DEI

Statement
Adrienne Ducato

EDU 5010
 A Clear Look at

Diversity Equity Inclusion

Diversity is everything
that makes people
different from each
other.
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supporting diversity in the classroom
Equity in the classroom
means making sure
every student has the
resources and support
they need to be
successful.
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promoting equity in the classroom
Inclusion is about ALL
students belonging! All
students are full and
accepted members of
their school community.
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inclusive education
 Anti-Bias Perspective

Anti-bias education provides opportunities for students, educators and families to

learn from and about one another. It helps us all to explore ways to address bias and
prejudice through awareness, intervention, and personal action. Establishing an
anti-bias perspective is of great importance, as it teaches us to respect and embrace
our differences as well as act against bias and unfairness. Therefore, my overarching
goal as an educator is to create a climate of positive self and group identity
development, through which every student is capable of achieving their fullest
potential.
 Anti-Racist Perspective
“Anti-racist work in all schools is essential. It is the exercise of hope, the practice of
undoing and dismantling systems of oppression, the practice of freedom and of
truth-telling. Anti-racist work is the practice of healing and of restoring; it is a
practice of love.” - Jamilah Pitts

Implementing an anti-racist approach as an educator is of great importance. But,

with it comes a great deal of understanding. First, we must never be silent. Ever.
Secondly, we must understand that as teachers we are in positions of great privilege
and power, and that we have the ability to leave this world better than we found it.
Additionally, as educators we must be lifelong learners. From, studying, humility,
listening and engaging with others, we must ensure that we are constantly
examining and re-examining our own ideas, beliefs, and truths.

With all of this in mind, educators must also be aware of the following:

● how to identify racism

● how racism is carried out and built in systems and structures
● how people hold, sustain, maintain and perpetuate racism
● how people of color can internalize racism
 Addressing Identity,
Values, and Positionality
Our identity is the very core of who we are as human
beings. Schools have an enormous influence on how we
come to see ourselves, the hopes and dreams we acquire,
and our achievement motivation. Identity-safe classrooms
foster belonging and value for students of all backgrounds.

Throughout my years of schooling I have encountered

many teachers. I firmly believe that teachers play a strong
role in our learning. A good teacher helps a lot more than a
bad one. For example, a good teacher can help motivate a
student, while a bad one can discourage a student.
 Equitable Teaching Strategies
1. Reflect on Your Own Beliefs

Even the most well-intentioned educators may have blindspots. Understanding

your own positionality, or the circumstances that create your identity in terms
of race, gender and ability, can help you become more conscious of issues
related to racial equity and gender equity, and help you support students in
your class.

2. Accommodate Learning Styles and Disabilities

Learning styles vary from student to student, differ between males and
females, and vary for people with disabilities. To create equity in the classroom
for everyone, here are a couple methods to try: for presentations, use
dyslexia-friendly fonts; read test instructions aloud, even if they appear in print.

3. Examine your teaching materials

Always think about what books are being read aloud and the message being
sent. Ensure that all students see themselves in the books read, as well as can
identify with the characters and problem.
 Ways to Proactively Build an Inclusive
Learning Space
1. Embrace Students’ Diversity
We must value and embrace diversity (ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, language, socioeconomic backgrounds).
2. Encourage Student Interactions
Provide opportunities for students to meet and connect with each other. The
goal is that our students will have thoughtful interactions and conversations
with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
3. Be aware of the specific needs of every child in your class
For a truly inclusive classroom, get to know all of your children (e.g., students
that have Special Educational Needs, Free and Reduced Lunch, those in foster
care, English Language Learners, as well as children are from the particularly
vulnerable communities).
4. Cultivate an all-for-one, one-for-all vibe
Though the students in your classroom may have diverse needs, it’s important
for them to realize that every person there is valued.
MOTTO: “We all give, and get, support.”
 Conclusion
All in all, I have learned that the most effective way to build
an inclusive learning environment comes from forming
meaningful connections with the students. Every aspect of
learning environments should aim to be inclusive, safe, and
purposeful. A more responsive learning environment
ensures that all are welcomed, supported, and engaged.
Every learner should be a part of a community where they
feel valued and where they have equal access to learn.

Everyone deserves to be included, always!