‘Identity-safe classrooms are warm ecosystems in which teachers endeavour to ensure that all children feel that their social identity is an asset rather than a barrier to success. Children feel welcomed, supported and valued whoever they are and whatever their background.

Teachers want the best for pupils and seek to be fair and aim to create strong culturally competent classroom communities. We might all think that we respectfully acknowledge each and every individual. We might also think that we help all children to feel secure in their identities and free to be who they are.

But do we really? Are we unwittingly allowing our implicit biases influence our teaching and relationships with children?…

Steele and Cohn-Vargus point out that an identity-safe environment values diversity by creating belonging and validating each child’s background and all the many components of social identity such as gender, culture, religion and language.’

(https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2019/01/17/identity-safe-classrooms/)

Developing a strong sense of identity in the classroom involves creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment where students feel valued for their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Key strategies include fostering belonging, encouraging self-reflection, and celebrating diversity.

Creating a space where everyone feels like they belong is important. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where students feel secure enough to be themselves, explore their identities, and grow into confident individuals.

‘Identity-safe classrooms and schools are essential especially when the communities in which many children live are soaked in prejudice, implicit bias and stereotypes. Schools have always had a powerful role to play in building relationships, creating belonging and reducing harm and hurt.’

(https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2019/01/17/identity-safe-classrooms/)

 This blog was written by Bretta Townend-Jowitt, Education Consultant and Trainer.