As of late, there is a pervasive call in the English Language Arts classroom to reflect the diverse and intersectional lives of our students. As such, this session focuses on the vital role of diverse literature in approaching intersectionality, diversity, and social justice in the English Language Arts curriculum. It is crucial that we as educators create inclusive and equitable learning environments that reflect the diverse experiences and identities of our students. Integrating diverse literature can profoundly impact our students' understanding of various perspectives, foster empathy, and encourage critical thinking about social justice issues. Research shows that when provided with literature that reflects the diverse, intersectional, and critical lives of our very own students, and they are given a way to express this learning in diverse literacies, they thrive. Teaching diverse literacies is not only paramount for developing critical literacy, it gives students, teachers, and schools the tools to approach systemic marginalization, disrupting harmful histories and stereotypes. In this interactive session, we will delve into text recommendations and effective strategies for incorporating diverse literature into the English Language Arts curriculum.
