Cultural competence is a key factor in enabling educators to be effective with students from cultures other than their own.

Cultural competence is having an awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students and their families. It is the ability to understand the within-group differences that make each student unique, while celebrating the between-group variations that make our country a tapestry. This understanding informs and expands teaching practices in the culturally competent educator’s classroom.

The ability for educators to learn how to teach students from different backgrounds is critical to the success of the educational system. Cultural competence can have an impact on closing achievement gaps.

Educators who are culturally competent recognize how student outcomes can be improved by incorporating racial and ethnic minority contributions in curriculum and diversifying pedagogical practices. They see cultural competence as both a moral and ethical responsibility to create a welcoming environment for students to succeed.

The impact of having educators who have the ability to challenge and motivate diverse student populations can dramatically improve our educational system and student outcomes.

Reference: National Education Association