diversity bill hatch, m.a., j.d., nc dpi adapted from debra osborn ncda career developments spring...

Diversity

Bill Hatch, M.A., J.D., NC DPI

Adapted from Debra OsbornNCDA Career DevelopmentsSpring 2012

Recognizing Diversity and the Student’s Needs

The reality is that we live in a more diverse world, which will keep changing, and we need to be

prepared to meet the individual uniqueness of our students.

Stretch your understanding of diversity

• Differences may include:– age, chronic illness, cognitive ability,

criminal records, disability, education, education of parents, ethnicity, family status, gender, graphic location, home life, language, literacy, mental health, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status

• Get to know the student and integrate that understanding into strategies for instruction.

Reflect on your own biases, stereotypes, and assumptions

• Each of us has been shaped by their own life experiences– How does this affect the way we view

others?– What can we do?

Listen to your students’ stories

• Take time to understand your students’ self/school/community/world view.

• How will that impact their school/career concerns?

• Ensure that you don’t impose your own biases and beliefs.

Recognize possible systemic barriers to school and

workplace

• Be aware of potential issues that may arise in course or future job.

Take a “hope-centered” approach

• Research shows that optimism was the single best predictor of both career success and job satisfaction.

• Fostering optimism and building hope for the future.

• Not False hope or optimism, not unrealistic or unattainable projections for future.

• Engage in esteem-building focus on strengths.

Developing a more diverse workforce

Questions

Bill Hatch

NC DPI CTE

919-807-3872

william.hatch@dpi.nc.gov