Inclusion is a very important part of a community, especially in a space that is filled with students of different cultural backgrounds and different learning abilities. I remember when I was in grade 3 there was this girl who was disabled and had down-syndrome.  I remember that students would be cruel and no one would want to play with this girl, except for me.  Ever since I was a young girl, I made it a point to myself that I would not judge others based on their differences. I think as a teacher, it is incredibly important to look at the concept of equity and realize that not all students are created equal. I understand that I must tailor some of my lessons so that it is more easily understood by some, and I need to also create challenging lessons to keep some of my students from being bored.  I think it is very important to not judge people and to keep an open mind about one’s abilities. I think it takes a strong dedication on my behalf to see true student achievement and to see student’s true potential.

In my current teaching position, I have students ranging from a pre-k reading level all the way to a grade 6 level. I am just one teacher without an EA, and I have made it a point to have a help table in my classroom and to work extra hard with those students who need that extra help. I want children to succeed in a way that is meant for them. I understand that not all children are going to have the same talents and same learning abilities, this is why inclusion for me goes beyond treating everyone equally. It means treating students with an equity mindset. I do not want to neglect the students who struggle in learning, but I also want to make sure that the ones who learn easily feel that they are being challenged. Teaching is about throwing away judgments, false expectations, and assumptions of others, and meeting the student where they are at and working with them rather than assuming they are like everyone else.