DearAnxiousTeacher

Teaching with diversity! How you doing?? This is an important topic because your classroom will have students from multiple backgrounds and cultures. When I taught in Brooklyn, I was the only Caucasian person in the class. Even to this day, a majority of my students come from Central and South America, the Caribbean. I remember a student asking me why I couldn’t find a job on Long Island—you know, way out in the suburbs; it bothered me for a moment. You may not represent the cultures and races of your students. You may feel inadequate because you aren’t the same race as your students. You might have to work a little extra to build relationships and trust with your students. Don’t let that bother you, because an outstanding teacher is an outstanding teacher. Here are the following tips to teach in a multicultural classroom: 1. Research and learn about the cultures of your students. 2. Invite cultural projects, readings, and lessons into your class. 3. Spend time in the community, attend...

It’s the end of the school year: warmer mornings, cool spring air, summer fever gaining momentum, and student motivation waning. Welcome to the end—you made it, be proud of yourself. This time of year, you may question your sanity. You're out of patience and your tolerance is gone. Looking forward to that big 10 week break keeps your optimism alive while you eagerly cross off the remaining days. At this time of year, consider what went well and what you can change for the following school year. Implementing new procedures, especially if they are drastic or large, should wait until the new school year. This time of year consider these ideas: 1) give students more autonomy with project based learning 2) create group learning assignments 3) have students public speak 4) game based learning 5) social-emotional learning reflections 6) class award/party days 7) movie days with an assignment attached 8) fun activities that build community these final few weeks. I am currently having the s...