Circles of Inclusion: Supporting Refugee Students Through Culturally Sustaining Pedagogies, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Universal Design for Learning

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Striving for Sustaining and Relevant Pedagogy: Students, Teachers, and Social Justice

Abstract

Migrant and refugees entering the schooling system are some of our most vulnerable students. Supporting our students who come from a refugee background is not only beneficial to them, but to our society at large. Working within the framework of Universal Design for Learning and encompassing the lenses of culturally sustaining pedagogy and trauma sensitive, healing centered classroom practices, this paper will map a framework for teachers to reach our most exceptional learners. Teachers in today’s educational environment are tasked with the responsibility to create authentic relationships and safe environments for all students to prosper. In efforts towards diversity and reconciliation, we must help prepare educators to create space for cultural and academic growth of all students.

Author

• Amrit Kaur Cojocaru, Simon Fraser University