Diversity and positive classroom climate: Creating a Positive Environment In Which To Raise Diversity Issues

"Racism" is a word often spoken in hushed tones, as though it were an unmentionable subject, like a fatal disease. And to make matters more difficult, schools of education, administrators and colleagues often do not provide much expertise or support in this arena for teachers. Recognizing that there are many legitimate reasons for teachers to be apprehensive about raising diversity issues in the classroom, the following list of teaching practices is offered to assist those who want to begin creating a safe classroom climate conducive to an honest exchange of ideas. The list is not meant to be comprehensive; rather it is intended to provide a good place to begin the journey.