ENHANCING TEACHER COMPETENCE IN MULTICULTURAL CLASSROOMS

Abstract

This article explores the pivotal role of intercultural competence and readiness in teachers operating within multicultural school contexts. It delves into how a teacher's personal history, including their family background, educational journey, and encounters with diverse cultures, significantly influences their ability to effectively engage with and teach
students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Highlighting the importance of comprehensive teacher education programs, the discussion emphasizes the need for curricula that not only impart knowledge of diverse cultures but also foster the essential skills and attitudes for promoting intercultural understanding, empathy, and respect in the classroom. The article argues that fostering such competencies is crucial for creating inclusive educational environments that recognize and value cultural diversity, thereby enhancing the learning experience for all students and preparing them for a globally interconnected world.