Developing Multicultural Educators

Thoroughly updated, Noel’s concise, practical text offers essential information on identity development as it applies to multicultural education. Discussions are not heavily laden with theory, but when that coverage is warranted, Noel uses clear, jargon-free language and examples of how theory can be applied in the real world. The concepts of identity and culture are introduced through the author’s own identity story—an apt way to set the stage for self-exploration, learning new insights, and discovering how teachers can make a positive difference in school and community settings. A section on community “funds of knowledge” explores the theory and practice of connecting with a school’s neighborhood community. Other distinctive features include: an extended section on tracking and an entirely new section and reflective writing on the concept of “subtractive schooling,” current statistics and identity issues related to refugee and immigrant status, a discussion of Gardner’s eighth intelligence (the naturalist intelligence), and new identity stories illustrating the various stages of ethnic identity. The book’s advantageous pedagogical tools—group and individual activities, guided discussion questions throughout the chapters, end-of-the-chapter reflective writings, and case studies—help readers to gain a clear vision of how to be an effective teacher in today’s diverse communities.