Renée Otero
Director of Diversity and Library Media Center Director
One-third of the School’s faculty, staff, and administrators filled the library in mid-August to spend three days deepening their understanding of educating a diverse student body. This first-ever Diversity Forum consisted of a series of workshops facilitated by an impressive group of diversity professionals who presented on their areas of expertise.
Highlights
Tarah Fleming kicked off the Diversity Forum with an engaging series of activities that demonstrated meaningful and fun ways to bring the discussion of inclusion and identity into the classroom or advisory.
A panel of psychologists, facilitated by entering kindergarten parent, Susan Wilkens, discussed how students of color navigate social and academic environments while moving through adolescent identity formation.
Al Gonzales, former SFDS Breakthrough director and fifth grade teacher, discussed cultural gaps between teachers and students. He then created a discussion space for participants to explore differences and discover places to connect.
Reflections
During the first work week, a panel of faculty and staff who participated in the Diversity Forum shared what they had learned at an all-school faculty meeting. All the panelists, whether they had extensive diversity training or were brand new to this work, felt that the forum had a significant impact on them and raised their awareness as members of a diverse community. Following are some comments about the forum taken from participant evaluation forms:
- It provided insight into the student’s point of view as well as a look at the relationship between teacher and student. Everything was relevant, accessible, and really applicable.
- Fabulous presentation and information. It challenged and also affirmed what I already do.
- It opened my eyes as a teacher and also encouraged me to look back at my experience as a student of color in a white school.
- Loved the insight to practical strategies we can use as teachers to make sure all students can find connections and feel safe.
- Great to hear it from a teacher (from SFDS, no less!) Great insight on how kids perceive themselves around roles in the classroom.
As multicultural youth continue to be the fastest growing population in our country and our school (over 50% in the incoming kindergarten class), it is vital that as educators we know how to reach all students. The Diversity Forum is one way we support diversity.
How do you support diversity in our community?
