#SchoolPR Insights Blog

Every student deserves access to education. Every student also deserves to walk into the classroom excited to learn, unhindered by the fear of judgment from peers and staff. For that reason, education isn’t just about what students learn, but how they learn, and in which environment they learn.

Teachers, you’re leading the charge. You get to choose how the classroom is run and how your students treat each other. As we head into another school year, take some time to consider how you will build diversity and inclusion into your students’ education experience.

The importance of pursuing diversity and inclusion

Education starts with a healthy classroom atmosphere. Students achieve the highest academic excellence when they have a supportive, welcoming environment to walk into every day. In order to create this environment, educators must adopt a diverse, inclusive culture in the classroom.

Here’s why diversity and inclusion are important in a classroom setting:

Students are free to embrace their identities

Aside from the curriculum, school presents an opportunity for students to learn who they are and how to express themselves. By promoting diversity and inclusion, educators can encourage students to embrace their differences, viewing them as strengths rather than weaknesses. When students have the freedom to be their true selves, they focus less on fitting in and more on excelling in their studies.

View the world from multiple perspectives

You’ve heard the saying, “There are two sides to every story.” When you think about it, there are actually many different lenses through which one can view a story. Educators who promote diversity and inclusion teach students how to look at events, both current and historical, from multiple perspectives. In doing so, students develop a greater sense of empathy for people who are different than themselves, as well as open their minds to new ideas.

Create a safe and supportive environment

In order to thrive, students must feel safe at school—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Learning environments that are steeped in diversity and inclusion teach students to accept one another for who they are, which reduces incidents of bullying and harassment while increasing respect and kindness. A diverse, inclusive culture says, “You are safe here.” This allows students to funnel their focus into learning.

Teach the values of respect and acceptance

As touched on earlier, diversity and inclusion teach many important values. When students view their differences in a positive light, they develop respect, acceptance, empathy and kindness for one another. These values go far beyond the classroom walls to help students navigate life in a healthy, productive way. While they might not realize it right now, values such as respect, acceptance, empathy and kindness will serve students well for decades to come.

How to infuse the class curriculum with diversity

It’s clear that diversity and inclusion are essential for running a successful classroom. Now, the question becomes, “What does diversity look like?” Teachers can take the first step towards diversity by re-examining their class curriculum. No matter which subject you teach, there’s always a way to put a fresh perspective on the learning material.

Use these strategies to build diversity into the curriculum:

Study literature from underrepresented voices

Embrace diversity by introducing students to literature that originates from underrepresented voices. For instance, science teachers can shine a spotlight on experiments, inventions and discoveries made by scientists who come from different backgrounds. English teachers can incorporate books and poetry written by women, people of color and authors with different socioeconomic upbringings. Go beyond the status quo to see what other great literature exists out there!

Explore different cultures and backgrounds

One of the most direct and effective ways to promote diversity is by exploring various different cultures and backgrounds through the curriculum. If you’re a social studies teacher, you could design a unit that goes “around the world” to spotlight customs and traditions from cultures that aren’t commonly discussed in the classroom. If you’re a music teacher, you could introduce your students to instruments and songs from different cultures. There’s so much to explore in the world—all you have to do is choose what to explore.

Encourage students to share their experiences

Sometimes, students can be the best teachers. Every student walks into the classroom with different backgrounds and life experiences that they alone can share with the world. Honor those experiences by creating assignments that encourage students to reflect on and express what makes them unique. This can be accomplished through essays, presentations or classroom discussions. Create space for your students to shine!

Take field trips to museums and art galleries

Diversity often involves taking students out of the classroom and into their community. Schedule field trips to museums, art galleries and historical centers, so students can come face-to-face with real artifacts and listen to talks from cultural experts. By going beyond the classroom, students learn that diversity isn’t just something they read about in textbooks. It exists in the world around them.

Create a welcoming environment for all students

Before students can learn, they have to feel welcome. An inclusive classroom environment is key for connecting students with the quality education they deserve. When students are accepted for who they are, they show up to school eager to learn and grow, uninhibited by the fear of judgment.

Educators can create a welcoming environment by following these strategies:

Establish classroom expectations from day one

It takes more than a teacher to promote diversity and inclusion. Students play a critical role in maintaining a friendly, inclusive atmosphere as well. Students are better equipped to promote an inclusive atmosphere when they understand the classroom expectations. On the first day of school, explain which behaviors you expect to see, and which behaviors you expect NOT to see. These expectations will lay the groundwork for mutual respect, kindness and inclusion.

Model inclusive behavior for the students

It’s one thing for students to know the expectations. They also need to know what those expectations look like! One of your key responsibilities as a teacher is modeling the positive, inclusive behavior you want to see in your students. Encourage students to share their experiences without judgment. Show compassion when a student is struggling. In time, your students will adopt these positive behaviors.

Ask students if they need extra support

Many times, students need help but don’t know how to ask for it. Too often, students struggle academically or emotionally without anyone taking notice. One way teachers can build an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere is by checking in with students on a regular basis, even if it seems like they’re doing fine. These regular check-ins can help teachers identify obstacles to learning, whether it’s due to disability, peers or their home life. They also provide valuable insight into how you can make the classroom more inclusive.

Make diversity and inclusion your theme this year

The responsibility of an educator goes far beyond teaching facts, formulas and information. Educators teach important life lessons as well, such as how to treat one another with kindness and respect. That’s why it’s important for educators to decide not only what students will learn, but also the environment in which they will learn. Let this be the year of diversity and inclusion!