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Mya H. Kelley, Logan W. Qualls, Samantha N. Scott, & Shanna E. Hirsch. (2025). Mixed-Reality Simulation to Prepare Preservice Teachers to Use Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies: A Pilot Study. Journal of Special Education Technology, 40(1), 65–78. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/01626434241262238

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Howe, W. A., & Lisi, P. L. (2018).  In Becoming a multicultural educator: Developing awareness, gaining skills, and taking action (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. https://vantage.sagepub.com/student/JERVEL-9668/ch-6-learning-to-understand-and-respect-differences-responding-to-differences-in-human-beings

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Including literature from authors with diverse cultural backgrounds offers a unique worldview. Providing options for students to choose authors that reflect the unique identities in the classroom contributes to students connecting with the content. When students apply their personal perspective to their learning, they are more likely to engage in learning (Howe & Lisi, 2018).

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-I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

-The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

-The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

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In a case study of over 100,000 students' achievement test scores, the factor that stood out the most in predicting their success was the effectiveness of their teacher (Howe & Lisi, 2018). Educators who effectively integrate the diverse backgrounds of their students into the curriculum increase the rate of their success and interest.

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-Brown v Board of Education (1954) demanded the integration of African American history into the curriculum. This was the starting point of multicultural education and recognizing the worth and value of students from diverse backgrounds.

-The No Student Left Behind Act furthered the accountability and equity factors in students' opportunities to succeed in school. This may not have directly impacted multicultural integration, but it certainly ensured all students have equitable opportuntities in their education.

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Embracing students’ cultural identities and personal preferences helps address learning gaps more effectively by making instruction more meaningful and inclusive. Emancipatory efforts create opportunities for students to question traditional narratives, engage critically with diverse perspectives, and expand their worldview. Additionally, a humanistic mindset encourages students to collaborate, listen respectfully, and gain a deeper appreciation for cultural differences (Kelley, Qualls, Scott, and Hirsch, 2025). Together, these practices foster a classroom environment where diversity is valued as a strength and all learners are empowered to succeed.

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The physical nature of a classroom not only reflects the persona of the educator but also serves as a mirror of the students’ identities and experiences. Visuals, posters, and displays that highlight diverse cultural identities communicate inclusion and demonstrate that all backgrounds are valued. Seating arrangements can also foster collaboration by allowing students to engage with both heterogeneous groups that broaden perspectives and homogeneous groups that provide comfort and support. Finding a balance between challenging students to think beyond their comfort zones and maintaining group dynamics that encourage positive interactions creates a classroom environment that is both inclusive and engaging.

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Presentation, tone, and verbiage are critical components within inclusive language. Kelley et al. (2025) found that by 2031, culturally diverse students will make up 55% of the population in public schools. This illustrates the importance of teachers adopting culturally responsive practices, using inclusive communication, and intentionally validating the identities of all learners. Inclusive communication validates students’ identities by recognizing their cultural and personal experiences as assets in the learning environment.

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Instilling norms at the beginning of the year for students and teachers to follow is a powerful classroom practice that establishes expectations of behavior. Because norms vary across cultures and family dynamics, educators need to remain aware of and responsive to students’ diverse backgrounds. Clearly outlining expectations provides a consistent framework that guides classroom interactions, reduces misunderstandings, and fosters mutual respect. Collaborating with students and encouraging them to uphold and demonstrate appropriate behavior toward their peers and teachers is crucial for a positive and inclusive environment.

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Communicating with families is critical to ensure students are adequately prepared to succeed in the classroom and public environments. Assigning students to reflect on their cultural identity and background with their families unites and embraces the importance of heritage. Not only is this beneficial for the family, but also for the teacher as they can reflect and navigate curriculum material to mirror the personalities and culture in the classroom.

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Engagement with families and the community enhances understanding by bridging cultural knowledge with classroom learning. Families bring unique traditions, values, and lived experiences that help educators and students recognize that learning extends beyond textbooks. When teachers actively involve parents and community members, they gain critical insight into students’ cultural identities, strengths, and needs, which allows for more personalized and inclusive instruction.

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Schools hosting community events that celebrate various cultural holidays are a great way to unite families, friends, and community members. Sharing this experience with the community drives a sense of belonging for all, and it highlights the richness of diversity within the school. These events provide opportunities for students and their families to share traditions, foods, music, and stories, creating authentic learning moments for the entire community. Recognizing different cultural values and norms shares a powerful message with the community that the school embraces inclusivity, respect, and compassion for all.

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Parent workshops validate the diverse identities represented in the classroom while also encouraging cross-cultural dialogue. For students, seeing their families’ traditions valued in school fosters pride and belonging. For parents, workshops provide insight into the curriculum and demonstrate how their cultural heritage contributes meaningfully to their child’s education. This benefits the entire community as they recognize their child's educators care deeply about them and want them to thrive in the learning environment.

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Genuinely connecting with each student ensures the educator has a baseline understanding of the student’s cultural background, interests, and learning needs. This foundation allows teachers to design lessons that are more relevant and engaging, while also building trust and mutual respect. By knowing students on a personal level, educators can recognize strengths, identify potential challenges, and provide support for both academic and social-emotional challenges.

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Stereotypes and preconceived ideas can limit the standards set for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Educators must hold themselves and the profession responsible for expecting the most from each student, no matter their ethnicity or learning disabilities. This encourages students to achieve more as their teachers believe they can accomplish what they put their mind to.