Multiculturalism
Teaching with diversity! How you doing?? This is an important topic because your classroom will have students from multiple backgrounds and cultures. When I taught in Brooklyn, I was the only Caucasian person in the class. Even to this day, a majority of my students come from Central and South America, the Caribbean. I remember a student asking me why I couldn’t find a job on Long Island—you know, way out in the suburbs; it bothered me for a moment. You may not represent the cultures and races of your students. You may feel inadequate because you aren’t the same race as your students. You might have to work a little extra to build relationships and trust with your students. Don’t let that bother you, because an outstanding teacher is an outstanding teacher. Here are the following tips to teach in a multicultural classroom:
1. Research and learn about the cultures of your students.
2. Invite cultural projects, readings, and lessons into your class.
3. Spend time in the community, attend events, and take part in after-school activities where you get to meet parents and students outside of your class
4. Take PD classes on diversity and multiculturalism (get as much insight as possible).
5. Learn basic greetings in your students’ languages.
These 5 tips will help you get off to a great start when teaching. The other part of teaching is building relationships with your students. Healthy relationships, trust, and kindness help build rapport and connection with students. You’ll meet teachers from the old guard who talk about the lack of discipline and respect today. Teachers might tell you to keep your “guard up” and not reveal anything about your personal life. You’ll also meet teachers who are extremely content driven. Some teachers may have a lack of understanding of the students. It’s a demanding job requiring us to play many roles for our students. Some days, I feel like a guidance counselor, dad, coach, cheerleader, confidante, mentor, or maybe even a spiritual advisor lol — Just kidding! If you just want to teach your content, you will forget the human side of this occupation. Students come to us from all walks of life, from different countries and cultures, from poverty to many factors and stories beyond our comprehension of them. What truly makes a teacher special are those that choose to go beyond just being a teacher-teacher. Recently, I just saw my 12th graders who were sitting in my class during middle school. My biggest problem in teaching is that I too forget my superpower. This power to influence and impact many lives, potentially forever. Some graduates hugged me, took selfies with me, thanked me, and made comments to me about our class from years ago. One girl said to me, “I always think about your class and all the positive memories of you.” She looked vaguely familiar, but it’s been 4 years and many students have passed through my class doors.
This job is hard. Some days you feel defeated, criticized, lost in the clouds of dealing with factors outside of class, and we have to be on stage and emotionally strong for our students. Some days, your students are checking out, but you keep pushing on trying to get through your curriculum. Keeping yourself mentally strong is a must and a practice. If you put love and kindness into this job, you will receive it in return.
Anyway, try out my recommendations. Take it slow, especially if you’re a new teacher. I hope you have a great last few days before summer break!