- What move will you make to create more Equity in your classroom? How will you measure the sustainability or progress of this move?
To create more equity in the classroom it starts with class charter. Working collaborative with the class to make an agreement of how they want to feel in the classroom and what that looks like. This allows students to be seen, heard and recognized. They brainstorm a list of how they want to feel, some examples I have seen are happy, safe, welcomed, respected, smart, loved among many others. After narrowing it down to just five words we talk about what each word would look like. To feel welcomed it might be “we say hello to each other with a smile”. For safe it might be “be able to take risks without being laughed at”. This allows students to have a voice and foster a sense of belonging to the classroom community. It is visible all year round and referred back to or even adjusted as the year goes by.
Another step to ensure equity in the classroom is to start with the class library. Having a diverse range of books that include different cultures, abilities, home dynamics etc can help students to see themselves represented. Not only that but it helps to create awareness of diversity and teachable moments for tolerance and acceptance.
Lastly, continue to promote collaboration and engage in collaboration. By promoting collaboration in the classroom it encourages team work, inclusivity and peer support. It allows students to value different perspectives and learn to communicate in effective ways. By engaging in collaboration, I can continue to be mindful of my own biases. I can work with others that have strengths that I do not and grow from those opportunities. I can look for relevant professional development and stay informed about issues of equity.
- What additional support do you need from your school or school system when you consider the changes needed in your classroom to create an equitable environment that empowers students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive academically?
My district has really embraced that we are diverse in every sense of the word and have provided so much opportunity. Every classroom was given a large set of books that had representation of many demographics. We have engaged in mini-professional development sessions as well as diversified our staff. However-we are still lacking in common planning time and consistent collaboration with our ML staff. Many times there is not enough time to chat with ML teachers so important things get put the back burner.
