Diverse Classrooms: Social Justice, Equity, and Diversity Competencies for Teacher Candidates

Abstract

This study explored social justice education literature to argue for greater emphasis on equity and diversity courses in teacher education. Global migration has changed the demographics of Western schools, which more than ever are racially, sexually, and culturally diverse, requiring well-prepared teacher candidates who can support their future studentsʼ diverse needs. The author argues that teacher candidates exposed to in-depth social justice, equity, and diversity courses will develop competencies to help them better understand and apply the concepts of social justice, equity, and diversity. Also, teacher candidates will better understand students’ academic progress, the teacher’s role as an agent of change in the classroom, and students’ heightened awareness of power, privilege, and oppression.

Keywords: social justice, education, teacher candidates, diversity, equity