Week 6 Application: Reflection of CREDE standards and Dr. Garcia's "5 Rs and 1 T" Part 1

"Teacher: one the that teaches; especially: one who's occupation is to instruct" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2009)

After being a teacher for five years I would like to expand on that definition, Teacher: a listener, a confidant, a hero, an ally, a motivator, and I am sure that many students, parents, and colleagues could add to that definition as well. After listening to Dr. Thorp and Dr. Garcia describe the responsibilities of a teacher to be culturally responsive with their teachings, I'd like to add that the definition of a teacher is also to be an ambassador for knowledge, education, culture, and life.

In both Dr. Thorp and Dr. Garcia's discussion of cultural learning strategies and CREDE standards, there is a focus on creating a learning environment where all students are respected, responsible, challenged, and encouraged. For some students, school is the first opportunity to feel accepted, valued, and understood- especially for ELLs. A culturally responsive classroom is an effective way to provide all students with the greatest chance to be successful in their educational career.

With Thorp and Garcia's strategies on my mind I turn to reflect on how culturally responsive my own classroom is.