Cultural competency—the ability to work effectively and sensitively across cultural contexts—involves learning, communicating and connecting respectfully with others regardless of differences.
Educators and other adults can help students develop their leadership skills in a variety of ways, from preparing students for formal leadership positions to supporting student-driven actions for social justice.
Educators who connect their teaching to students’ cultures, languages and heritage create classroom environments that value critical home-school relationships, affirm student identities and challenge stereotypes.
Partnerships with community organizations can help extend classroom activities, provide additional support for students’ needs and add new perspectives to teaching material—all while sending the message that communities are valuable learning resources.
When educators take the time to build and sustain engagement with students’ caregivers, they illustrate social justice in action, showing students that their identities and living situations are valuable and worthy of understanding.
Uncovering the honest history of voting rights in the U.S. is crucial to create an inclusive society and realize the democratic ideals expressed in the Constitution.