Creating an inclusive classroom: strategies for new teachers

At Mulberry College of Teaching, we are deeply committed to building an inclusive educational environment. This commitment shapes our teaching programmes and guides our post-graduate trainee teachers in creating classrooms where every student feels valued, understood, and supported. Here are strategies to help new teachers create more inclusive classrooms from their very first day.

Understanding diversity in the classroom

Inclusivity starts with understanding the diverse needs of our students. At Mulberry College of Teaching, our teachers recognise and appreciate the varied backgrounds, experiences, and abilities of their students. This understanding is critical in planning lessons that are accessible to all learners and reflect and celebrate the diversity of East London.

Culturally responsive teaching

We emphasise the importance of culturally responsive teaching, which involves recognising the cultural backgrounds of students and integrating this awareness into your teaching practice. This approach enhances student engagement and builds a learning environment where students see their identities reflected and respected in the curriculum.

Adaptivity and accessibility

Adaptive teaching is key to meeting the needs of all students. This might include varying your teaching methods,adapting materials, or using technology to enhance learning accessibility. Mulberry College of Teaching supports our post-graduate trainee teachers through bespoke coaching on effective adaptive teaching techniques, ensuring that you can cater to the specific learning styles and needs of each student.

Creating a supportive classroom culture

Building a classroom culture that promotes inclusion, diversity and aspiration involves establishing norms and practices that encourage respect, empathy, and collaboration among students. We guide post-graduate trainee teachers to implement classroom behaviour for learning practices that develop a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

At Mulberry College of Teaching, we believe in the power of reflective teaching practices. New teachers are encouraged to seek and respond to feedback from students and peers about how classroom practices can be improved to be more inclusive. This ongoing process helps teachers develop and refine strategies that support all students effectively.

Engaging with parents, carers and the community

Engaging with the wider community and parents is vital in creating an inclusive teaching environment in East London. As a post-graduate trainee teacher at Mulberry College of Teaching, you will learn to communicate effectively with parents and caregivers, understanding their perspectives and gaining insights that can enhance educational practices.

On-going learning and development

To help you keep up to date with developments in the community and enhance your practical skills, Mulberry College of Teaching offers ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars and peer collaboration which is focused on inclusive education. 

At Mulberry College of Teaching, we are dedicated to transforming lives through education. We equip our teachers with the tools to create inclusive classrooms that inspire and engage every student. By joining us, you contribute to a visionary approach to education that values and uplifts every member of our community.

• Take a look at our comprehensive course prospectus.
• Register your interest to attend one of our informal open mornings.
• Find out how to apply to become a teacher.
• Apply now for September 2024.

About us

At the Mulberry College of Teaching, we are passionate about the transformative power of teaching. We strive to provide an inclusive and aspirational learning environment for all our students that focuses on excellent outcomes, collaboration and creative teaching. 

We invest in and value our teachers. By learning to teach with us, you will be immersed in schools and will learn from school-based subject specialists as well as a range of expert practitioners whose practice is grounded in the best available research. 

Based in the heart of East London, you will join our supportive professional learning community of Trust schools and local secondary school partners. Together, we appreciate the complexities and joys of working in a diverse inner-city urban community and will support you to excel. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mulberry College of Teaching and learning more about you and your aspirations.