#TeacherEdChat Archive
We invite all educators to contribute to the conversation of preparing preservice teachers as well as practicing teachers for the realities of the 21st-century classroom. This includes principals, in-service teachers, university supervisors of student teachers, education professors, higher education administration, instructional technology specialists, and so on. Anyone with a vested interest in supporting our teachers in preparation for teaching the diverse K-12 student population is invited to participate.
Monday October 3, 2016
Welcome to the ! Please introduce yourself, your position, & where you're from.
For tonight's convo, we will use a Q1, Q2...format for questions. Please use A1, A2...format for answers.
Hello Joining from Connecticut where I teach graduate education courses.
Hi Judy! Great to see you as always :)
Hi and Good evening. I'm a 4th grade ELA teacher from NJ.
Nathan and you have the opportunity to make up my job. Go for it.
Welcome! Glad to have you!
Hi! My name is Eden and I'm an Intervention Specialist major @ Kent State :)
Hi Nathan! Swashbuckling twitter extraordinaire?
Please make sure to tag to all tweets tonight for this chat. Let your voice be heard!
I’m Betina, an asst professor in teacher ed & I’ll be moderating tonight’s
Hi everyone Regina from NJ
Hi, I am K-7 Library/Media Aide in Ohio, but joining tonight as a student
Hi, Joining from Akron Ohio. I am an intervention specialist teaching at the high school level
great to reconnect Regina
Thank you Judy and Betina...good to be here! FIRST timer to
Thank you Judy and Betina...good to be here! FIRST timer to
Hi! My name is Eden and I'm an Intervention Specialist major at Kent State University
Q1: What types of diversity do teachers need to be prepared for?
Looking forward to sharing and hearing from you
Good evening ! Cherise from CA. Teacher Educator and Literacy Researcher
Hi Cherise! Always great to see you! <3
A1: Racial-ethnic diversity, socio-economic, religious, immigrant status, special needs. So much diversity!
A1: School populations in many areas are becoming increasingly diverse, e.g., English Language Learners (ELLs)
Hi ! Sarah here from the DC area
Hi ! I'm Hannah and I'm a Speech Pathology major at Kent State in Ohio
I can't believe I didn't mention language status!
A1: Racial, ethnic,language, gender, ability, family, sexual orientation....I am sure I didn't get them all...
A1 people diversity. Device diversity. Background diversity
A1 diversity across every possible demographic
Several of you from Kent State are here tonight
A1 Teachers need prep for diversity across and, importantly, WITHIN categories. careful not to flatten groups
Diverse cultures and the diverse relationships that come along with different cultures, other than American
A1. There's the student populations in your room, ELLS, ESLS SPED, GenEd
Yes! It's so easy to be monolithic in talks of diversity!
A1. diversity in ability levels
Device diversity as well as people diversity. Interesting thought!
thank u! glad to be here. diversity in educ is complex and always changing
A1: Also learning styles and reading levels
Great point. Attention to diversity goes down to the individual. https://t.co/sxgd14GrDE
A1 Teachers need prep for diversity across and, importantly, WITHIN categories. careful not to flatten groups
A1 cultural diversity and economic diversity
A1. diversity in cultural backgrounds
yup diversity within diversity is the norm
Teachers half to be prepared for every type of diversity. This is public education in the most diverse country in the world
A1 diversity in the way anything was modeled for students
A1: The diversity in the classroom means pre-service teachers need a variety of field experiences to be ready
A1b Ts need prep for how to talk about diversity as well. interrogate constructs we're using & know why
monolithic characterizations potentially very harmful when aspiring teachers buy into them
Q2: What are common struggles your preservice teachers have with issues of diversity?
That was a great lead-in to Q2!
District leadership has be deliberate and explicit that diversity(all social identities) is strength
agreed. given diversity of school contexts, always good for Ts to experience different classrooms/sites.
A1: In schools w/out much cultural diversity, remains the school's responsibility to prepare students for the larger world
A2 releasing themselves from their biased
A2 not sure, I will lurk on Q2
I think before they can release themselves, they have to be able to acknowledge biases
Exactly, discussions about diversity require teachers to be comfortable w/ the concepts
I consider that part of releasing themselves
A2: It's hard for candidates who haven't had experiences with diversity to move beyond the surface
A2 nervousness when talking about "diversity"--what's ok/not ok to say.
Yeah, good point, it's all part of the process
perhaps the ability to remain unbiased?
Do you think they worry about offending others so they'd rather not speak at all?
Q2. Well it might be very overwhelming when you have so many populations to service...I'm a veteran and it can be difficult
so true! strengths-based frame is key. and leaders have to model
A2: For pre-service teachers, depends on where they come from & their experiences. Thus, need to widen the perspective
Maybe being able to see our biases & acknowledge them or the pressure to be unbiased?
worry about getting called out for their gaps in knowledge/experience. own biases, as someone mentioned...
I think in general thier struggle may be simply being a new/pre service teacher trying to deal with diversity of all kinds.
Yes! Sometimes that can be hard too because it pushes people out of their comfort zone
A2. I think it's important they know they need to ask questions when in need of support or have ?s.
Yeah, I get that. We all have those gaps though. I wish there was less fear in acknowledging them
a2. Desire 4 silver bullet 2 solve perceived challenges of div. rather than desire 2 learn w/ & from
Yes, I can see how that would be overwhelming, just thinking about the diversity
Yes, for some, it might be hard to speak up
A2 yes, being able to see our own biases & not let our personal feelings interfere w/ our ability
A1: Not to be trite but... the kinds that they (we?) are blind to.
Yes! The ever coveted silver bullet
A2. I was teaching a new group last year and had questions...many questions...it's ok to not know!
Really interesting. Sometimes we go through the categories w/o considering blindspots
Sidenote: omygoodness- My kids are watching Zootopia in background. So relevant to this convo. Stereotypes & diversity
A2 Remember,valuing diversity just the 1st step.We need strategies at individual (Ts)&system (district,school) levels
A2: Biggest problem is we don't know where our own blind spots are.
Q2: Where I teach, it is not polite to talk about differences. This makes it a challenge for addressing diversity.
A2 "I am not overtly racist homophobic etc so I am fine - no work needed" attitude can be challenge
def easier once community is established, goes a long way
Hi! I am a student at Kent State.
Yes! That compounds the struggle (Hi Stephanie!)
Yes, or, I've suffered myself so I know all there is to know as well...
Q3 coming up in one minute
I have had students from many different cultural backgrounds. You need to learn more about their culture.
we have a good # of ed students here from Kent State. Wonder how diversity is addressed to prepare them for teaching
A2. Speaking up to someone with more experience when addressing diversity
Great question! Would love to hear about your experiences!
A1: For my students meeting the needs of linguistically diverse students is a must!
I pull Ss aside and tell them "It's your job to tell me if I say something stupid" when teaching
yes & in teacher ed the work is doubly challenging--1) continuing 2 check ourselves & 2) shining mirrors
Q3: How do you promote an awareness of the importance of addressing issues of diversity?
A2 perceiving too many of their students as other rather than our kids
Yes, would love to hear from Kent State group how diversity is addressed in their pre-service teaching program
Q3 could also read: How do you make issues of diversity important for teacher candidates?
you need allies and other "strategic termites" to get the convo going
A3: Like many models suggest, preservice teachers must recognize their own diversity first.
I currently teach in a school and district that has very high ESL student population which makes our school very diverse.
Are courses offered to pre-service teachers to prepare them to meet needs of linguistically diverse students
A3: Diversity becomes important when it's personal & not about the "other"
But I try! Had S tell me "I can't have U know more about my culture than ME!" And she now is leader in her tribe!
A3 modeling situations. Nothing like experience
I have not heard of any. I would take one.
Sorry I'm late!! From SFBay area.
A3. I'm lucky...celebrating diversity is part of our school culture. This week in NJ it's week of respect...
That's empowering students though. Good for her for embracing her right to know her own culture.
A3 Diversity is inherently important in teacher ed. Diversity=Celebration of Culture & "Home"-essential 2 our students' lives
No worries! Welcome :) Glad you're here!
A3 We all are different but we are all the same. We should aspire to get to know each other better because of our diversity
What are some of the successful strategies for working with the high ESL population?
Agreed. Do you think all teachers get that, celebrate that & struggle with that though?
A3. character pillars work well...assemblies, we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage until the 15th
W offer some courses but not all concentrations require taking one.
A3: Including books about diversity in the school library to share with students and teachers
My school is mostly african american. We talk about black month but not other cultures. What ideas do you have for me?
A3: Making diversity public & important in our curriculum is key to highlighting diversity's relevance
The next course I teach is Educational Issues and the focus is on Children of Immigrants
Great question. We're definitely going to get to resources, but let's start early if you like :)
I so appreciate that you want to broaden inclusion of African American culture other than in February
Suggest to your professors that more be offered within the curriculum to better prepare teachers
A3 Understanding diversity&having equitable teaching practice (CRP?) need to be part of the teacher hiring process
I threw out our straight white male history book. Numerous other resources/voices/original source documents!
I don't think all Ts celebrate that. But if we aim to educate from a place of humanizing pedagogy, we better
Yes! If it were, there would be a lot more priority on diversity. Market drives demand. Ah
Happy to bring a Canadian voice to
A3 As a practicing teacher, by blogging, by sharing stories from my classroom, by talking about students needs w/colleagues.
Q4: How do you help candidates connect addressing diversity with issues of equity & social justice?
One of the course books is actually called Children of Immigration. Fascinating reading to address diversity
So, really, how do we move beyond color-blindness to address difficult questions of equity & social justice
In my SPA courses we talk about cultural sensitivity and dialectical awareness... every client is different!
Multicultural education is a year-round endeavor. is a good place to start
Agree! We offer one undergraduate course on cultural diversity which is in most of the concentrations
There are lists out there of novels set in different cultures. There's one starting point.
Are your students do cross-class blogging projects or other global projects?
I'm seeing more and more conversations where "color-blindness" is being challenged by other white people.
I encourage students to share. 2 many think they can't speak another language, mention their religion, celebrate..
A4: Banks' model for multicultural curriculum reform is where I start. Move beyond heroes and holidays!
A helpful assignment could be to interview immigrants to get their perspectives
That's awesome. How are the challenges being received?
Yes! Heroes & holidays is such a pervasive model though, even in diverse southern California
Exactly, we need to go much deeper than holidays, months, heroes to understand diversity in the classroom
yes. Bring your whole self to the classroom. Don't have to leave your culture at the door.
A4 have them go out into the community and work with kids. Being a mentor build connections
Not now. They design units; the current one doesn't lend itself. Weekly free-choice writing may/needn't be shared.
Is it part of our work to connect diversity with equity and social justice?
A4 History curriculum needs to be re-evaluated to determine if we are teaching the appropriate material
A4 being able to address SJ is more than something you can teach. Need to experience it
A4 embrace the diversity, promote and implement fairness to all in your classroom
A4: Integrate diversity into regular lessons; picture books with diverse characters great option
That's a marvelous resource! The Gordon School in East Providence uses it to drive their program. :-)
How can we support students who may not have experienced oppression to understand it?
I vote absolutely yes!! https://t.co/LsCqLW8Duu
Is it part of our work to connect diversity with equity and social justice?
It's for sure part of my work!
If they mentor, what keeps them from seeing students as "others"?
Benefit is kids love to share and HEAR!
Another text for a course is Savage Inequalities to help preservice teachers understand diversity from perspective of poverty
A4 we bring kids campus and students work with them in tackle diversity and SJ issues
Savage Inequalities is such a great book!
It is all about building relationships. Building common bonds
I'd hope to push beyond acceptance to celebration!
Definitely. That's why I think it often has to be ongoing involvement
finding similarities instead of what divides us keeps the labels of others away
Have students interview people of oppression to get their perspective
1 time may provide an "aha" moment, but dealing with oppression is ongoing for many people
A4 Teach candidates to include diverse world view of Ss/families/communities in their pedagogy; make equity their commitment
Sorry for just randomly hopping into but I got excited!
I'm so happy to see you! You are welcome anytime!
We can also bring speakers into our classroom who have suffered from severe oppression
I just worry about putting people on display & racial battle fatigue
used to use stand and deliver as a movie reference
Q5: What specific strategies have you used in helping candidates address diversity?
A4 Diversity means little if disconnected from history. Key=contextualize need for it in light of historical absence/erasure
I find that sometimes literature can provide windows for those who wouldn't otherwise have many.
Random excitement is my favorite emotion.
I know some people have been sharing the answer to Q5 already, but we'd love to hear more!
A4: They can begin by studying the inequities in their own state from one district to the next
I prefer brining kids in. They have honesty that is missing in some adults
A4: Teacher candidates should also know the history of how social justice has been addressed w/in their own country
Yes! Kids will tell it how it is...and then some.
True, whereas adults have life experiences
A4 Work on an Anti Oppression Framework for teacher candidates
A5: Constitutional issues. Research a problem. Kids researched own or a culture they identified with or interested
and that is what our students will face once in the schools. Need to build context
Grrrr have to head into a meeting. Will RT the awesome of later tonight :)
I have a wonderful video from a young ESL child who immigrated to Connecticut from Pakistan. If anyone wants it, send me a DM
A5: Make (dis)ability and linguistic diversity a requirement to address in unit/lesson plans.
One caution. "People of oppression" are not subjects for others' learning. ...
Re question, try examining systems of oppression and ppl affected.
Yes! This is what I was trying to get say. Thanks.
A5 have the students share one of their own family traditions
A5 Contemporary+Historical narratives. Ex: Pairing Our America w/Stevenson's & so Ts can get context
A5: Require out of class learning experiences on campus and in the local community.
Which is why an adult who has experience speaking in public does work
Ppl are oppressed bc of systems that oppress them. They are victims of oppressive institutions. Study that aspect.
that is why I like working with kids. need to understand why they are who they are
A5 My district provides a wide range of professinal development for all teachers on the issue of diversity.
100%!!! Tried to focus on leaders and heroes but still nervous I screw it up
Yes, agree, which today is certainly a prevalent & sensitive issue
Have had students in my courses who came from oppressive regimes. Some wanted to share. Others not
You don't have to interview victim of police brutality to study/learn how policing in U.S. oppresses marginalized.
My lens for history:Power. Who has it and how do they keep it? Who doesn't and how to get it. Empower Ss
We all screw up. How we react when we do can also be helpful.
Ss who want to share is fine. Those who don't should not be put in the position of having to say no. That's unfair.
You've written extensive on the topic. Which of your works do you recommend for teacher ed programs?
Yes, I don't want to perpetuate the idea that people of color have to educate others
Q6: How do we challenge ourselves in our work in addressing diversity with candidates? What resources can we use?
That was the driving question for a social justice-oriented EL course a colleague developed.
In that case, the example is all over the news and social media
Well said! And examining the systems that maintain those power imbalances. So Ss see the systemic aspect.
We must not forget introverts and extroverts!
A6 watch movies that share themes about divsersity and have the Ss make correlations to real life experiences
I feel like I am constantly stressed about not getting it right when it comes to tchg abt diversity so Q6 is self-interested
A6: Pair picture books around the same historical event from diverse perspectives so Ss can make connections
We're now holding optional current events lunchtime chats. Police brutality/racism a weekly theme.
A6 We challenge ourselves by embracing the diversity, being the example to the candidates
A6: Never staying complacent as a teacher educator & continuing to push myself w/ questions of diversity, equity & SJ
A6 Equity work begins with an internal journey;we must understand our own identity,unpack our biases,know our privilege,etc
How do you choose one of your children? 😉 All my work is centered on race in education. You have wide selection. :)
And it's all so important. I <3 everything I read from you. You push me for sure!
Yes! Constantly because that work is ever changing
ppl of oppression? 🤔so we interviewing oppressors too? or nah
My school very diverse so 2 many students think the world friendly. Which is good, but...
A6 Resources we can use in my school are ESL staff including interpreters and ESL students
A6: Reading when I can. Reading The Culturally In. Educator by D. Samuels now. Easy book that applies to PreK-16 educators.
Great questions tonight Betina
This was great! Thank you!
Thanks for taking part in tonight’s . See you online!
