Culturally Responsive Teaching
Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Teaching (CRT) is a commitment to adapting educational practices for the benefit of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. It aims to not only address demographic gaps in student achievement, but also to celebrate and affirm the rich cultural identities within a diverse student body. At its core, CRT demands introspection, the forging of psychologically safe student-teacher relationships, and the integration of inclusive pedagogical practices.
For educators, CRT initiates a journey of self-cultivation. This transformative process begins with a courageous examination of our biases and the biases ingrained in educational systems. We must recognize that our consciousness is shaped by our culture, laying the foundation for understanding the cultures of others. Uncomfortable as it may be, we must excavate our judgments, beliefs, assumptions, and biases, both personal and cultural. Culture, often camouflaged as "normal," permeates our actions imperceptibly. Our students bring diverse cultures, unique from ours, and no culture is universal. This calls for a consciousness shift, embedding ourselves in our students' contexts and building ties with their communities and work with, rather than against, our students’ backgrounds.
Recognition of our own and our students' cultures enables the creation of psychologically safe student-teacher relationships. In environments where students feel safe to express their multifaceted identities, learning becomes personal and applicable beyond school.
To foster this safety, we must embrace and affirm students' identities, rejecting assimilationist views. CRT sees students as inherently brilliant contributors to valuable cultures, working to amplify their strengths. We affirm identities by acknowledging intersectionality, valuing cultural community wealth, appreciating diverse funds of knowledge, and embracing asset-based instruction.
In the role of a warm demander, teachers become allies in the student's quest for independent learning. Expressing commitment, care, and friendliness, teachers also set high standards, believing in the excellence of every child. In collectivist, community-based home cultures, trust and relationships form the bedrock of all endeavors. Teachers must construct robust, psychologically safe spaces where students can authentically express themselves, fostering a foundation for holistic growth. This is the essence of CRT – a transformative journey fostering inclusivity, understanding, and excellence.
In the classroom…
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