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Mrs. Phyllis A. York, Executive Director, Empowering Community Leaders Network, Inc. (ECLN) and former Public School Classroom Teacher and Administrator As an educator and administrator who has served in some of America’s finest public school systems for over 30 years, I’ve learned that diversity in schools is not a problem to manage—it is an asset to develop. U.S. classrooms are increasingly multiethnic and multilingual, and our students must be prepared to learn, work, and

When my daughter was about to start first grade at an international school in Munich, her class list was posted on the door with each child’s name and their flag of citizenship. Next to her name was the American flag. She didn’t recognize it. She only knew the Singapore flag, the country where she was born and lived her earliest years. To this day, she still identifies more with it. That moment made something clear to me: for kids growing up between cultures, the question “Wh

In almost every town, or city, or county in the United States, there is a place where literally anyone can walk through the doors, regardless of age, gender, skin tone, religion, financial status, identity, etc. and they have access to a world of stories, resources, services, and friendly faces, all for free. I am, of course, talking about the public library. The public library is a critical part of every community, but perhaps especially so for children and youth. Libraries

As we honor Black History Month, The Children's Institute of Cultural Appreciation and Understanding (CICAU) proudly celebrates the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of Black communities worldwide. Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.” Carter G. Woodson, Founder of Black History Month. As we honor Black History Month, The Children's Institute of Cultural Appreciatio

Voices from the Classroom and Beyond: Cultural Education at Every Level With growing diversity around us, the importance of cultural education has become increasingly evident. Educators at every level—from elementary through high school classrooms, language programs, university lecture halls, and even athletic fields—are recognizing the profound impact that cultural awareness can have on students' lives. In this ongoing Educator Spotlights series, Voices from the Classroom an

With over twenty years of experience in educational administration both in the U.S. and abroad, I’ve thought deeply about what it means for our children to become global citizens. One thing I have come to understand is that as our world grows increasingly interconnected, it is crucial that students develop cultural awareness and a global mindset. While this might seem easier at schools with a more diverse student body, any school can create a worldly classroom environment. He

The offering of any opinion on the teaching and learning of culture would be remiss not to name the identities that inform and limit my understanding of people and their practices, products, and perspectives. I am a young, male teacher of color. Yes, I am young, and thanks to my age, my status as a young teacher increases the likelihood of knowing the cultural joys, pains, and knowledge relevant to my students’ generation. To my advantage, I feel students are more willing and

Part 3 of 3 in Raising Culturally Conscious Children series | Part 1 | Part 2 For many children, the first place they experience diverse cultures in one location is at school. As a teacher, it is important to me that my classroom be welcoming of all students. Part of that is creating a classroom culture that allows all students to feel important and seen. This can be done by recognizing, celebrating, and building respect for diverse cultures. In a time where responsibilities

Part 2 of 3 in Raising Culturally Conscious Children series | Part 1   | Part 2 In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, community organizations play a crucial role in fostering cultural education and awareness among young children. By providing valuable insights and practical tips, community organizations can contribute to building a more inclusive and understanding society. First step in this endeavor is to start by creating awareness about the importance of cultur

Our Inspiration Our inspiration for embarking on this journey of creating and offering cultural education for children stems from our own family experiences. Our familial relationships have offered us incredibly immersive encounters that have benefited the both of us. Our children have had the opportunity to naturally embrace and participate in various family traditions and cultures. Our extended family has always welcomed the value of learning about other cultures. Through t

Part 1 of 3 in Raising Culturally Conscious Children series | Part 2  | Part 3 As parents, educators, and community members, we are responsible for shaping the future generation. It is essential to raise children who are both culturally aware and appreciative of the rich tapestry of cultures surrounding them. Cultivating cultural awareness and appreciation in children ages 5-11 is crucial to raising empathetic, open-minded, and globally-minded individuals who will foster tole

Elementary school marks the foundation of a child's educational journey. It's during these formative years that young minds are shaped and nurtured. The current cohort of elementary aged children have experienced virtual learning at the start of their grade school learning, a time when they start to develop friendships with those who are different from their own families. The challenges of children developing multicultural friendships during the pandemic are multifaceted, ste