In this article, the author recounts how giving pupils access to diverse role models not only benefits those from underrepresented groups, but ensures all children see that science is a subject for everyone. Teachers need to be aware of the culture of their pupils and ask how that can be used to engage and extend scientific understanding.

Learning and innovation skills such as creativity, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, and collaboration can be fostered through learning about STEAM role models. Using selected picture book biographies, teachers can help their elementary students visualize the experiences of these individuals as they developed and refined ideas…

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (2010) encourages teachers and their students to "use the target language as exclusively as possible (90% plus) at all levels of instruction during instructional time and, when feasible, beyond the classroom," and local boards of education around the world, including here in…

The annual "National Council for the Social Studies" (NCSS) Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People list often contains picture books that profile citizen role models--people who worked to change society for the better. In 2018 the list includes beautiful, thoughtful biographies of people who chose "doing good" over…

This paper presents a novel approach to teaching how vaccines work in the body, and introduces a community outreach project and activity we piloted with youth. Our Nuestra Ciencia program addresses scientific misconceptions among bilingual elementary school children in engaging and scientifically accurate ways. Utilizing analogies and…

Teachers can foster a love of reading in their students by regularly modeling their own reading lives. This sort of modeling involves both helping students to develop reading skills and sharing personal stories that illustrate the importance of reading in adulthood. The present study describes the impact of purposefully sharing my personal reading…

Evidence shows that marginalized students reach higher levels of success and empowerment in mathematics courses when role models from their own cultural communities participate in the classroom experience. Discourse, respect, and collaboration are highly valued in Lakota culture, so it is natural to include these protocols in the normative culture…

Quality Physical Education (PE) school programs are imperative for the development of students' healthy lifestyles. While many factors impact the quality of PE programs, the effectiveness of the teacher plays an important part in the organization and advancement of a quality PE program. One way PE teachers can improve their effectiveness is by…

This essay articulates the benefits of teacher diversity by illustrating six themes: a) leading for social justice through local and global civic engagement; b) developing an inclusive school culture; c) culturally relevant pedagogy; d) cultural translators and transformers; e) role models; and (f) benefits accrued by White students. The authors…

Creating a positive social-emotional climate must be the backbone of a quality elementary physical education program. The need to belong, have friends, and feel emotionally safe are basic needs everyone has, but meeting these needs in the classroom can be challenging at times. Strategies regarding how to implement a positive social-emotional…

Composition with students on the elementary level sparks imagination and creativity while engaging students in an experience that can demonstrate personal musical growth. Traditionally, music educators have not been taught how to compose music, let alone lead their students in composing experiences. As music educators take the beginning steps of…

There is a widespread misconception that transition planning and programming begin in high school. However, there are many opportunities for teachers to infuse transition-focused education into teaching and learning activities for their elementary-grade students. Teachers can engage students with disabilities and their families in…

Physical educators are not immune to incidents of bullying since confrontations are likely to occur in the settings in which they teach. Children do not recognize themselves as bullies because they often benefit from mistreating others, they don't suffer serious consequences along the way, and their victims don't know how to respond to…

During the Soviet era, the Kazakh language underwent harsh times and was on the brink of extinction from urban areas in Kazakhstan. Today, the country is paving its way towards reviving the language. This article details an effort to support Kazakh language learning in motivating secondary school students through the use of technology. Through the…

The lack of physical activity, low fitness levels, and elevated obesity rates as high as 32% of today's youth are well documented. Many strategies and grants have been developed at the national, regional, and local levels to help counteract these current trends. Strategies have been developed and implemented for schools, households (parents), and…