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   Each of Banks’ five standards and many of the principles are represented in my Multicultural Logo. As a future English teacher and emerging professional, I believe that multicultural literature opens doors to view and understand many walks of life, oftentimes through the eyes of minorities in the United States. Beginning with the first standard and principle, I believe that teachers need to be aware of multicultural and ethnic authors and literature, and they need to educate themselves about the “younger” walks of life that are now written about with increasing popularity. Therefore, I have included the following novels in my MC logo: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Many other standards and principles are represented by this selection of literature. The novels at the center of the logo represent principles three, six, eight, and nine. The characters survive racism and stereotyping to negotiate their place in American society. These situations need to be discussed in the classroom, along with what was occurring in the history of America at the time. Reading and discussion of the literature in the classroom is intended to reflect the character’s (and author’s) personal experiences, cultures, and the economic context in which they live and work. Discussion is also intended to help students learn about stereotyping and other related biases, while discovering shared values and beliefs. Working through the literature in the curriculum will provide the opportunity to acquire the necessary social skills to interact effectively with a variety of other students, not only within the school but via the teacher as a facilitator. The MC logo also contains four suns spread over the open book that rests on the top of the stack to represent tolerance, acceptance, and respect for many cultures, backgrounds, and languages. From left to right is an Egyptian sun, the Chinese symbol for sun, a Native American sun, and an African tribal sun. Metaphorically, the suns were intended to represent the continual birth of a new day in learning and education, just by opening a book. Lastly, for the school governance, organization and equity standard, principle eleven for equitable funding is represented by a dollar that is stretched in the folds of the open book at the top of the stack of books. The dollar (or hint of one) is metaphorically intended to stretch over many schools, fairly and equally. As for the final principle of assessment, a pencil and paint can were intended to represent multiple ways that students can relay complex cognitive and social skills in ways that are culturally sensitive. January 30, 2009  I am someone who....
Has Always been an English speaker; however, has tried to learn many other languages.
Believes that everyone can succeed in life and learn new things. You just half to find what you love.
Is a Catholic who doesn’t feel devoted, but tries to go to Mass every Sunday.
Someone who is Determined to reach all of my students and cares to meet their needs.
Of European-American descent; whose ancestors emigrated before the turn of the twentieth century.
Family oriented, but only as it pertains to the household. No uncles, aunts, or cousins, please.
Genuinely respects others actions, beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds and is proud to be a member of an accepting community.
Hurt that gays and lesbians aren’t afforded the same opportunities as breeders.
Is an American, but questions the direction that the United States is headed, especially concerning the government’s response to education.
Judges and fears the unknown, but jumps head first into new experiences anyway.
Has been raised to believe that Knowledge truly is power and hopes that I can share mine and my students’ knowledge with many classes for many years.
Learns from what my students tell me and has learned how to monitor and adjust.
Is decidedly Middle class, but have always felt much lower than that.
Is No longer single, so that I must be squeezed into the married tax bracket.
Has learned from my mother to give my Opinion when necessary and learned from my father to listen attentively.
Is a Pole or Polish, but not a Pollack.
Questions the norm and would fight for those who are voiceless and helpless.
Is a Reader, who strives to learn as much as I can. Whenever, where ever.
Is not a Southerner, but someone who desperately clings to growing up on the beaches of California.
Is a Teacher, emerging in the service sector of my community; happy, content, but still a statistic.
Is Unemployed, except sporadically when substituting; however, will fear that I will continually be unemployed.
Vies for my students’ attention, therefore seeks information, examples, and illustrations that serve the few and the many.
Is a Woman, but disappointed that I’m not more. Being a feminist would make me happier.
Used to be an eXceptional musician, but has since given that dream up a long time ago.
Is Young at heart, but growing older. Continuously caught between responsibility and immaturity.
Is overZealous and tenacious and strives to do a good job, for my teachers, my colleagues, and my students.
February 27, 2009 
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