Finding Joy in Teaching Students of Diverse Backgrounds: Culturally Responsive and Socially Just Practices in U.S. Classrooms

Sonia Nieto brings the heart back in teaching. I especially enjoyed chapter 4 "If I haven't Taught Them How to Be Good People, That's Failure" Nieto’s chapter was interesting because it touched on topics not addressed in our common core standards: ethics and morals. Teaching ethical and moral behavior not only by showing/modeling, but infusing it in the curriculum. I totally agree that exclusive focus on standardized tests has taken over education, (p. 48). Where is the personal connection in just learning for the test? I totally agree with Carmen, one of the teachers in the chapter, when she stressed we have to love our students unconditionally, no matter what they bring into the classroom (p. 48). She also went on to say you tell them you love them. I do so with my students, and I have found more harmony in the classroom, more compliments given to peers, and they tell me they love me back! Nieto’s chapter gave me more hope as a white teacher. I read many excerpts on white teachers who are culturally responsive to their diverse population of students. One quote that really resonated with me from the Nieto chapter was on defining culturally responsive pedagogy. Culturally responsive pedagogy “is not a set of strategies to use with students of a particular background but rather a mindset that respects and honors students’ cultures, experiences, and histories and finds ways to include them in the curriculum. Culturally responsive teaching affirms students’ identities and at the same time expands their world; it respects and admires student and their communities and holds high expectations for them,” (p. 53).

Wonderful text for all teachers to read! Although chapters can feel redundant at times, this is a good tool to refer to if you want to find motivation and spark new ideas to implement in the classroom to meet the needs of diverse groups of students. Nieto brings to light exemplary stories of culturally responsive teachers who take pride in their work and showcases the small differences they make in their teaching that have profound impacts on their students’ lives. I want to highlight Chapter 3 titled, “It’s Whom You Teach, Not Just What You Teach.” This chapter embraces the idea that teaching is an act of love and emphasizes the importance of seeing each student as a child who has potential regardless of their background, race, color, identity, etc. It requires teachers to care, provide an environment to foster humanity, to be a positive role model, and to truly get to know each of their students. Overall, I recommend this book to any and all teachers. It is an easy read and addresses some important issues that are currently polluting the educational system today.

Sonia Nieto writes about what it means to be culturally responsive-- going further in that she is really talking about ”Culturally Responsive Teaching”. That is a pedagogy that recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning. Very close to the idea of Culturally responsive is something she talks about which is called “Culturally relevant teaching”: This is a pedagogy grounded in teachers' displaying cultural competence: Further, in her excellent quote from Chapter 10 she states: "If teachers are to be effective with students of diverse backgrounds, they must be knowledgeable about, and attuned to, their students backgrounds, cultures, and experiences and know how to incorporate them with their curriculum and pedagogy.", I fully enjoy her book and recommend it for all teachers.

This text should be required reading for aspiring teachers and needs to be added to the professional development itinerary at each school! It has important information on how teaching is activism that requires empathy and a conscious, deliberate understanding of diversity. It also has some great tips from other educators with inspiring ideas. This book shines positive light on teaching in times when the profession can feel shrouded in darkness.

It is amazing how she develops a detailed guide and awareness on learning and teaching students of diverse backgrounds. She expresses great insight on the social justice perspective(s) and approach(s). Along with this, in chapter 2, she has concise and realistic ways on professional development and struggles that educators face and how they can be valued and evaluated through more productive ways. I personally feel that this book was great, and made me reflect on current social issues. It is a motivator and eye opener into diverse teaching.-Edith

It's an inspirational book, but all the chapters are pretty similar. You'll get the point quickly: be culturally-aware and if you don't love teaching (or kids) then get out of the profession. Sonia interviewed a bunch of exemplary teachers and those interviews make up the content of the book.

As a teacher of adult immigrants from all over the world, understanding the needs of diverse students is essential to being able to bridge the gap between American cultures and theirs. Nieto has done it again with a book that instructs in cultural competence, curriculum reform, and all that is required to raise awareness is students to create a positive classroom environment that maximizes learning for all students.

I've only read the first couple of chapters so far for a course I am currently taking. I can't wait to read the rest and will try to update when I can.