Statement of Inclusive Excellence
My approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is driven by two beliefs: 1) I embrace a strength-based approach that includes and supports diverse viewpoints in all contexts, leading to stronger innovation and critical thinking for all members of a group.2) Through the broader lens of social justice, I acknowledge we must include individuals from all groups in order to serve the diverse groups of our nation and world. With these two core beliefs in mind, I have worked to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my classroom.
I use evidence-based pedagogies to promote inclusivity in my courses. During my field experience and student teaching at a public Montessori, I met with students from different cultures, racial identities, and religious backgrounds. Drawing from this experience, I strategically use “equitable teaching strategies” to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or triggering stereotype threat, establish an educational culture where harassment is not tolerated, etc. When I use classroom technology, I prioritize diverse representation and accessibility (e.g., intentional image choice, video subtitles, dyslexia-friendly fonts, color-blind friendly colors, etc.). I achieve personal and professional growth by listening to diverse perspectives. In my experience as a student, I grew up with a vast array of perspectives around me and feel the impact and benefit that has had on me throughout my whole life.
I create inclusive and equitable communities for others to share their knowledge and resources. I have had the chance to organize and facilitate meetings with diverse groups of motivated and enthusiastic individuals. I work to ensure that all voices within these spaces feel heard and valued. This may include communicating expectations and creating group norms at the beginning of a meeting, or simply acting as a time monitor to ensure that no single voice (including mine) dominates a conversation. By using these and other practices, which I inform by engaging in continued personal education and discussion on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, I hope to facilitate discussions where all attendees feel comfortable sharing information and requesting help, and where cognitive effort can be devoted to the organizational task at hand, rather than navigating any inequity or exclusion.
Meg Quinn 