United Through Diversity</i>
Milton Erickson has said, “Each person's map of the world is as unique as the person's thumbprint. There are no two people alike. No two people who understand the same sentence the same way. . . So in dealing with people, you try not to fit them to your concept of what they should be.” As a future educator, it is vital that I heed the counsels of Erickson and do not fit all my students into one concept of what or who they should be. Arizona’s schools flourish with diversity, diversity that strengthens schools when noticed and taken into account. Even though I may not have control over the entire school, I will have control in my classroom in regards to cultural diversity. In my future classroom I will make sure that the physical environment demonstrates diversity, the emotional environment will be comfortable for all, and my own preparation will enable me to understand and invite diversity into the classroom.
Just as a picture tells a thousands words, the physical environment of the classroom tells a thousands words about learning. I will display posters on the wall that depict various cultures and their presence will remain throughout the entire school year. I will also have various art assignments for the students to complete in regards to culture. For example, one activity might be handing out a white unlined piece of paper accompanied by markers, pens, and colored pencils and given the instruction to draw something that pertains to their culture. After the activity is completed, I will post the students personal creations onto a bulletin board for all who enter to look upon. The physical environment of my classroom will visually show my views on cultural diversity.
Now, none of the above goals can be met if I myself, the teacher, do not value and know about cultural diversity. The excuse, “I did not know” is no longer acceptable when dealing with different cultures. I have and will continue to educate myself on cultures so that I will know how best to serve my future pupils. I can avoid stereotyping my students as well by researching about different cultures. I will also not be afraid to ask questions if I am not sure about something, in hopes of not offending anyone of my students. Teacher preparation is important to do in all aspects of teaching, and cultural diversity preparation needs to be implemented as well.
Westwood High School definitely values diversity by creating the school’s motto of “diversity is our strength.” I would like to carry that motto into my classroom. All who enter my classroom doors will see, feel, and know that diversity strengthens my classroom, and that it is important. My goal is for my enthusiasm to seep into my students’ minds so that they too value diversity. By helping and understanding each other my classroom can become a community where learning takes place for all. Graphics can be found at:
http://www.pnl.gov/breakthroughs/images/sum98/thumbprint.jpg
http://www.98asg.wuerzburg.army.mil/asgeoa/Links/Diversity%20Poster%2099.jpg
http://www.rmhccolumbia.org/Graphics/Images/Question-Marks.gif
http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/gsfc/gnews/072701/diversity.jpg
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