Facets Are Assets: A Reflection for Teachers

This resource prompts teachers to reflect on students' experiences as assets to the learning community. Any given classroom will have a range of learners. There could be a student who excels at math sitting right next to someone who can finish a chunky book over a weekend. Some will come from single-parent households, while others will live in a joint family with up to four generations under one roof. What is critical to the success of our students is that they are not made to feel ashamed or pitied for their unique experiences. In fact, their facets are assets! Check out the scenarios below to see how Linda brings students’ life experiences into the classroom. Scenario 1 Amanda is a 14-year-old 8th-grade student. She has been held back twice because of poor grades and perpetual absences from school. Her teacher, Linda, notices a cycle with Amanda. She misses a couple of days of instruction in a row and then comes back and is well behind the rest of her peers. Add in the fact that she