Diversity, inclusion, and equity are non-negotiables. All students, no matter their background, race, gender, language, or ability deserve equal access to a quality education. All school experiences must be available to each student, including social experiences. Students, in order to learn at their best, must feel welcomed and loved, and I make every effort with my students to provide such an environment. 

            In my library and classes, diversity will be key to teaching students how to exist in a cooperative community. All students have their differences—some are just more visible than others. In a diverse classroom, students can learn how they can benefit from the varying talents of others, while also growing up with the standard that every person has the right to an equally excellent education. 

            To promote inclusion, I will first start with my library’s physical space. The rooms will be decorated with student art and other works, such as poetry. I will take student suggestions in decorating, possibly with murals or other collaborative works. To ensure the space and materials are fully accessible, I will continually consult with disability and diversity groups. With instruction, I will have diverse figures represented and student-led classes. Clubs, such as homework help for LEP (Limited English Proficiency) students and students learning second languages, such as Spanish, will be facilitated to encourage students teaching others. The possibilities for inclusive programs and instruction are endless, and I will continually evaluate my work through reflection and input from diverse community members. 

          Most recently, I had a library internship at Frank Porter Graham Elementary in Chapel Hill, NC. This school is bilingual (English and Spanish). I have also taught LEP students at both the high school and college level, who were students of a variety of backgrounds. Additionally, I have taught preschool at a Jewish Community day school, and this population is a minority that often suffers persecution. Working with diverse populations in my local community is a joy of mine, and I will bring this work to the classroom for collaborative community programs. I intend to strive for #ownvoices diversity in instruction and will integrate this into my school’s library framework.