Being Responsive to Cultural Differences

This book offers educators a comprehensive look at the state of teaching in the changing cultural mix of American education. It draws skillful pictures of the challenges and opportunities facing teacher education faculty and students as well as preservice teachers.In 12 chapters, the contributors explore training and teaching from a variety of perspectives. For example, follow a minority preservice teacher as she relates her difficulties with the older, White supervisors who test her resolve to be a teacher. Hear from a white teacher in a minority classroom on the progress of cultural responsiveness in practice. Find out how educators are (or aren′t) incorporating multicultural perspectives into their curricula. This thoroughly researched volume considers the burgeoning issue of cultural responsiveness in teacher education. Contributing authors use rich descriptions and examples of how these new responses look and feel in practice. Real-life stories clarify perspectives and provide ideas on how to incorporate these lessons into teacher education courses. This volume looks at how the education of millions of students of color is affected by their nearly-always-white teachers. The chapter authors offer opinions and suggestions for teacher educators to encourage preservice teachers to construct and expand their own skills and techniques for teaching 21st century populations in ways that are culturally responsive.