Cultivating Culture

The placement school I'm in is extremely diverse. As mentioned, over 80 percent of the students are from the Middle East, India or Europe. There are many ESL students in the school and a number of new Canadians. There are several ways that the school celebrates their diversity and the most notable is the map at the front entrance of the school. On this map are stars posted on each country that is represented in the school. This map shows that the school takes pride in its diversity and students can see that map and identify with it. This map shows that within their small school community their are so many cultures, languages and religions to be celebrated. 

Beyond the map. there are many posters around the school and in the classrooms that celebrate diversity. In a science lab the student made sign "I think diversity is awesome" sign can be found hanging on the wall. In another classroom is the "wall of awesome" which has cue cards written by students talking about what makes their differences awesome. In our cohort textbook The Culturally Inclusive Educator cultural inclusiveness is addressed. The book talks about how in order to be an effective educator one must identify students needs, validate diverse culture, and advocate equitable access to education. By recognizing and celebrating the many cultures within the school, the staff are acknowledging diversity and identifying the fact that students will have different and specific needs. For this reason, the school has 2 full time ESL teachers available to their students. 

I feel the school is extremely inclusive and well aware that they must actively and purposely seek to provide an equitable education to all its students regardless of nationality, religion or race. Beyond that, the school demonstrates respect for these differences when they are publicly acknowledged and celebrated. This fact makes me proud to be apart of their school community.