The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Honouring religious diversity

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

— Nelson Mandela

ALBERTA’S TEACHERS, AS WELL AS STUDENTS and their families, reflect the province’s religious diversity. Our beliefs, whether informal or formalized and attached to an organized religious tradition, influence how we understand and are understood. They shape our identity, influence our relationships and define our ideals. In our school communities, we have a unique opportunity to create compassionate common ground where respect, openness, humility and self-awareness support turning toward one another as we engage with students, families and professional colleagues alike. 

BELIEFS SHAPE THE SPACE 

Our beliefs shape the space, helping us and those in our school to not only be safe and cared for but to feel safe and cared about too. Teachers play a key role in creating common ground in school communities—as we let our own light shine, we give others permission to do the same. In fostering safe spaces and exchanges, honouring the inherent dignity and value of all, we encourage others to share their authentic selves. 

So, how can we as professionals create safe and caring spaces in which all can authentically and respectfully share themselves, exploring where they come from and what they believe in?

EVERY MOMENT IS A MOMENT TO MODEL

Self-awareness 

• Reflect on your personal and shared story, your beliefs, your biases and your desire to be respected for who you are.
• Consider journalling—What beliefs could you share about yourself, the world and your place within it, and your religious experience? What enables you to share? What limits you? 

Openness, respect and humility* 

• Actively engage in conversations with students, colleagues and others who hold similar and dissimilar beliefs, respectfully and deliberately including those who have diverse points of view.
• Listen to diverse perspectives with openness and curiosity, and be authentic in sharing your own perspective.
• Consider inviting faith leaders and elders to discuss spirituality and ways of knowing. Prepare meaningful questions to support the conversation.

Cultural sensitivity 

• Continue your learning about world religions, especially those that are represented in your local community.
• Identify points of intersection and divergence between your own individual and collective beliefs and those of others, making connections with purpose and intentionality.
• Consider exploring up-to-date, authoritative resources. Check out the ATA’s LibGuides on diverse religious observances.

As Alberta teachers, we are part of a rich profession that respects and values religious diversity, not only in the content we convey, but also in the common ground we create. 

*It is important to be mindful of board and school policies when discussing religion or inviting faith leaders or elders into your classroom. Also, s 58.1(1) of the Education Act must be adhered to when subject matter primarily and explicitly deals with religion.

Recommended Resource

Meeting Families Where They Are
Beth Harry and Lydia Ocasio-Stoutenburg

This book focuses on developing teacher understanding of the advocacy role that parents take on for their children and why they have to assume that role.