Teaching Diversity in

the Classroom

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Classroom Diversity

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Why is Diversity Important?
It’s important to remind ourselves why diversity and cultural awareness is important in
the classroom along with the benefits it can have on children now and in the long-
term. Teachers who teach diversity are exposing their children to varieties of cultural
and social groups, preparing students to be better citizens in their community.
“Childhood is a journey, not a race”. -Author
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Teaching Strategies
Students become more EMPATHETIC. When teachers promote awareness and
creates a personal connection with a variety of diverse cultures in the classroom, this
can prevent students from developing prejudices later in life. This allows them to
empathize with people who are different from themselves.
Students gain a better UNDERSTANDING OF LESSONS AND PEOPLE. When
children work and learn from people with a variety of backgrounds and cultures in the
classroom, they are able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what
diversity means.
Students become MORE OPEN-MINDED. When children are naturally exposed to a
range of diverse opinions, thoughts, and cultural backgrounds, teachers are
encouraging them to be more open-minded later in life. This will help them create and
open their minds to new ideas and be able to express the trueness of diversity.
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Classroom Diversity
Get to Know Your Students
Making sure that cultural awareness is promoted in the
classroom starts with the teacher understanding each
individual student. Teachers need to take the time to learn
about each student’s cultural background, hobby, learning
styles, and what makes them unique. When teachers show a
genuine interest in learning about each student, this will
establish trust and allow you to form a bond, so they feel
valued.
Maintain Consistent Communication
Teachers should be maintaining ongoing communication
throughout the school year. Scheduling 1-on-1 check ins
with students will allow you to consistently improve how
accessible the classroom is to everyone. This will allow
children to talk about whether they felt included in the
classroom culture. This can help identify concerns or ways
to improve a child’s overall experience.
Give Students Freedom and Flexibility
There are valuable lessons that are learned through a
student’s own experience, so giving them the opportunity to
have freedom in the course encourages more connections to
the curriculum. Allow children to present their own ideas
and materials that are related to the lesson, so they can
approach the topic from their own perspective.
Getting Started
What is Diversity?
Understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual
differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political
beliefs, or other ideologies.

“We are all different, which is great because we are all

unique. Without diversity life would be very boring.”
-Catherine Pulsifer

The Importance of Diversity & Cultural Awareness in the

Classroom
According to Drexel University School of Education, in 2014 public schools hit a
minority majority milestone with Latino, African-American, and Asian students
having surpassed the number of white students. The U.S. Census predicts in 2044,
that over half of the nation’s population will be of color, so this trend of diversity it
likely to continue.

As diversity is on a rise, it is important for teachers to incorporate culturally

responsive instruction in the classroom at all levels and ages of children. And the
rise of diversity doesn’t only relate to race or ethnicity, it can also include a
students religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and language
background.

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