Leave no teacher behind: A bold proposal for teacher education

As a result of changing demographic trends, classroom teachers are challenged to be more responsive to the needs of culturally diverse student populations (Gay, 2000). In light of the academic and social failure experienced by these students, teachers must consciously alter their behaviors to facilitate student success. Consequently, the implications are clear for teacher preparation programs to be more culturally responsive and to provide mandatory certification in culturally responsive pedagogy. Lessons learned from a cross-cultural teacher preparation program will be shared, along with an analysis of participants' journal entries.