Graduate TA Handbook and Resources

Creating an Inclusive Classroom

Brown's Sheridan Center defines inclusive teaching as "an explicit intellectual and affective inclusion of all students into our fields and disciplines, through course content, assessment, and/or pedagogy." When thinking about including students, there are many forms of diversity to keep in mind. These include, but are not limited to: race, gender identity, sexuality, ability, religion, and socioeconomic background. Your class will run better and your students will learn better if everyone feels welcome and safe. 

Read about the merits of the inclusive classroom. Additionally, the resources below can guide you in learning more about what an inclusive classroom is and the basics of how to create one yourself.

Resources for specific groups

• Students that need accommodations (article)
• W&M's Student Accessibility Services
• First generation students
• Students from different cultures

Creating an inclusive, positive classroom climate

• How to foster an inclusive classroom climate
• Using students' preferred names and gender pronouns
• How to deal with microaggressions through microaffirmations
• Specific strategies for microaggressions
• How to deal with implicit bias
• Using Universal Design for Learning to improve accessibility for all students.

Using your inclusive classroom to engage and motivate students

• How to connect with your students
• Understanding student motivations
• Having difficult discussions about hot topics

Dealing with the aftermath of crisis or national tragedy

• Responding to events that disproportionately affect specific groups
• Advice for handling difficult conversations in class following a politically divisive event
• Tips for responding to a Campus Loss (.pdf)