DIVERSITY

The term diversity conjure many meanings to different people i.e. in a classroom setting, it refers to varied learning styles, varied abilities, exceptionalities and other difference pertaining to teaching and learning. In an institutional setting, diversity deals with varied socioeconomic status, varied sexualities and gender, varied cultures, varied race among other socio-cultural factors.

Above all these variations race is the most outstanding and it affects all breathing human beings, consciously or unconsciously. It is in this light that I have taken deliberate steps to self educate myself in the concept of “racism” to be equitable in my day-to-day operation to the best of my abilities as a mathematics educator. The most recent learning opportunities include:

• Innov8 Conference planned by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Las Vegas, Nevada on access, equity and empowerment in teaching and learning of mathematics
• Two-day training on both Phase I and II of Intergroup Dialogue Pedagogy

In order to self-educate at no expense, I ferociously spend time attending numerous workshops, events, talks or meetings that deals with diversity offered locally, for example:

• Training— Racial Equity Institute
• Workshop—President Conversation on Diversity
• Convivium Talk—Driving While Black: African Americans on the Road in the Era of Jim Crow
• Book Tour and Signing—Stamped from the Beginning
• Teach-In—Battle hymns: Black women’s songs of struggle, survival, and self care
• Common Read Event—  Janet Mock’s Redefining Realness; My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love and So Much More
• Meet and Greet — Reception for new members of the Oneonta community, surrounding areas and local SUNY Campuses