Culturally Responsive Teaching

Learn more about how to use students’ customs, characteristics, experience, and perspectives as tools for better classroom instruction

Explainer

conceptual illustration of a classroom with colorful roots growing beneath the surface under the teacher and students
What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
Here's what it means to be a culturally responsive teacher and where critical race theory ties in—or not.
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Equity & Diversity Video A Native Community Revitalized a Language. Here’s How a School District Carries It On
Native students' well-being and grad rates improve when they're exposed to their cultural languages. How one district is making that happen.
Kaylee Domzalski, June 9, 2023
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4 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion The Big Questions Teachers Are Asking Themselves Right Now
Teachers have lots of questions, chief among them why there's such a mismatch between teacher-prep and school district needs.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 7, 2023
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12 min read
Image of a mother working on homework with her son.
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Mathematics What Parents Say Would Make Math Class More Relevant
Parents agreed that their children would be more likely to succeed in math classes that are relevant and engaging.
Evie Blad, April 21, 2023
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3 min read
Photo of student reading.
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Reading & Literacy Using a Curriculum Rich in Arts, History, and Science Led to Big Reading Improvements
Students taught using the approach outperformed those in other schools, a new study finds.
Sarah Schwartz, April 11, 2023
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6 min read
This May 8, 1964 file photo shows Linda Brown Smith standing in front of the Sumner School in Topeka, Kan. The refusal of the public school to admit Brown in 1951, then nine years old, because she is black, led to the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the "separate but equal" clause and mandated that schools nationwide must be desegregated.
This May 8, 1964 file photo shows Linda Brown Smith standing in front of the Sumner School in Topeka, Kan. The refusal of the public school to admit Brown in 1951, then nine years old, because she is black, led to the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the "separate but equal" clause and mandated that schools nationwide must be desegregated.
AP Photo
Equity & Diversity Educational Inequality: 4 Moments in History That Explain Where We Are Today
A new Columbia University report highlights how inequality was embedded in the creation of public education in the United States.
Ileana Najarro, March 20, 2023
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5 min read
Tue., March 07, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
School & District Management Webinar How Culturally Responsive Leadership Leads to Student Success
Discover how to create a learning environment where all students feel valued and supported, and how to accelerate learning for English learners and students of color.
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March 7, 2023
Two diverse teachers at a table in a library reviewing materials
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English Learners Professional Development Tips for Supporting English Learners
Many teachers aren't well prepared to work with English learners. PD can help fill that knowledge gap.
Ileana Najarro, February 28, 2023
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5 min read
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Teaching Opinion Gholdy Muhammad Champions 'Unearthing Joy' in Her New Book
The esteemed educator explains the importance of bringing joy into the classroom and incorporating it into the curriculum.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 1, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Build a Culturally Responsive Community of Writers
Acclaimed educators Gholdy Muhammad and Marie Moreno share insights into reaching all students in the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 1, 2022
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of culturally diverse people
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Curriculum Are These ELA Programs Culturally Responsive? (And Who Gets to Decide, Anyway?)
Reviewers said the materials present one-sided narratives and use dehumanizing language to refer to characters of color.
Sarah Schwartz, October 26, 2022
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8 min read
Diverse elementary students sitting in a circle and talking to a Black male teacher.
E+/Getty
Teaching Profession Q&A Award-Winning Teachers Are Pushing Back Against Attacks on 'Honest Education'
They plan to host conversations, educate school boards, and write op-eds about why affirming, culturally responsive classrooms matter.
Madeline Will, October 24, 2022
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Teachers, Be Brave in the Face of Unjust Laws
Particularly in these politically fraught times, all students need to be exposed to literature that invites diverse perspectives.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 19, 2022
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9 min read
Equity & Diversity Spotlight Spotlight on Equity in Education
This Spotlight will empower you with insights for promoting DE&I, an analysis of the challenges facing advancements in equity, and more.

October 17, 2022
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 10 Ways to Foster a More Culturally Responsive English Class
Start by uncovering your own biases and making students feel safe.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 17, 2022
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15 min read
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