Policy related to diverse related issues are a sensitive matter, which can be addressed accordingly, while using your ideology in educating learning students. We as teachers need to have an open mind when it comes to teaching multicultural perspectives in the classroom, in order to prevent culture misappropriation. As teachers, we have the responsibility, which is an important one I may add, to decolonize our classrooms by inviting diversity into the classroom. Whether it is guest speakers, multimedia resources, or international texts, we need to address that diversity is not to be ignored, and assumed that students will eventually understand misappropriation when it comes to diversity. In fact, multicultural perspectives in Social Studies are considered to become a “colour-blind” free zone, as discussed by Carla Peck. Canadian citizens can no longer believe that underneath our skin color we are “all the same”, as it is stated that “what we don’t know can hurt me”. I stand alongside this statement. As individuals, we should not be seen or identified by through race or the color of our skin. We all can be viewed by our cultural beliefs or traditions, but as knowledgeable individuals with different ethnic views. This does not mean that we are all the same, but we can come together, as Canadian citizens, to create a true diverse Nation. One way for us, as educators, to teach this to our students is to make them aware that the differences which make us ethnically diverse creates multiple perspectives when it comes to curriculum. Giving students the chance to look through different world views can create multiple critical lenses for students, which ultimately means critical thinking and learning in each subject.
Curriculum development in all subject areas states that the principles of anti racism equity “should equip all students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours needed to live and work effectively in an increasingly diverse world, and encourage them to appreciate diversity and reject discriminatory attitudes and behaviour.” I also agree with this statement, as in my own experiences, I was often judged based on looks before knowledge. Prejudice and bias opinions creates a stigma among minorities, which leads to the inability or lack of desire to explore outside of the boundaries that have been created. Being appreciated and appreciating diversity in and out of the classrooms creates new knowledge when it comes to ethnic diversity and understanding that having different opinions is okay. As a teacher, attending workshops hosted by the school board is mandatory, as re learning anti-oppression in the workplace creates new resources that can be incorporated into lessons for your students. Setting standards and living these standards creates new development into curriculum, and lived curriculum. The more you learn, the more you understand what you teach, the more you will believe in your own teachings, so teach what is right and all will fall into place, as you grow.
