Cultural Competence

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

Mindfulness Helps Reduce Unequal Discipline

Submitted by Zaretta Hammond on March 15, 2013

Mindfulness a not only a great tool to help students focus, but it also helps educators to be more culturally responsive.   

Editor’s Note: This blog was first published at www.Ready4Rigor.com on March 3, 2013 and posted here with permissi

Respect the 'Little Q' in Your Class

Submitted by Ashley Lauren Samsa on March 14, 2013

Students’ names are an important reflection of identity and culture, as educators, we must put in the time to honor those names and pronunciation. 

Each year, on the first day of classes, I pull up the rosters to try to pronounce my students’ names before they rush into my classroom.

A Teacher Reflects on the Literary Canon

Submitted by Jerry McGill on March 13, 2013

This high school language arts teacher marvels at how his students were engaged in controversial and difficult topics.

When I first accepted the assignment of teaching language arts at a local high school in Eugene, Ore., I was excited and nervous.

Using Cell Phones to Bridge Gaps and Engage Youth

Submitted by Sara Schmidt on March 11, 2013

Maybe you’re thinking texting has no place in the classroom. This teacher found some practical applications.

When I first heard about teachers using texting as a classroom tool, I rolled my eyes. I am not a fan of texting.

Phone Calls Cross Boundaries

Submitted by Kathleen Melville on March 7, 2013

Despite language barriers and inadequate translation, teachers can find clarity and solutions by reaching out to students’ families.  

Tiffany and Ivy had missed a lot of school. Most recently, Tiffany had been absent for more than a week.

Reflections of a ‘Teacher of the Year’

Submitted by Trevor Barton on March 5, 2013

The greatest achievement for this Teacher of the Year is the daily practice of empathy. 

The announcement was broadcast at the end of the day over the school’s public address system.

"Our Teacher of the Year for 2013-2014 is...Mr. Barton. Congratulations!"

Poetry Finds a Home in Art Class

Submitted by Amanda Ryan Fear on March 1, 2013

Writing poetry is an excellent way for students to explore identity and find meaning and value in everyday experiences.

I expected the revolt.

Favorite Book Connects Student’s Past, Present

Submitted by Ted Palenski on February 28, 2013

When a student has trouble connecting with his new class, the icebreaker can be a book, family photo or picture that connects the child to his personal history and offers an opportunity to share. 

Ahmet, a 5-year-old from Turkey, was new to our school.

Teachers Benefit from Yearly Book Club

Submitted by Sarah Anderson on February 27, 2013

Educators at this school find that their book club helps build the teacher community and provides a vehicle for support when needed.

Each year, our school staff participates in a book club. In the fall, teachers nominate books and introduce them to the rest of the staff. We select one book to read and discuss as a group.

Four Black History Month Must-Haves

Submitted by Zaretta Hammond on February 26, 2013
It’s not too late to put the best practices into place for honoring Black History Month in February and throughout the year.

Editor’s Note: This blog was first published at www.Ready4Rigor.com on Feb. 15, 2013 and posted here with permission.

Syndicate content