Fostering Cross-Cultural Competence in Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Learners

Abstract

Student populations in Unites States schools have changed and continue to do so. Educators have had to adapt in order to be effective and equitable. Bilingual/immersion teachers, specifically, are experiencing difficulties in fostering cross-cultural competence. This creates myriad issues for students concerning diversity, cultural conflicts, and racial tensions. The purpose of this chapter is to provide context and a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of bilingual/immersion teachers. This will be accomplished by a thorough review of recent literature, an analysis of the discovered themes within the literature, and a discussion of practical recommendations to provide support to teachers, administrators, and district stakeholders.