Moe+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: " The Association further believes in the importance of observances, programs, and curricula that accurately portray and recognize the roles, contributions, cultures, and history of these diverse groups and individuals. " 2. Tell why you picked those words: x I picked this excerpt becuase I think many schools try to teach diversity but maybe end up doing more to alienate those they are trying to teach about. It is highly important that when teaching different cultures or groups you portray them accurately and without biases. x

3. Which of the issues did you have the most issue with and why?: * I had the most worries about the issue of making people realize that diverse societies enrich all those who live in a specific society. Sometimes, especially in rural Maine, it can be hard to understand how knowing about a different culture will benefit you. Sometimes you need to learn diversity by experiencing it first hand which is hard to do in rural areas. *

4. Which strategy (or part of a strategy) will be the easiest for you to carry out in your own classroom? ^ I really liked the first one, which talked about learning diversity through the use of film, literature, or simply by having conversations about different cultures, groups, etc. It will be easy because I have had the opportunity to travel a lot in my life and learn about different cultures through experience. I love to read literature from all different backgrounds, and being an English teacher will give me the perfecct opportunity to incorporate it into my daily routine. ^

5. Which strategy (or part of a strategy) will be the hardest for you to carry out in your own classroom //and why// ? { I think the hardest strategy is to "foster discussion in your workplace about diversity". If you teach in a small town in Maine there might be some slight resistance to spending time talking about something that doesn't directly effect the people you are having the conversation with. Diversity is one of those things that people know is there but don't always want to discuss. }

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? I don't think that I'm very culturally competent.. in terms of being able to effectively teach students of varying backgrounds. Having lived in a one cultured town my entire life I feel that my first time in a culturally diverse school will be challenging. I think the only way to become culturally competent is to experience as many different cultures as possible and learn something from each of them.

Read about [|Social Justice]. How do you think this information will impact you as a teacher? How will it impact your classroom? It is something that all teachers should live by if they wish to create an open environment and provide support for all of their students. I will work to continually provide equal opportunity to all advantages and disadvantages within the 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.