Dealing with Different Cultures

In my discussions with principals around the country, there was a question that was quite often asked, in one form or another, in teacher interviews.  Administrators expressed to me the fact that in today’s pluralistic society, teachers need to be aware of the many faces they will see in their classrooms and the ways in which those children can be informed and ways in which they (and their culture) can be celebrated. 

     Describe how you will deal with different cultures in your classroom.

     A:   Good teachers are always sensitive to their students’ cultural backgrounds.  They respect students’ languages, customs, traditions, and beliefs.  They never make fun of students who are different, but rather celebrate these new opportunities for enriching the learning experiences of all children.  One of the most effective ways of doing that, I’ve discovered, is through the use of relevant children’s literature.  Reading books about people from different cultures, developing units about customs and traditions in various parts of the world, and exposing students to the beliefs and ways of immigrants from various parts of the world with literature can be some of the most effective ways of helping students understand and appreciate the multicultural world we live in.  I had the unique opportunity to develop and teach a thematic unit on multicultural literature while in student teaching…and I’ll never forget it!

Demonstrate (with specific details) how you have been part of this process.  Let the interviewer know that you are excited about the possibility of working in a diverse classroom.  You'll be sending a very positive message...one sure to help you rise above the competition.