Diversity and Learning Environments

As classroom leaders, teachers have many opportunities to encourage everyone to respect people of all backgrounds and abilities, and promote a positive classroom environment that supports learning and decreases disruptive behavior. Teachers should reflect on their own values and beliefs in order to understand any underlying effects these beliefs may have on their instruction and interaction styles with students. Such awareness can help teachers be more objective, have more empathy and understanding of others, and set the tone for a respectful and cooperative learning environment.