Diversity Statement:
The modern classroom is filled with many rich, diverse cultures and students and teachers. Each of these people make up beautiful communities in our local schools. As teachers, it is our job to provide each student on our roster the best education we can without bias or prejudice. Technology can play a major role in providing equal opportunities for students regardless of socio-economic background, language ability, special education needs, or any other difference. Each year, our rosters become more diverse and we must adapt the strategies we are using to meet the needs of each learner we encounter.
In order for teachers to effectively differentiate and create meaningful lessons for diverse learners, they must be trained and equipped to understand how to effectively use technology to build bridges in the classroom and form a united community. Since I have started my journey, I have realized that the only way this can be accomplished is by schools and districts providing continuous professional development and having collaboration between teacher teams.
Since I have been at Kennesaw State University, I have been privileged enough to be taught many strategies that can help students obtain equal access to technology and all resources. In each class, we have been required not only to learn strategies about diverse learners, but also find a way to make it a part of who we are as teachers. The following experiences and projects have been most influential in my learning journey:
In order for teachers to effectively differentiate and create meaningful lessons for diverse learners, they must be trained and equipped to understand how to effectively use technology to build bridges in the classroom and form a united community. Since I have started my journey, I have realized that the only way this can be accomplished is by schools and districts providing continuous professional development and having collaboration between teacher teams.
Since I have been at Kennesaw State University, I have been privileged enough to be taught many strategies that can help students obtain equal access to technology and all resources. In each class, we have been required not only to learn strategies about diverse learners, but also find a way to make it a part of who we are as teachers. The following experiences and projects have been most influential in my learning journey:
- Leading professional development sessions for teachers on how to utilize technology to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of each learner that comes into their classroom.
- Modeling technology use for students.
- Advocating for the use of technology and technology funding in the school's strategic plan.
- Reviewing Web 2.0 tools and resources in search of bias or insensitive content.
- Retrieving, analyzing, and utlizing data to identify strengths and weaknesses in our school.
- Retrieving, analyzing, and utilizing data to identify ways to improve students success and close the achievement gap.
- Developing and implementing lesson plans that show regards for each students' background.
- Volunteering to arrive early to monitor the school computer lab, so students who do not have access at home can use the internet and get extra help with assignments.
- Educating students about different cultures as I follow the Georgia standards for 7th grade social studies.
- Sharing the impact of utilizing technology with students from diverse and low SES backgrounds.