Diversity, according to Merriam-Websters Dictionary, is the condition of having or being composed of varying elements, especially the inclusion of individuals of various races, cultures, etc in a group or company.

As an educator, with over 17 years of experience, Ive heard the word variety utilized in various contexts throughout my profession. Nevertheless, over the last 16 months or two, the significance of variety– and specifically addition– has been highlighted to Americans throughout the country, in very visible, and in some cases upsetting ways.

Throughout my profession, I have actually taught a range of grades from 1st grade to 6th grade ELA in a host of states and school districts. Presently, I am the Gifted and Talented Specialist for River Trail Elementary in Upstate South Carolina. In this function, Ive taken a fresh appearance at how I am helping to highlight the power of variety in the classroom and develop a more inclusive learning environment– particularly in the STEM fields– in which all students can see themselves as they get ready for life beyond graduation.

Over the last couple of months, Ive linked with coworkers from my past to gather actionable strategies instructors can utilize to support greater variety in the class and in their lessons, along with more inclusive knowing environments. Here are a few of the very best techniques Ive gathered:

Empower students to guide the discussion with vibrant digital content: Like most instructors, I am paid for access to many resources. My first choice, when choosing content, is the Discovery Education platform, which was just recently upgraded with a host of excellent new features. Fort Mill Schools, the district I presently work in, has a close relationship with Discovery Education (DE) and the numerous items they have offered.

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Throughout my career, I have actually taught a range of grades from 1st grade to 6th grade ELA in a host of states and school districts. In this function, Ive taken a fresh appearance at how I am helping to highlight the power of diversity in the class and build a more inclusive knowing environment– especially in the STEM fields– in which all students can see themselves as they prepare for life beyond graduation.

Joanna Barney, Gifted and Talented Specialist, Fort Mill School Districts River Trail Elementary SchoolJoanna Barney is a Talented and talented Specialist at Fort Mill School Districts River Trail Elementary School and a member of the Discovery Educator Network. She serves GT Identified trainees in grades third to 5th. She likewise functions as a STEM Leader for her designated school area. You can reach her at barneyj@fortmillschools.org

Joanna Barney, Gifted and Talented Specialist, Fort Mill School Districts River Trail Elementary SchoolJoanna Barney is a Gifted and Talented Specialist at Fort Mill School Districts River Trail Elementary School and a member of the Discovery Educator Network.