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When I was growing up, most of my friends were a lot like me. We looked a lot alike, lived in similar neighborhoods and rarely questioned the racial and cultural uniformity that was the fabric of our lives. This isn’t to say that my high school lacked all diversity. Like many high schools, our student population was fairly segregated, and I stuck with the group where I felt most comfortable. It wasn’t until college that I experienced some authentic diversity, developed friendships with people who were different from me, and began to recognize how isolated I had been in high school.

My ninth-grade Spanish students resisted my assignment to write about their cultures. “My family doesn’t have any cultural traditions,” one said. “My culture is that I’m just normal,” added another. “I don’t have a culture,” said another.

This English teacher picked up a few tips for connecting with students. It’s all about how you speak.

Culturally responsive teaching is really about building relationships and validating students. Ensuring the academic success of students takes care and a little tough love.

The parent-teacher relationship doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few ways to make the process easier.

It’s not too late to put the best practices into place for honoring Black History Month in February and throughout the year.

Educators at this school find that their book club helps build the teacher community and provides a vehicle for support when needed.

When a student has trouble connecting with his new class, the icebreaker can be a book, family photo or picture that connects the child to his personal history and offers an opportunity to share.

Writing poetry is an excellent way for students to explore identity and find meaning and value in everyday experiences.

Maybe you’re thinking texting has no place in the classroom. This teacher found some practical applications.