Exploring Multicultural Education

Why is this important?

The School of Education recognizes that in order to be prepared for professional work in a multicultural society, future educators need to develop Multicultural Education and Human Relations skills. Human Relations refers to the ways that individuals and groups interact with each other, and the ways that future teachers understand the impact of prejudice and discrimination in society and schools. Multicultural Education is “comprehensive school reform that challenges all forms of discrimination, permeates instruction and interpersonal relations in the classroom and advances the democratic principles of social justice” (Nieto, 1998).

Education is an “interpersonal" and "intercultural" profession

Becoming a teacher means developing the art and skill of interacting with, motivating, inspiring and respecting others. Excellent teachers have the ability to interact effectively across diverse racial, cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic, gender, and ability groups. In cultivating these interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, you will learn about how your own background and culture shapes your thinking and actions as a teacher.

Our schools reflect both the democratic ideals and the inequalities of our society

Education in the United States presents future teachers with a unique contradiction: while our nation strives toward the ideals of justice and equality for all in a multicultural society, our schools continue to reflect the social and economic inequalities which challenge these important democratic ideals. If you are considering a career in Education, it is essential not only to develop interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, but also to learn about the relationships between groups within our society and how historical, political and economic relationships between groups influence teaching and learning in every classroom.

Multicultural Education leads to academic excellence

Multicultural Education and Human Relations skills are important aspects of effective teaching and learning across all subject and certification areas. Expanding awareness, knowledge and skills in these areas positively impacts the social and psychological development of children as well as their academic achievement. It creates a positive and inclusive classroom environment and school community leading to academic excellence and high expectations for all children.

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