Multicultural education is practiced when teachers recognize the different races, ethnicities, genders, exceptionalities, and social classes present in their student body and not only incorporate these diverse qualities into the daily lessons, but also tailor the lessons to meet the different learning styles of each of their students. In addition, teachers should strive to promote the understanding and tolerance of different cultures within their schools so that, as the students mature and venture into the “real world,” they will be capable of interacting successfully with everyone they meet.

To represent my views and several of the twelve basic principles of multicultural education, I chose to create a picture of a large tree in my computer’s paint program. The picture is done in varying shades of green to represent the peace and harmony that will hopefully develop as our society becomes more culturally aware of those around us. The roots of the tree symbolize the idea that as human beings, we are all essentially the same in terms of not only our basic survival needs, but also in our values. We all need food, water, and protection to survive, but as Principle Seven suggests, we also share the same desires for values such as justice, equality, freedom, peace, compassion, and charity.

The leaves on the tree represent the many different students that we will have throughout our careers as teachers. Just as we all develop in our own way, each leaf looks different from those around it. Each leaf also occupies a unique position on the tree and thereby has a special and unique view of the world. Our students will likewise be raised in families with diverse cultural practices, varying opinions, and different social statuses. They will, in turn, bring these ideas and experiences with them into the classroom. It is then the teacher’s responsibility, as Principle Eight suggests, to help kids learn the social skills needed to interact with one another so that each child will learn to respect and value his classmates.

Although each of the leaves in the painting is in a different position on the tree, each leaf would still need the same nourishment to flourish to its full potential. Children are the same in that they all, no matter what their background, need access to a good education to grow and succeed in life. As Principle Two suggests, “schools should ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to learn and meet high standards” (Banks). In addition, just as the nutrients in a tree take different paths to reach each leaf, teachers must use a variety of teaching methods in their classrooms to ensure that they are effectively meeting the academic needs of all of their students (Principle Twelve).

Multicultural education can have a number of meanings to teachers and educators around the globe. No matter how this movement is carried out, however, the most important aspect of multicultural education is simply ensuring that students learn to respect and value their own culture and the cultures of those around them. Understanding this principle will most surely result in our nation becoming much more tolerant and appreciative of everything our neighbors throughout the world have to offer.

January, 2009

Article Reference

Banks, J. A. (2001). Diversity within unity: Essential principles for teaching and learning in a multicultural society. New Horizons for Learning.  Accessed on January 25, 2009 from http:// www.newhorizons.org/ strategies/ multicultural/ banks.htm

A is for Arkansas
           Born and Raised. My grandparents on both sides of my
           family moved to Northwest Arkansas in the 1950s.

B is for Bilingual
           English is my dominant language, but I am also fluent
           in Spanish. I have studied Spanish for nine years and
           minored in it in college.

C is for Caucasian
           My family and I are very fair complexioned. We invest
           heavily in sunscreen!

D is for Democratic
           I believe that all people should be treated fairly and
           afforded the same equal rights. I strive to follow this
           principle everyday with my students in the classroom.

E is for European-American
           My ancestry is mainly from Europe. My grandfather is
           full-blood Swedish, as my last name suggests.

F is for Family
           My family and I are very close and absolutely love
           spending time with each other. It is their unconditional love
           and support that have shaped me into the confident and
           content person I am today.

G is for Grateful
           I am so blessed: wonderful family, amazing friends,
           good health, nice home. Who could ask for more?

H is for Happy
           I believe in always looking on the bright side. Life is so
           much more fun when you are positive!

I is for Initiative
           I want to be successful in life; therefore, I set high goals
           for myself and strive to do my very best when meeting
           those goals.

J is for Jesus
           I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins
           so that I can have a place in Heaven when I die. This
           understanding unquestionably defines how I live my life
           in terms of my actions and the values that I consider
           significant.

K is for Kindness
           I try to be thoughtful and compassionate to those around
           me by following the golden rule, “Treat others as you
           would like to be treated.”

L is for Lady
           My mother taught me that good manners, a well-kempt
           appearance, and polite speech are all traits of a classy
           lady. I try to practice these qualities everyday.

M is for Miss
           Not yet a Mrs. Maybe someday . . . .

N is for Novice
           I am still in the process of learning how to be a successful
           and effective social studies teacher.

O is for Organization
           An absolute necessity for teachers and students alike,
           considering the hundreds of papers that pass through our
           hands each week.

P is for Piano Player
           I started taking lessons in the fourth grade and still play
           today. I wish that I could say that I was better at it . . . .

Q is for Quiet
           I prefer to listen to what others have to say, rather than
           clamoring to be the center of attention.

R is for Red Head
           I have yet to find someone with exactly the same hair color
           as me. My hair is a defining feature of my individuality.

S is for Summa Cum Laude
           I graduated from the University of Arkansas with Highest
           Honors in History. Academic excellence is really important
           to me.

T is for Teacher
           I cannot imagine a more rewarding career! I am so excited
           to have my own classroom and to share my love of history
           with my future students.

U is for Upper Middle Class
           My family successfully started and ran a business for over
           40 years.

V is for Viah
           An Indian name shared by my grandmother, my mother,
           and me.

W is for World Traveler
           My travels around the world have opened my eyes to the
           unique cultures that exist around us. This has made me
           much more understanding and appreciative of my students’
           backgrounds and dedicated to including more racially
           diverse content in my social studies classroom.

X is for Xenophobia
           I hope that as a social studies teacher, I can educate my
           students to be more globally aware, thereby doing a small
           part in helping to reduce the xenophobia within our country.

Y is for Youthful
           At the tender age of twenty-three, I know that I have yet to
           experience many of the moments that so often define a
           person’s life. I believe that experience and wisdom come
           with age and I am looking forward to growing older and
           gaining new insights.

Z is for Zest
           No matter what the task, I try to perform it with enthusiasm.
           I hope that I can encourage my students to do the same so
           that they will experience a full and enjoyable life.

February 27, 2009

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