Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2021

Degree Type

Capstone - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Instructor/Advisor

Audrey Falk

Second Advisor

Melissa Nemon

Abstract

The U.S. population is becoming more diverse with researchers projecting that minorities will be the majority by 2030. These trends are reflected within the education system; however, the racial makeup of educators and whiteness of teacher preparatory programs is not representative of the students, posing educational gaps for all and prompting researchers and educators to investigate best teaching practices. Culturally responsive teaching is a teaching practice in which the educator is aware of the different cultures and identities within and outside of their classroom, incorporates diversity into the curriculum, and challenges Eurocentric values being upheld by traditional education models. Despite the benefits of culturally responsive teaching, there are barriers to implementing such practices within the classroom. The conference Race and Culturally Responsive Teaching aimed to educate educators and child practitioners on culturally responsive teaching practices, implementation, comfortability, and how to have conversations with colleagues, parents, and students about diversity. The results of the conference confirmed that teachers are willing and want to incorporate diversity within their classroom curriculum but feel as if they need more explicit teaching on how to do so and are apprehensive due to parental pushback and reprisal.

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