Diversity in my Classroom

Van Buren High School has a high percentage of white students from lower to upper middle-class families (approx. 75%). The Latino(a) population is now second highest, an increase from previous years. The black population is almost tied with the Native American popultation, and Pacific Islanders make up the remainder.

My classes fit this demographic almost exactly. In addition, my classroom represents the demographic for the Special Education population, as well. I teach 1-2 language learners who are in the final phase of language acquisition; I teach almost 20 students who take Literacy Lab to supplement their English classes; and I teach another 12 or so students who have minor 504 accommodations.

Megan and Sam. Sam is local now, but she was originally from a Caribbean Island and she sometimes struggles with language issues.

Those are all the statistics that you will ever get from me! That is why I teach English! For those for whom numbers tell a story, I hope that will suffice. For the rest of us, let me say that I love the mix of students in my classroom (whatever the numbers), and that these diverse learners are among my most motivated, dedicated, and persevering students. If some of my "regular" students worked half as hard as their classmates, they would be earning top grades. As it stands, some of these regular students are failing and some of my diverse learners are earning the top grades!

The diverse learners in the classroom challenge me and inspire me to keep raising the bar for them and for myself.