Sherry L. Field

“I Want a Multicultural Classroom”: Preparing Social Studies Teachers for Culturally Diverse Classrooms

This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of two cohorts of elementary preservice teachers on citizenship education in todays culturally and globally diverse classrooms. Both cohorts were enrolled in the same university; however, one group participated in an urban-based teacher education program designed around the needs of urban school children. While participants reported varying views of citizenship and offered diverse strategies for incorporating citizenship in the classroom, findings suggested that those participating in the urban-based cohort viewed citizenship more in terms of culture and valued promoting cultural learning and sharing in the classroom. Implications for teachers wanting to teach for cultural citizenship are discussed.

At Home in the World: Supporting Children in Human Rights, Global Citizenship, and Digital Citizenship

In September 2015, when the UN General Assembly included a global education-focused target in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, they signaled the importance of a new set of skills and knowledge that all learners must acquire. Indeed, it is no longer enough for every child to have access to education and to master reading, writing, and math. The global community is now endeavoring to develop students into global citizens, capable of finding solutions for the worlds greatest challenges and motivated to instill peace and justice into their communities. Educators must understand these important concepts, such as global citizenship, education for sustainable development, human rights, and the promotion of a culture of peace, that shape childrens lives if they are to effectively support children in their development and prepare them for the 21st century.

Using Children's Literature and the Universals of Culture to Teach about Mexico.

Abstract The family is the foundation of our society. By learning about family life in other countries, we learn about our own lives and we realize that we all belong to one big family—the family of mankind. … [Studying families of the world] could help us to get closer to people in distant countries and support the knowledge that “we are one.” — Liv Ullmann, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

The Aztec, Frida Kahlo, and Cinco de Mayo: Mexico in Children's Literature

The authors provide an overview of childrens books published in the United States during the last decade (2000–2010) that deal with Mexico and Mexican people. Suggested guidelines for selecting quality books and a list of award-winning titles are included as resources for teaching about Mexico.