Application for Teaching Resource Faculty

Names : Lakeisha D. Meyer

Department : Psychology

Phone : 745-XXXX

Project Title : Teaching Race and Culture: Improving College Instruction and Preparing Students to Work in a Diverse Society

Area of Proposed Expertise Description

There are many positive features and societal tensions related to race, ethnicity, and culture. These assets and conflicts are present in all areas of society. Across the nation, student populations at all levels are becoming increasingly diverse. It is crucial that our teaching practices as college instructors support optimal experiences and learning for students from ethnically and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It is also necessary for us to prepare our students for the diversity they will encounter in their future careers as teacher, counselors, nurses, social workers, etc. Being able to appropriately incorporate material related to diversity into classrooms is a skill needed by educators at all levels. Some educators are hesitant to discusses issues related to race and culture in the classroom and some educators experience anxiety in the classroom when presented with students from ethnically or linguistically diverse backgrounds. This anxiety is often the result of unfamiliarity or lack of knowledge about individuals from diverse backgrounds. The proposed area of expertise is related to teaching race and culture. More specifically, I want to develop the skill sets that will allow me to efficaciously integrate discussions of diversity and race in course materials and create classroom environments that provide tools for success to students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Description of the Project

Evidence of Campus Need for this Project

1. The racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity on campus is increasing and will likely continue to do so. As a result, we need to ensure that we engage in practices that support the retention and success of students from diverse backgrounds. It will be particularly important to share our expertise with the faculty and staff at the community college, because a significant number of WKU's African American students take courses at the community college.
2. Issues related to race and culture are discussed in all disciplines across campus. The following is a list of a few of the course areas that include such material: psychology, sociology, economics, biology, anthropology, folk studies, literature, and political science.
3. Many departments on campus prepare students for professions that involve teaching or providing services directly to individuals (i.e., nurses, teachers, social workers, school psychologists, counselors, etc.). WKU needs to ensure that graduates are prepared to work with students, clients, patients, and consumers from diverse backgrounds.

Strategy

I plan to develop my expertise by attending the summer program at the Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture (ISPRC). The 2007 Summer Program is “Teaching Race and Culture” and is being held from June 26-29 at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Additional information about the summer program can be found at the following web address: http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/soe/isprc/SP2007/index.htm

Background

I have extensive prior experience and knowledge related to diversity. This experience includes developing course materials, published papers, and presentations related to issues of race and culture.

Dissemination & Evaluation Plan

I plan to develop a workshop to present to all interested faculty and staff. I also plan to develop resource materials (booklets, pamphlets, and/or handouts) for faculty and staff. Last, I will submit a proposal to conduct the workshop at the 2007 “Engaging the Spirit” conference.

Budget and Timeline

Registration fee                $995 (includes housing, meals, sessions, and books/materials)

Air fare                            $400

Shuttle to/from airport       $100

Costs for dissemination of

     conference materials     $400   

Subtotal                               $1,895

Amount provided by the

     CEBS Dean's Office       $250

TOTAL                                  $1,645

The summer program is June 26-29, 2007.  One campus workshop will be conducted during the Fall 2007 semester and one during the spring 2008 semester. Supplemental resources and materials will be distributed throughout the school year.

Agreement Statement

I agree to follow my plan for disseminating the information I gain, based on consultation with the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Signature __________________________________            Date  ______________________