These students of color are underepresented in curriculum and are neglected by traditional and foreign teaching styles that are oftentimes excluding. Classroom materials and ideals must reflect the true nature of society, rather than an artificial vacuum. Minority students miss out when teaching materials and instruction are geared towards main-stream white, middle class students. Mainstream students miss out as well, experiencing only their own culture, rather than a true reflection of our global community. Understanding and appreciation of other people must be a priority in the schools if we are to produce valued members of society.
Students admire and respect their teachers.
They are more likely to follow teachers' examples than words. If teachers portray a warmth and openess to cultures other than their own, students will quickly pick up on this and are more likley to adopt the same acceptance. Teachers have the opportunity to greatly impact children in this way. Rather than academically, in this sense teachers can teach children how to be better citizens. Has many suggested books and links to other sites.