Inclusivity in Teaching

Shelby Machado              

This research presentation explores the impact that an inclusive learning environment can have on students and on teachers. Biases and stereotypes are everywhere—even in the classroom; there is no way around that. However, we can work on acknowledging them and understanding how they work so that students can be successful in their schooling. This presentation covers 3 main topics. The first topic being cultural inclusivity; students get more out of their education when their culture is discussed and stereotypes are eliminated. The second topic being gender inclusivity; students feel more comfortable with various representations in the classroom. The third topic being the inclusion of students with Special Educational needs and disabilities who are struggling to fit into the “regular” education classroom. It also explores a few ways to incorporate inclusivity into the everyday classroom.

• Shelby Machado graduated from Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville and is a senior secondary education English major. Her achievements include being in the Honors College here at Lander and being in the English Honors Society Sigma Tau Delta.