By Quassan Castro

In order to achieve success in the classroom with African American and Latino students, the educator must understand the population that he/she teaches, as well as consistently analyze if his/her teaching practices are effective. If you do not understand the population of students you teach, your success in the classroom can be greatly minimized.

With all the recent debates on ways to reach the African American and Latino student population, here is a list of twelve tips all educators of African American and Latino children should know. Some of the tips can apply to all students.

Check Stereotypes

Check any stereotypes you might have at the door. Limiting views can result in limiting expectations of the African American and Latino student. Limiting expectations can result in limited performance. If you believe in the stereotype of the loud mouth Latina, or the bad boy thug, you’re doomed. Do not make false assumptions about your student population, especially if they are contrived from negative stereotypes. If you view the urban school environments as a “mad” house then guess how you directly or indirectly view your students?

Connect with Parents

Establish a positive connection with parents from the first day of class. A phone call to report good news is as equally vital to the success of your student as informing parents when children are struggling.

Read More Twelve Tips All Educators Must Know About Educating African American and Latino Students | Quassan Castro.