Catherine Orner

Learning preferences refer to how each student best consumes content and retains material. It is important to be able to identify and incorporate these preferences to help your students succeed. By also identifying preferences we can, in turn, aid students with learning challenges by not making them feel "less than". As a parent of a child with learning challenges, I love when there are different modalities presented in the classroom because it empathizes that we are all different as learners and we are not less than just because we need the use of visual aids or more time on a… >>>

I think recognizing the barriers to communication that come from being multilingual is extremely important. Particularly those that may come from using colloquial terms and phrases. It is important to be straightforward and clear when communicating with students.

Race, in my opinion, is reducing a person to their simplest form- the way they look like. It invites stereotyping and inequitable treatment in the classroom and beyond. Culture is how a person navigates through life: how they have been brought up to view the world, interact with others, and also how to cope with stressors, people, etc. Understanding culture is critical to your success as a teacher because it allows you to not only meet someone where they are but embrace and understand your student. 

It is imperative to remove social constructs and stereotypes from the classroom to create an environment where everyone is free to learn, innovate, and grow! By establishing a "come as you are" attitude as an instructor, your students are more likely to learn and feel comfortable approaching me when they need help, tutoring, etc.