Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 2 of The Illinois Commitment
Summer Cultural Competence Training and Camp
“Preparing Future Teachers to be Culturally Competent: An Innovative Program for Educators”
Trinity Christian College
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
The goal of the project was to contribute to the preparation of excellent teachers for high-needs schools through
intensive training in the area of cultural competence. More specifically, this project provided the opportunity for
preservice teachers (college students), preteach (high school students interested in becoming teachers) teachers,
and elementary students to become more intimately aware of the cultural diversity in the world around them and
for preservice and preteach teachers to practice being culturally competent in preparation for the future vocation
as educators.
Description of the effective practice:
A curriculum was developed for preservice and preteach teachers related to cultural competence. A one-week
training session was offered which focused on three areas: personal awareness of diversity, awareness of student
diversity, and diversity within the educational system. The second week provided an opportunity for preservice
and preteach teachers to lead a small group of elementary students from high-needs schools. A variety of
cultural activities were provided for students to participate in the Chicagoland area. The total budget for the
project was $10,000.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
The training curriculum will be used in the education department for future development of culturally competent
teachers.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
Preservice and preteach teachers were evaluated based on program objectives related to cultural competence and
the self, students, and educational system. Students demonstrated improvement in their knowledge, attitudes,
and skills in these areas based on a self-evaluation and a faculty/staff evaluation.
Contact Information
Name: Mackenzi Huyser
Email: mackenzi.huyser@trnty.edu
Phone: (708) 239-4809
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