Commitment To Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Teaching

As a full-time nursing instructor at Lansing Community College, teaching is my passion. As a participant in TLTT diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) touched me and how it impacts the learning environment. I will define and discuss how each has impacted my practice.

Diversity means someone who is not like you or different. As an educator it is our responsibility to teach that is it important to understand others’ perspectives or differences. Although each student has his or her own experiences, talents, and interests, it is the educator’s responsibility to recognize these individual attributes in each student to facilitate the student’s learning. Diversity means to be inclusive of all people to create an effective, productive, learning environment. It is required that we serve others by accepting diversity in every area of our lives.

Equity means equal. An educator has the responsibility to treat everyone (students and peers), we encounter the same. As an educator it is unfair to categorize others to prevent unequal treatment or bias. It is my duty as a nurse and an educator to serve and educate others equally.

Inclusion means to include. Educators must vary teaching depending on the level of the student. Curriculum must incorporate various learning styles to ensure the learner is successful. Emphasis on a student-centered learning environment is key to the teaching, learning, and student success. Varying learning styles, for example, cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains must be used in the classroom setting, which is grounded in research. In order to teach effectively, educators must have a heart for serving others to ensure the success of the student.

In conclusion, it is my role as the teacher to make my expectations for learning clear, but it is the responsibility of the student to meet those expectations to the best of their ability. DEI allows everyone to make strides in the equal and fair treatment of everyone we encounter. Overall, my commitment to DEI is to provide an educational space to all, no matter their race, creed, socioeconomic status, or identity. It is my job as an educator to create an environment where mutual learning takes place and we all leave better than we began regardless of our differences.