Multicultural Education in Catholic Elementary Schools

The aim of this research study was to examine and understand the outcomes, strategies, challenges, and successes of teaching multicultural education effectively in Catholic elementary schools. The main research question that guided this study was: how were a sample of Catholic teachers enacting multicultural education through culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy (CRRP)? Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with two elementary school educators who currently work in Catholic elementary schools. Findings suggest that drawing from personal experiences and available networks significantly assist educators in their work by enabling them to empathize with their students and gain valuable resources to support their work. Also, students are actively engaged and interested in their learning as they can make personal connections to what they are being taught, thus positively affecting their academic performance and personal well-being. Findings also propose that through dedication, proper knowledge, and support, educators are in fact able to teach multicultural education effectively while still connecting it back to the Catholic faith by recognizing and acknowledging diversity and encouraging a responsibility to others. The implications of these findings suggest that it is important for this work to be widespread among the educational community and school environments so that an effective integration can occur. Also, more work needs to be done in research to incorporate student, parent, and community voices, and include student outcomes of effective implementation, so that educators and researchers are able to have a deeper understanding of these missing perspectives and realize the significance of this practice to better serve the people of the community