Teachers, administrators and other school staff can ensure that our school’s practices and environment are fostering feelings of connection and inclusion. We can structure and design many aspects of daily school life so that parents and caregivers (and everyone) feel recognized and valued by the school.
To create safe and inclusive spaces in our schools, teachers, along with administrators and other school staff members, can create visually inclusive environments through imagery. When parents and caregivers see themselves reflected in the school community they feel respected, included and visible. Posters, murals and photos are just a few vehicles for ensuring that the school environment is rich with strength-based images of diverse people. There are a myriad of ways to use visual imagery in order to convey a message of equity and inclusion.
One school posted enlarged photos of staff members holding signs expressing their commitment to respecting diversity in the school entrance area.