Diversity Statement

I have been developing a personal diversity statement. Here is what I have so far:

• I acknowledge the richness and value of the commonalities and differences we share as members of the world; educational discourse is enhanced by the exchange and reflection upon multiple perspectives.

• I aspire to create respect and tolerance between all persons; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement and collaboration; and encourage curiosity and exploration.

• I act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure educational opportunity to all; to prepare students to think critically, continuously reflect, and always keep a growth mindset.

My experience advancing diversity has been in my teaching. When I taught middle school and high school, I taught units that focused on books that address subjects such as the Holocaust (Night), slavery (Frederick Douglass), and sexual violence (Speak). Helping students to unpack difficult content and learn to express their thoughts in challenging group settings has been part of my teaching practice since I earned my M.A.T. and dedicated myself to teaching for social justice. As a bi-sexual, Jewish woman, conversations about diversity have been a part of my personal life since I was a young child. What started as open communication with my family and close community continued when I attended two liberal arts colleges (Whitter College for my B.A. and Lewis & Clark College for my M.A.T.) and learned how inquiry, discourse, and reflection open the door to exploring the myriad of perspectives, truths, and mysteries that surround us in the world in a critical and cogent manner. In my professional life, I strive to be a leader among my peers by facilitating and sharing opportunities to discuss diverse and challenging topics that align with an inclusive and equitable curriculum using new emerging technologies like virtual worlds and online arts-based building platforms. I believe in collaboration across disciplines and that working with people who approach research from other positionalities creates a stronger team.