Inclusion Statement
My future inclusive classroom will be filled with a variety of diverse learners. As a teacher, my goal is to provide a welcoming and safe learning environment that welcomes all differing backgrounds, perspectives and beliefs. I originally come from a small Indigenous community for which I am extremely grateful for all of the amazing opportunities it provided me throughout my learning journey. I had the privilege to work with students of all ages and abilities such as students on the spectrum, students with FASD, students with different learning disabilities, student with different physical disabilities, students with different home lives, and students in foster care. All of these experiences affected the way the students learn and preform in their everyday life in different ways. This opened my eyes to the importance of providing a sense of community within my classroom. I want all of my students to feel like my classroom is a safe place that is open, respectful and honest. As a teacher, I will build a classroom community that is respectful to all and that facilitates inquiry and self-expression. I want my classroom to be a place that students can get away from their home life and get a different perspective on life to further their individual growth. This is why it important to provide not only a fun environment for the students to enjoy and learn but an environment that my students can feel comfortable to be their true self.
Growing up and working in a small community also taught me the importance of working through the uncomfortable and the ability to adapt to any situation. As an inclusive teacher I believe it is important to be able to adapt any and every one of my lessons to meet
every individual student where they are at in that moment. For example, to not only provide a UDL rich lesson but also the ability to adapt a rubric, a timeline and any learning space that may be needed.
Not every student’s learning journey will look the same and that is completely okay. As a teacher, I will work with each and every one of my students to meet them where they are currently at in their learning journey. I will provide them with the tools and a welcoming learning environment for them to succeed and continue to grow individually. The diversity that is brought to my classroom will be viewed as a resource and strength. As an inclusive teacher, I plan to not only pass on my knowledge and skills that I have learned along my learning journey but to also take the time to learn the beautiful skills and knowledge that every one of my students brings to my classroom. I want to learn just as much and if not more from my students as they do from me.
Sahara Lafferty