Virtual Mentor Exploration 2 !!

Depending on where we are in the country we have students in our classrooms from varying backgrounds. Some places are more diverse than other, and the neat thing about diversity is that it's not limited to ethnicity. Today cultural diversity encompasses a plethora of uniqueness such as; gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, and social status.  This month I asked my mentoring team to answer the following prompt: What strategies or resources do you use to help your class/program to be responsive to cultural diversity and English Language Learners?

Ms. Laura Metrick admitted that this question is a little difficult to answer because she teaches at a school that is 98% white and hasn't had a chance to work with English language learner. She wrote, "We have Olweus sessions once a month, and during this time we focus on several different topics including cultural diversity, English Language Learners, LGBTQ+ and many more. One of the main things that I stress to my students is that no matter what, if you have a different view, a different opinion, look different or talk different, you must respect each other." Even though she doesn't have students that are ethnically different she still is aware of the other cultural diversity that students may be part of and having students being respectful is HUGE in including all types of students.


Mr. Petrun, a teacher back in my home state of New Hampshire wrote, "When we do have some diversity, it is always good to sit down with the students first and speak with them to learn about their culture and its nuances. If you can understand a little bit more about them, then you can get a better idea of where they are coming from. This way connections can be made on that end to begin to open up the other students to other or new cultures". This is a massive benefit to the students and gives you as a teacher a baseline where to start. We can learn so much from just having a simple conversation with a student. 

Mr. Masser at Pequea Valley High School wrote,  "Open-door policy-It seems silly to put it in writing, but respect is the best strategy I can provide to help create diversity in our program. We always respect and embrace the differences our learnings bring to the classroom/program. Instead of trying to make the culture the same, we try to use these differences to enhance the program. Keeping your door open and verbally reminding students that you are there to support them makes a huge difference, and attracts students from all cultural background" A takeaway from Mr. Masser I found was not to try to make the student fit the culture but rather us theirs to enhance the program! By doing this, it shows that every student has something to contribute and that they are welcome.

My last mentor was Tiffany Turrentine from W.B. SAUL in Philidelphia. Mrs. uses several strategies/ resources to include cultural diversity and English Langauge Learners. One is an open discussion by taking "the time to allow the students to express themselves in an understanding and respectful way.  Providing an atmosphere where the students feel comfortable to express themselves in a respectful manner has allowed for others in the classroom to listen and be empathetic towards issues". Having students develop empathy can be difficult but having open discussions is a great way to do so.

From these responses, I learned a lot about including all types of students and some strategies to ensure that all are involved in the learning. Thank you to my mentoring team for all the help!