Teacher Professional Learning for Educational Equity
Written by Teaching Lab
At Teaching Lab, we are committed to doing everything possible to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. As a team mostly composed of former teachers, educators, and school leaders, we have seen firsthand how systemic racism and bias can impact students’ experiences in the classroom – and we recognize that in order for all students to have the opportunity to succeed, we must reach critical mass in achieving educational equity.
Inclusive Learning Environment
Acknowledging and addressing your own biases is the first step in achieving educational equity in the classroom. But this means that you must first recognize that you – and everyone around you – have biases. Once you recognize and accept that then you will want to ensure that your own biases don't negatively impact your students.
“Every one of us comes to the table with our own beliefs, our own biases, our own backgrounds,” said Erin Harden, Manager, Program, at Teaching Lab. “No matter what your race is, that has to be part of the practice. I am a Black woman, I was a Black woman teacher at a school that served predominately Black African Americans and brown Latinx students … I realized that – in my first year teaching – that I had biases. I had to check my own biases and grapple with that and continue to understand the ways that I was privileged that shifted my beliefs.”
We often advise teachers in our professional learning programs to reflect on their own biases and seek feedback from colleagues and students to better understand how they can create a more inclusive classroom environment.
Culturally Responsive Instruction
Acknowledging and valuing the diversity of your students and creating a learning environment that is inclusive of all cultures is a great step into providing culturally responsive instruction. We suggest incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum and provide opportunities for students to share their own cultural experiences. Teaching Lab’s professional learning services can teach strategies that are responsive to diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
We cannot overstate enough the importance of having an inclusive classroom culture in achieving educational equity. All students should feel valued and respected, regardless of their background. All students should be encouraged to have respectful communication and collaboration amongst each other, and to celebrate diversity in all its forms, and address any instances of bias or discrimination immediately.
Ongoing Professional Learning
If all of the above have been recognized and acknowledged, getting access to resources and opportunities is the next essential step for achieving educational equity in the classroom. The ultimate goal is to provide additional support and resources for students who are historically marginalized or underserved, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. The best way to do this is to commit to ongoing professional development.
Achieving educational equity in the classroom is an ongoing process that requires never-ending learning and growth. With our teacher professional learning, we can help you stay informed about the latest research and best practices in your area, and help you facilitate meaningful collaboration with colleagues.
A teacher’s firm commitment to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment will result in having all students be able to thrive, and have the opportunity to succeed – and Teaching Lab is committed to transforming teacher professional learning from the ground up to dramatically improve student outcomes.
If you’d like to partner with us or learn more about our teacher professional learning programs, contact info@teachinglab.org today.