I believe strongly in the benefits of an inclusive environment for all students in my classroom. I would argue that an inclusive classroom environment enhances the learning of all children. Effective inclusion is established through creating a climate where everyone is valued, respected and listened to; where actions and interests are noticed, recognized, responded to, and built upon. I believe that creating this type of atmosphere for my students is nothing more than good teaching practices. Inclusion involves all kinds of practices that are ultimately practices of “good teaching”. As I teacher, I strive to develop and provide the most effective teaching methods in order to teach all of my students to the best of their ability. I recognize my responsibility for the learning and success of every student in my classroom, including those with special needs.
Through experience, I know that successful inclusion must be tailored around the strengths and needs of individual students. This includes all students, including children with exceptionalities. I know that all children can learn, and that all students can succeed. If my students are not learning, I understand that it is my responsibility to determine the reasons as to why they are not learning to their full potential. I believe in ongoing monitoring of my own teaching practices in terms of providing my students with tasks that respect their abilities, as well as differentiated instruction in order to ensure that the needs of all of my learners are being met.
In today’s classrooms, teachers are becoming accustomed to providing instruction to a diverse group of learners on a daily basis. I wholeheartedly feel that diversity within the classroom should not be merely tolerated, but it should be celebrated. Each student within a classroom has something invaluable to contribute to the group, and I believe that it is my responsibility to ensure that my teaching practices reflect this belief. All of my students are viewed as essential participants to the entire group. Children belong together; and while they are all diverse individuals, they all have the right to develop and learn together in a climate of acceptance.