiest for you to carry out in your own classroom? ^ "Examine your own attitudes and beliefs about people who are different from you " ^ In a way, this is actually the hardest, but I've been working on it for 20 years now, so it's getting easier. None of them will actually be easy, so this is the least difficult.

5. Which strategy (or part of a strategy) will be the hardest for you to carry out in your own classroom //and why// ? { "Seize opportunities to learn about people of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences—whether through a book, a film, or a conversation " This is the hardest strategy, in my opinion, because so many books, films, and conversations don't go deep enough and only perpetuate the stereotypes.}

Read the [|Cultural Competence for Educators] Web page from the National Education Association

How will you become culturally competent? Where do you feel you are now in the journey to becoming culturally competent?

Read about [|Social Justice]. How do you think this information will impact you as a teacher? How will it impact your classroom?

Now work with your partner. Read your assigned Information Page from the National Education Association.
 * [|Class and Income]
 * [|English Language Learners]
 * [|Gender]
 * [|Race and Ethnicity]
 * [|Sexual Orientation and Gender Orientation]

Now go to [|Kerpoof] and create a story using one of the many tools available. Your characters should represent your assigned diversity dimension. Create a plot that has a conflict representative of one of the major issues as outlined on your NEA page. Pick one of the strategies and implement it in your story. Is there going to be a resolution? What will the ending be? Save your story to share with the class.