The Need for a Culturally Responsive Classroom

Throughout the years, education has evolved with new findings in research. For example, as more research shed light on special education needs, the special education community rallied and worked to ensure inclusion and accommodations were available to all students. Curricula has shifted to follow numerous trends, such as project-based learning, hands-on math education, etc. However, in terms of diversity and culturally responsive teaching, the field of education has not fully evolved to be inclusive of all students from diverse backgrounds. After teaching four years in a very diverse school in which white students were the minority and diverse students were the majority, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of culturally responsive teaching. Since moving to a more rural county with little diversity, I recognize that due to the lack of exposure, most educators at the school are uncomfortable working with diverse students. As the United States continues to diversify, it is imperative all educators receive the necessary training to reach the needs of diverse learners. This research topic explores the need for culturally responsive teaching training for preservice educators and veteran educators, as well as introduces key instructional strategies to promote culturally responsive instruction