Sierra Paasch

READ 530

Being a culturally responsive teacher is so important especially in the 21st century

because the population of English Learners is increasing all over the country. Students need the

opportunity to learn 21st century skills with exposure to cultural diversity. Trust, motivation,

cultural awareness, and inclusion all play a role in how to appropriately provide students with a

culturally responsive environment. One’s own cultural background plays a role in their own

culturally responsive teaching because of their knowledge and perspective on topics. If teachers

teach their students in a very similar manner to how they were taught, it is unlikely that they will

be able to make it beyond level 1 of culturally responsive teaching. They will be able to bring up

topics related to diversity, but there will not be multiple perspectives brought into the discussion.

On the other hand, someone with a very diverse background will have more personal experience

to understand that can be brought to discussion with varying perspectives other than just one

perspective that has been taught for decades.

My school, in my opinion, would barely be at a level 1 according to Summers/Banks’ 4

Level continuum due to the minimal focus on culture. In February, we celebrate Black History

month. When I was in school, I remember discussing famous black Americans every morning or

hearing a quote on the morning announcements. We do not do any of that at my school currently,

which is frustrating looking at the entire continuum. Our school is not even providing the bare

minimum or the easiest way to provide students with a culturally responsive atmosphere.

After looking at this continuum and thinking about what my school provides for students,

I know I need to do more. I want to be able to provide a culturally responsive classroom and

environment for my students to learn and grow in beyond what the “textbook” will teach them. If

the school is not providing simple ways for the students to grow, I want to incorporate many
Sierra Paasch
READ 530

ideas into my own classroom such as providing students with the opportunity to read different

poetry from poets of all different backgrounds, looking at the influences of different cultures on

places being conquered, and allowing students to examine sources and explain their perspectives

on different topics. I would say I am currently at a level 2 into level 3. I do provide my students

with a variety of resources to examine with differing backgrounds of race, ethnicity, gender, but

there are some aspects that are not often discussed such as sexual orientation and class/income.

This is something I can work on improving starting soon.

"If I could do one thing to move me or my school up a level on the continuum of cultural

competency, it would be…” providing students with authentic experiences to learn about

diversity. This can include having guest speakers come in whether it is in person or through a

google meet/zoom. The speakers can be from well known businesses or authors of books. If the

students can connect with an author, they will be able to learn more about them and background

and understand what it takes to become a writer. This can be very inspiring for students and

allow students to relate with the person behind the writing. Another way to include authentic

experiences is providing students a chance to advocate for something that is meaningful to them.

They should be able to speak out about a topic that has been researched with diverse sources and

presented to an authentic audience (not just the teacher and peers in class). This will allow

students to feel a sense of importance and that they are heard. In order to make this successful,

students will need trust, cultural awareness, motivation, and inclusion.