Acknowledging Cultural Differences
SCHOOLS ARE A TAPESTRY OF CULTURES. During your teaching career, your classroom will have students from different countries, cultures, and ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Acknowledging our differences lets students feel recognized and gives all of us a chance to learn more about one another. Think back to your earliest experiences with people outside your own cultural or ethnic group. How did those experiences influence your attitude and opinion about people from other groups? What experiences did you have that led to positive or negative feelings about your own cultural background? If you ever have felt discrimination for any reason, remember how it felt. What was your first experience with someone who was physically or mentally disabled? Review your district policies carefully. Be aware that there may be some designated “no test� dates due to religious observances. Cultural differences often mean differences in religions, which inevitably lead teachers to questions about how to handle religious holidays. Teaching about religious holidays in public schools is permissible. Celebrating religious holidays is not permissible.
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