Cultural Identity and Teaching Team Summary Part 1 Heather Alleman, Juliana de la Tejera, Kevin Sweet, Noelle Wicevich Cultural Competency EDL 505 Sara Mattson Phd April 9, 2012 Team A

Cultural Identity and Teaching Summary Part 1 KWL Culture, values and beliefs comprise the cultural proficient teacher. How can teachers build awareness of their own culture, especially values and beliefs? Teachers can construct a cultural weave and share it with colleagues. Teachers can observe other classrooms. Building and presenting culture in the classroom fosters a diverse environment. How can teachers build and present culture in their classrooms? Students can construct a cultural weave and share them with the class. Students can be given opportunities to write, draw, and share their culture and traditions with the class. Also, students can construct collages with parents, speak about the collages, and display them in the classroom. Building inclusive cultures are the keystone for an positive learning environment. How can we be conscious about building an inclusive culture? The teacher and students can make a class photo album. Students can make story boards about his or her culture. Team A

Team A’s Knowledge of Heather’s Culture KWL Heather is married and lives in Italy. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is a teacher and values family, love, and happiness. The team wants to learn more about Heather’s culture and how she applies it in the classroom. We learned that Heather and Juliana both like the Lakers. She enjoys NASCAR and reading. Heather lives in Italy, she is married and graduated from Nicholls State University. Heather also enjoys children, LA Lakers, NASCAR, and reading. The team wants to learn the culture of Heather. Heather grew up in the Razor Back state. Her values are family, love, and happiness. She enjoys eating pizza, fried fish, fish stew, and shrimp stew. The things that are most important to Heather include love and happiness. Heather’s nationality and how she uses it in the classroom? Heather and her husband are currently living in Italy. Heather’s hobbies include: reading and spending time with family. How long will Heather be living in Italy? Has or will family visit Italy? Heather’s husband is in the Air Force and stationed in Italy. Heather

Team A’s Knowledge of Julian’s Culture KWL Juliana enjoys dancing and going to concerts. She is passionate about teaching. The team wants to learn more about Juliana’s beliefs, goals, and strengths. Juliana values her family, friends, and pets. Her beliefs include the Golden Rule and being open-minded. Her goals include having a family, receiving her Master’s, and owning her own home. She exercises regularly. Juliana lives in Riverside California. She is single and considers her two Yorkies children. Juliana also enjoys Disneyland and Mexican Folk. The team wants to learn the culture of Juliana. Juliana grew up in sunny California. She is a health fanatic who enjoys football, basketball, and baseball. She enjoys eating Mexican and Italian foods. Also, she enjoys the band and dance arts. Juliana teaches High School English and ELD. What kinds of different strategies are used in an ELD classroom? Juliana speaks English and some Spanish. Juliana values her family, friends, and pets. What role does cultural diversity play in Juliana’s friendships? Juliana exercises regularly and is in good condition; she also enjoys dance. Juliana

Team A’s Knowledge of Kevin’s Culture KWL Kevin serves in the United States Air Force. He is married and has two children. He enjoys hiking. The team wants to learn more about Kevin’s beliefs, goals, and strengths. Kevin believes in always doing the right thing and helping others. Kevin is married with two step children. He wants to become a teacher and learn Spanish. He enjoys helping others. The team wants to learn more about Kevin’s culture and how he applies it in the classroom. Kevin is currently in the US Air Force. He grew up in the Midwest and enjoys hiking. Kevin has been in the Air Force for nineteen years. How Kevin will use his experience from the Air Force in his classroom? Kevin is a 5th generation fighter (F22 & F35) Avionics Technician. Kevin grew up in the Midwest, Indianapolis. How many states and countries has Kevin lived in during his career? Kevin wants to become fluent in Spanish. Kevin

Team A’s Knowledge of Noelle’s Culture KWL Noelle has a degree in Elementary Education. She also has great leadership skills. The team wants to learn more about Noelle’s beliefs, goals, and strengths. Noelle believes that everyone should be treated fairly. Also, she believes that everyone has a right to an education. She wants the best for her students and colleagues. Noelle currently resides in California with her husband. She is a hard worker and a great leader. The team wants to learn more about Noelle’s culture and how she applies it in the classroom. Noelle enjoys dance like Juliana. She has a degree in elementary education and graduated from Arizona State. Noelle lives in Eastvale California; she is married, has four dogs, and graduated from Arizona State in The team wants to learn the culture of Noelle. Like Kevin, Noelle grew up in the Midwest as well. She enjoys dance, music, steak, pizza, and chocolate. Her ethnicity is French, English, and Scottish. Noelle

White, K. K., Zion, S., Kozleski, E., & Equity Alliance at ASU. (2005). Cultural identity and teaching. National Institute for Urban School Improvement: Tempe, AZ. Reference: Team A