When Teachers Reflect Their Students

Their Students (NAPSA)—Manyexperts say students of color benefit from teachers with similar cultural heritages. When students see themselves in the faces of their teachers, their culture seemsvalidated, their value to society is affirmed, they see career models and identify mentors. ad - q Photo: Courtesy of the National Association of School Psychologists Research suggests students achieve more when they work with a same-race teacher. This is also considered true for teachers of students with disabilities. Special education teachers from diverse cultural heritages can provide not only the specialized instruction the student needs but also a relationship that is culturally comfortable for the student. These teachers can also help other educators understand any cultural dimensionsof a student’s behavior. Federal funds are available to increase the numberof teachers of color in the special education workforce. For further informa- tion about diversity in the special education workforce, or how to access these funds to become a special education teacher, contact the National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education, 800-641-7824 or www.special-edcareers.net.