Culturally Responsive Teaching

Learn more about how to use students’ customs, characteristics, experience, and perspectives as tools for better classroom instruction

Explainer

conceptual illustration of a classroom with colorful roots growing beneath the surface under the teacher and students
What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching?
Here's what it means to be a culturally responsive teacher and where critical race theory ties in—or not.
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This May 8, 1964 file photo shows Linda Brown Smith standing in front of the Sumner School in Topeka, Kan. The refusal of the public school to admit Brown in 1951, then nine years old, because she is black, led to the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the "separate but equal" clause and mandated that schools nationwide must be desegregated.
This May 8, 1964 file photo shows Linda Brown Smith standing in front of the Sumner School in Topeka, Kan. The refusal of the public school to admit Brown in 1951, then nine years old, because she is black, led to the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the "separate but equal" clause and mandated that schools nationwide must be desegregated.
AP Photo
Equity & Diversity Educational Inequality: 4 Moments in History That Explain Where We Are Today
A new Columbia University report highlights how inequality was embedded in the creation of public education in the United States.
Ileana Najarro, March 20, 2023
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5 min read
Tue., March 07, 2023, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
School & District Management Webinar How Culturally Responsive Leadership Leads to Student Success
Discover how to create a learning environment where all students feel valued and supported, and how to accelerate learning for English learners and students of color.
Register
March 7, 2023
Two diverse teachers at a table in a library reviewing materials
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English-Language Learners Professional Development Tips for Supporting English Learners
Many teachers aren't well prepared to work with English learners. PD can help fill that knowledge gap.
Ileana Najarro, February 28, 2023
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5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Gholdy Muhammad Champions 'Unearthing Joy' in Her New Book
The esteemed educator explains the importance of bringing joy into the classroom and incorporating it into the curriculum.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 1, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Build a Culturally Responsive Community of Writers
Acclaimed educators Gholdy Muhammad and Marie Moreno share insights into reaching all students in the classroom.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 1, 2022
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10 min read
Conceptual illustration of culturally diverse people
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Curriculum Are These ELA Programs Culturally Responsive? (And Who Gets to Decide, Anyway?)
Reviewers said the materials present one-sided narratives and use dehumanizing language to refer to characters of color.
Sarah Schwartz, October 26, 2022
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8 min read
Diverse elementary students sitting in a circle and talking to a Black male teacher.
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Teaching Profession Q&A Award-Winning Teachers Are Pushing Back Against Attacks on 'Honest Education'
They plan to host conversations, educate school boards, and write op-eds about why affirming, culturally responsive classrooms matter.
Madeline Will, October 24, 2022
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Teachers, Be Brave in the Face of Unjust Laws
Particularly in these politically fraught times, all students need to be exposed to literature that invites diverse perspectives.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 19, 2022
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9 min read
Equity & Diversity Spotlight Spotlight on Equity in Education
This Spotlight will empower you with insights for promoting DE&I, an analysis of the challenges facing advancements in equity, and more.

October 17, 2022
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 10 Ways to Foster a More Culturally Responsive English Class
Start by uncovering your own biases and making students feel safe.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 17, 2022
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Social Studies Opinion How to Adopt a Culturally Responsive Mindset
Enrich your classroom—and students’ lives—by including different sources and infusing meaningful interaction with the material into lessons.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 6, 2022
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7 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Social Studies Opinion 8 Practical Ideas for Teaching Social Studies in Culturally Responsive Ways
Getting to know your students and drawing attention to untold stories are just two of the suggestions that educators offer.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 3, 2022
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11 min read
Sabin Middle School student Marvionna J., center, works with classmates Marcus Q. and Aaron A. to identify evidence from the indentured servant letter.
Middle school student Marvionna J., center, works with classmates Marcus Q. and Aaron A. to identify evidence from an indentured servant letter in a 2018 social studies class at Sabin Middle School in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Nathan W. Armes for Education Week
Equity & Diversity Censoring Race and Racism Lessons Defies Best Practice and May Be Unlawful, Report Argues
A teachers' union and a lawyers' alliance marshal legal and pedagogical evidence for racially inclusive and culturally responsive teaching.
Eesha Pendharkar, September 29, 2022
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7 min read
Collage image of classroom and Chicago skyline.
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Curriculum Off-the-Shelf or Custom-Made? Why Some Districts Are Designing Their Own Curriculum
Advocates say the homegrown materials better reflect the cities where they live and the students they serve.
Sarah Schwartz, September 29, 2022
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10 min read
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