1. Definition of Culture:
Culture can be defined as the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a
group of people. It incorporates the way individuals within a particular group or society think, act, and interact with one another. Culture is not restricted to nationality or ethnicity but can also include factors
like religion, language, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and more. It forms people's perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors, and it is often passed down from generation to generation.
2. Intersection of Cultural Identity with the Role of an Educator:
An educator's cultural identity and background play a significant role in shaping their teaching approach and interactions with students. Here are some key points on how cultural identity intersects with the role of an educator. As an educator and black woman, I believe that I am often more in touch with the needs and perspectives of students from similar backgrounds. Additionally, because of my experiences being in a minority group in school, I am inclined to produce a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all students. I believe being a minority and demographic that has often been demeaned based on cultural bias and stereotypes has made me especially keen on promoting cultural awareness. Cultural awareness can help
educators design curricula and teaching methods that are culturally responsive. This means considering the cultural backgrounds of students and incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum.
My cultural background also plays a role as it relates to my notion that representation in classrooms is so important. As a student I did not have a teacher of color until I was in 7
th
grade, nor did I feel that my culture was acknowledged. I think it is important to, at some point, have teachers that have similar backgrounds as you, but even more importantly, teachers should make it a point to highlight and include
cultural differences and apply them regularly to content. For example, we are currently working on mythology and our book only places emphasis on Greek Mythology, however, there are large demographic of EL students who are more familiar with myths from their culture. Instead of ONLY forcing Greek mythology on them, I integrated the myths that they are familiar with and taught the same skills. In summary, an educator's cultural identity can influence their teaching style, approach, and effectiveness in creating an inclusive learning environment. Being aware of one's cultural background and its potential impact on teaching is essential for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
