A piece of paper where one half is white and the other is black and there’s different colors on the entire paper but because one side is black it’s hard to see the other colors, this is supposed to show how if we don’t acknowledge different colors then everyone is seen as the same and we can’t see the beauty and differences of everyone. Teaching in a diverse society is about valuing and respecting our different cultures and appearances as we are all a part of the rainbow, rather than just putting everyone into the category of human being. We have to acknowledge differences in appearance. My piece demonstrates my pledge and commitment to teach in a diverse society because it shows how all of the different colors come together and create a diverse image. Rather than just grouping everyone together, it is important to validate each and every one of the many cultures that make up a single person or community. I strive to create an environment where a child’s identity is strengthened and created in partnership with their parents and families. I want families of children to feel accepted and important as they are the ones who are giving their children the gift of their culture. I intend to encourage them to give their children the benefit of having more than one language and to see that their culture is valuable and important. When we create a place where children and their differences are seen as assets rather than deficits then we create a place for them to belong and feel welcome. My goal is for every child to feel comfortable with their culture no matter how different it is from the others around them.

My commitment to teaching in a diversity is based in staying connected to the community in which I serve, keeping an open mind to new information and finally having the ability to partake in self reflection. 

I will stay connected in the community I serve by teaching my students about cultures they may not see or have not had the opportunity to see yet, taking part in community events, and inviting parents to share their culture in my classroom as often as allowed. In my classroom I will make sure students have the opportunity to read, discuss, and see different cultures through books, dolls, artwork, dramatic play area materials, music, and photos that will be added to/changed to highlight a different culture monthly. I will stay informed about community events and keep my parents informed on community event by keeping an up to date bulletin board that is on the door and also express which events I will be attending. While also sending home in the parent preferred form of the bulletin (emails, printed out, voice mail ect.). Inviting parents when they feel compelled/asking if they felt comfortable coming into the class and showcasing their culture from a first hand experience rather than from a book or art. 

When faced with new information about any part of the community that is represented in my classroom I will research the information I was provided and gather unbiased or sources from both sides of a view so I can share with the parents I serve in order for them to also be informed community members. 

The ability to participate in self reflection is vital when keeping a diverse classroom. Self reflection allows us the opportunity to have a serious thought about how situations/information presented to us was handled and how in some cases it could have been handled differently. 

By learning new cultures and implementing them in the classroom children from all backgrounds have an opportunity to feel welcomed and included. Materials such as dolls of different races and genders, books in different languages and with a variety of characters, costumes that all children can feel comfortable in, and activities that help children through various areas of development, allow for a classroom that is diverse, inclusive, and unified. Talking to families about what their views are on certain topics and what may or may not be appropriate to talk about during class creates a space where families feel included in their child's education, creating a bonded community. Being an educator is much more than just being a teacher, it is being a person that a child feels comfortable enough to talk to and ask for help. Someone that families can ask for help if needed, and not fear being judged.

As a person, it is important to be aware of any biases one may have and make sure they are worked through. This allows us to be better educators and caregivers as we see much more beyond and can gain a better understanding of why a child may be acting a certain way. Keeping an open mind and being aware of what may be going on in children's life may help in knowing how to help them in the classroom in order to have an easier time or help them work through tough situations.  

 

A child can play, express themself, be happy and be able to explore and discover different parts of themselves and the world around them. It will be my responsibility to show them the experiences as positively as possible and be a guide while their beautiful minds wander. Questions will be encouraged and I shall answer to the best of my ability. If a child feels discomfort, the child will be able to express themselves. They will feel free to express their culture, emotions, toys, and things that give them joy with other classmates which will allow the classroom to build a sense of community within each other. Possibly building those relationships that can flourish for a long time, or at least get them the toy they want to play with. A child will be able to look at another child and see the beauty of the other child and everything they represent. The main thing would be to keep a child happy, there’s already a lot of negativity outside of the classroom. 

A few month’s ago, I went to Boise and in the alley was a beautiful mural of a variety of people with different completions and facial expressions. I understood it as a mix of emotions of all walks of life. This mural inspired me to create my piece of art. As you can see, this is a represenation of me looking (or teaching) a group of children with many differences, yet we are all human, living on earth. But it is our differences that make us unique. 

As a future educator, I pledge to create an environment where my students feel represented and support them through the their journeys of growth. I pledge to give value to my students needs and help build their confidence within themselves. In doing so, I will create a trusting and respectful relationship with their families, show compassion, actively find new teaching methods based on my students abilities to learn , listen and act. 

I value differences in cultures and want to create a day where my students can share and be proud of who they are. I want to be able to create a “culture day” where students can share someone about their culture. This in return can spark conversations of similarities and differences in a respectful and meaningful way. By doing this, I can introduce inclusive toys, reading materials, art, music, movies, and activities that represent all of them and find new ways and opportunities to talk about our differences. 

My goal is to create a everlasting pride within my students of who they are and where they came from and to teach them to respect others differences in the world.