Modeling a Culturally Responsive Mindset

To address the rapidly changing cultural demographic of the United States, educator preparation programs must guide future teachers to create welcoming and equitable classroom communities that establish diverse cultural contexts as the norm and address culture not as an add-on but infused in natural, authentic ways throughout the school year. This chapter provides a rationale for implementing culturally responsive pedagogy by addressing the concept of cultural competence and then offering strategies for creating a welcoming classroom that recognizes and values the whole child and creates an overall positive school culture that promotes inclusion and fosters success for all. Moreover, the chapter addresses the importance of modeling dispositions at the EPP level for normalizing culturally responsive practices so that preservice and beginning teachers will naturally and routinely recognize and employ strategies that make all students feel seen, embraced, and worthy.