Our Teachers

"First and foremost, all students deserve to feel represented in the classroom, whether this be through the literature in our curriculum, the cultures we study, or the holidays we observe. Additionally, studies have overwhelmingly showed that students learn most from literature, curriculum and lesson plans in general that represent their culture/race. So it's vital that we as teachers, at the very least, have a diverse library.”

Ms. Rooks, 3rd Grade, Georgia

"The reason diverse books are so important to my classroom is that I want to give my students the ability to see themselves in stories and also to learn more about people that are different from themselves"

Ms. Rojo, 3rd Grade, California

“Diversity is the key to a successful and unique classroom. Accepting differences and allowing those differences to shine in a school and classroom setting brings students and teachers closer together as well as increases knowledge. Having a diverse classroom is important so kids can be exposed to different cultures, religions and traditions which will help mold them into responsible adults who fight for everyone and grow up to be accepting of others. A teacher showcasing books and movies from around the world brings culture into the classroom and sparks imagination while celebrating the differences that make us all special. Diversity in the classroom lets students to feel proud and contribute to their own success because they feel confident to take chances with their education as well as their life outside of the classroom. Students who are in a diverse classroom will have the knowledge and tools to make important decisions that will one day make a great impact on society.”

Ms. Baig, 4th Grade, Illinois

"I am a teacher and creator of ‘Learning in Hues’ where I use my instruction and platform to teach and promote social justice resources to all students, teachers, and parents. I believe that education should cater to every child."

Ms. Bebe, 4th Grade, Florida

"I specifically remember one day, during my internship, sitting on the computer searching for clip art for folders with my supervising teacher. She scrolled and scrolled past tons of clip art of kids in classrooms and finally said “why are they all white?!?” and then looked at me and said “it’s important for you to make sure that the kids all feel represented and you find something where they can all say ‘that looks like me’”. That experience stuck with me throughout my last 7 years of teaching. Making sure that all kids feel that good feeling when they pick up a book, see a video, or identify with a folder clip art is my goal. I want all of my students to feel represented and loved in my classroom.”

Mrs. Cheaney, 8th Grade, Florida

"Many students in my district come from low income homes. So, having diverse books in my classroom that show characters from different cultures and backgrounds is a great way of exposing them to experiences and worlds that they may never be exposed to otherwise. I have always thought it is important to learn about other cultures so that we may understand others and I want to pass that on to my students. If they can better understand someone and place themselves in their shoes, even for a moment, then they will be able to create more positive relationships with others.”

Ms. Collins, 3rd Grade, Missouri

"I’m a big advocate for representation for all students in text and visuals that we work with in class. I can’t think of any books where there were characters that looked like me or showed a family structure that matched mine, so I I’m very intentional with having that for my students. Characters tend to reflect my students and their experiences (as well as those that they’re not used to for exposure and teaching moments). When they can relate and make connections, they’re more engaged, which allows for them to lead the conversations. Whether it’s a character/actual person in a book that looks like them, a woman who is in what’s typically considered a “male profession”, a single, incarcerated, or same sex parents household, I want my students to see the world for exactly how it is and see themselves in it."

Ms. Gibson, 1st Grade, Florida

"Diversity in the classroom is among one of the most important things we can invest our time and commitment in. It's simple, EVERY student MUST have equitable access to education. Now more than ever it is crucial that students in the classroom gain a more comprehensive idea of the world around them and all of the people that come with it. Diversity in the classroom allows students to use their own strengths and points of view to contribute to a diverse world and learning community.”

Mr. Mehling, 4th Grade, Kentucky

"Reading diverse books is a way for students to experience and learn about different cultures, backgrounds, and ways of living. In reading these books, students get to experience these aspects of life in a way that they may never have had the opportunity to experience in real life."

Ms. Warshany, 1st-6th Grade, New Jersey

"I have a diverse classroom and having diverse books will give students the ability to read books that they can relate to."

Mrs. Arriaga, 1st Grade, Arizona

"It is so important for Black & POC students to see themselves through their learning. The ball is dropped so frequently with black and brown bodies throughout education and including them fully is vital, from culture inclusion to finding ways that speak to the young people that are taught. I have always been taught by teachers that looked like me and diverse books in the classroom bridge the gap for those who do not have the same experience."

Ms. Sydnee, Maryland

“Diversity in the classroom is SO important, especially at this age. Not only do all children need to feel included and important, but children need to be exposed to a variety of cultures and backgrounds on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways to do this is through books! Whether the child is reading or still just looking at the pictures, a diverse book collection promotes respect and empathy for all types of people.”

Mrs. Barbone, 2nd-3rd Grade, Georgia

“I believe that every child enters my classroom with a promise and exits with a purpose. I love collaborating with other teachers to build the best lessons and extensions for my students. I believe that diverse books in the classroom are beyond necessary. Each and every child in my classroom should feel that they are welcome, loved, and accepted. I believe that a huge part of that is in the literature that we share together. Children of all races, genders, and religions should feel represented in the books that we read together. They should be able to go to our classroom library and find characters who look and act like them.”

Mrs. Hutto, 2nd-4th, Texas

"Diverse books in the classroom are important because children need to have the opportunity to be exposed to all types of cultures. We as educators do not know what students are able to experience outside of the classroom so it is our job to make their learning environment as diverse as possible. "

Mrs. Woodard, 4th Grade, Florida

"With the BLM movement and being enlightened about systemic racism, I wanted to make my library match my students in all the forms they come in! I want to be able to have books that represent all walks in life because that is real life. My students deserve this and deserve for me to advocate for them."

Mrs. Czajkowski, 3rd Grade, Florida

"It is important to carefully consider the literature that is selected for use in the classroom for many reasons. I believe that all students should feel like valued members of the school community. Having literature that is diverse and representative of the student population is vital to achieving this goal. Literature is also a source of inspiration. When students read about individuals who look and sound like them, they can begin to imagine themselves in those roles and will develop beliefs about what they can become and what they can achieve. "

Miss Donlan, Massachusetts