Shelley Weachter

Diversity Profile
10/24/13
Word Count: 780
Did you know that 68 percent of students that attend Harrisonburg High
School are considered economically disadvantaged? This fact seems completely
absurd to me, more than two thirds of the students are experiencing poverty firsthand. My research included many surprising statistics, causing me to realize the
spectrum of students I have been in contact with. Each student has a different
talent, a different background, and a different story; it will be my job as a teacher to
help students develop and continue their stories and surpassing the expectations
placed upon them.
Looking at the data, it is not difficult to see that the odds are not necessarily
in favor of the students at HHS. Many are impoverished and 40 percent of the
students are not proficient in English. This puts them at a disadvantage in
comparison to wealthier students, who are maybe more able to have the needed
resources to succeed. Although there are physical qualities that separate the
children, they all have high levels of potential. When in comparison of Harrisonburg
to Virginia as a whole, Harrisonburg residents have a smaller income, are less
proficient in English, and are made up of more immigrants.
Keeping all these facts in mind, the pedagogy in an urban school will differ
from a rural school because often times the students have a different focus.
Although their focuses differ, all students in the end have the same goal, success.
Success comes in various packages, some big, some small. No matter how the
student views success, the teacher is there to help them reach it. In all scenarios,
communication with families is very important because if a student is not supported
at home, he or she must rely solely on themselves. A teacher should not only
communicate the problems of the student but also his or her accomplishments to
the parents. Also family members can be an incredible resources in learning about
the child. More specific to low income areas, a teacher should use the best available
resources for the students so they will feel valued and trusted. When given
responsibility, most likely, the student will become responsible. If a poverty stricken
youth believes that no one trusts him with quality goods, he will become
untrustworthy and fulfill the self-fulfilling prophecy placed upon him. Self-fulfilling
prophecies can also play a part with respect, but the first step in creating a respect
for classmates is to respect oneself. Secondly, the educator should structure
activities and the room in a way that fosters getting to know classmates. In a
diverse setting, the students could have a partner of a differing culture, in which
they work through questions together while simultaneously learning about each
other. Once they have knowledge of each other, respect is much easier to gain,
being the reason openness is key.
Through research, data analysis, and reflection, some of my views have been
altered. I previously thought knowledge about these topic would decrease my ability
to teach effectively because of unconscious biases. I now know that keeping these
facts in mind can help me eliminate these biases and stereotypes. In order to
become a culturally responsive teacher, I, first, will need to personally revaluate

what biases I adhere to and why. Once I am aware of them, I can intentionally
eliminate them altogether. In the classroom, I will be aware that issues of racism,
oppression, and sexism still exist because if I ignore them, the discrimination will
continue. Unless confronted, the patterns will remain at large. To further decrease
ignorance, I will create examples using all culture backgrounds. For instance,
instead of just making reference to Christmas, I too, will include examples with
Hanukah and Kwanza. The inclusion of multiple cultures can be very easy when an
educators actions are intentional.
Teachers are one of the most influential people in a students life. They have
the ability to not only give them the love and interest of a particular subject, but
also to help them develop personally and figure out their own story. Teachers are
considered role models by the public, but to actually be one, teachers must be
culturally responsive, knowledgeable about more than the subject matter, and
invested in the differing lives of the students.

References
City-Data.com. (2012). Harrisonburg, Virginia. [Data Set] Available from:
http://www.city-data.com/city/Harrisonburg-Virginia.html#top
Virginia Dept. of Ed. (2013) Fall membership. [Data Set] Available from:
http://bi.vita.virginia.gov/doe_bi/rdPage.aspx?
rdReport=Main&subRptName=Fallmembership
Virginia Dept. of Ed. (2011). Fall membership data- archive files. [Data Set].
Available from:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/statistics_reports/enrollment/fall_membership/arc
hive_data.shtml
Virginia Dept. of Ed. (2013). National school lunch program (NSLP) free and reduced
price eligibility
report. [Data Set]. Available from:
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/nutrition/statistics/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2013). Language use in the U.S.:2011. [Data File]. Available
from:
http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acs-22.pdf