Teaching Diverse Populations

A “teacher of teachers,” Dr. Kelley L. Costner serves as the Associate Dean for Master's Programs and Teacher Preparation Programs at the College of Education at Walden University in Minnesota. Since 2000, Costner’s research has focused on training culturally responsive teachers and supporting African American learners in the classroom. She has presented her 2004 co-authored paper "Seven Principles for Developing a Culturally Responsive Faculty" at numerous education conferences across the country and in Canada for both higher ed and K-12 teachers. Costner’s research supports her experience that a culturally sensitive staff is a more unified staff, and one that fosters greater student interest, participation, and achievement in the classroom.

In this first of two installments, Costner explains how to handle racially charged or culturally biased comments made by colleagues, dismantle stereotypes held by students, and be inclusive when discussing the holidays in the classroom.

I am a consultant and in-service provider to teachers. What is the best way to sensitize teachers who believe their biases are religiously supported, for example regarding sexual orientation?