My Working Definition of Multicultural Education

I believe that multicultural education is a process by which students learn a deeper respect for the different aspects and qualities in everyone. Students learn not only how and why we are each different, but they are able to respect the differences and others and be proud of the uniqueness in themselves. More importantly, I believe that multicultural education goes much deeper than curriculum and activities. It is a transformation of the idea of normal or what one should be and a celebration of who we are and how we are different. While this can be “taught” in lectures, it is much more beneficial if the students “live” it in the classroom culture – the ultimate goal being to positively affect social change. As pointed out by Paul Gorski, this can only be reached by a transformation of one’s self, the schools, and ultimately society.

Defining multicultural education is very challenging because people tend to define it by what they feel are the shortcomings of all mankind. Also, people tend to focus on one or two aspects of multicultural education as the definition not realizing the entire picture.

I feel that one of the biggest challenges facing classroom teachers as they strive to implement multicultural practices in their classroom is being able to identify teachable moments that will be the most beneficial to their students. Also, when creating a multicultural curriculum you must always strive to create pride among the various cultures and individuals in the classroom. This can be difficult because everyone is different!
Paul Gorski compiled a list of 20 (self-) critical things that you can do to be a better multicultural educator. While each statement is quite powerful, one of the ones that stands out the most for me the importance of pronouncing everyone’s name correctly. Your name is an extension of yourself and your being, if a teacher does not care enough to pronounce your name correctly, do they really care about you? When my sister was in fourth grade her teacher could not pronounce her name, Clarissa. She called her /Clirēsa/ the entire year. My sister never liked her - coincidence? Maybe. Still yet, she was always my favorite teacher (and yes, she pronounced my name correctly).