Individual
Exploration of Identity
The Individual Lens asks us to interrogate our assumptions, biases and beliefs about others, and explores how mindsets can impede or ignite progress in the classroom, school and district. It pushes us to explore our own identities in relation to others and to think about the consequences of our actions, particularly in relation to underserved students. As teachers engage students in thinking and reflecting on the Individual Lens, the following guiding questions can be used to support students in understanding who they are and reflecting on what opportunities exist for them.
What it looks like:
- Supporting students in understanding who they are and reflecting on what opportunities exist for them
- Nurturing identity and belonging
- Examining privilege, bias, and racism
- Acknowledging diverse worldviews
- Recognizing lived experiences
Guiding Questions:
- Do my students recognize the importance of (their own and others') positive belonging and personal identities?
- Are issues of privilege, bias and racism raised and addressed as possibly impacting learning in the school?
- In what ways does a students' identity inform who they are as an individual/student?
- Are there opportunities for students to develop skills and understanding of diverse worldviews, perspectives and pedagogies?
- What are the similarities and differences in your lived experiences and those of your students?
- Are you doing everything you can to move your students closer to opportunity?
Applications and Resources:
Building Identity
Building Teacher Identity
Building Teacher Understanding
Teacher Beliefs/Values
- Becoming Anti-Racist in Canada (Visual)
- Jo Chrona - Indigenous Perspectives - Anti-Racism
- Monique Grey Smith - Indigenous Perspective - Professional Development