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