What is culturally responsive teaching?
By Educators Team at Understood
Expert reviewed by Karla Vigil, MAT

At a glance
Culturally responsive teaching is a rich, intentional approach woven into every aspect of student learning.
It focuses on the assets students bring to the classroom rather than what students can’t do.
It raises expectations and makes learning relevant for all students.
Culturally responsive teaching is a research-based approach to teaching. It connects students’ cultures, languages, and life experiences with what they learn in school. These connections help students access rigorous curriculum and develop higher-level academic skills.
Our brains are wired to make connections. It’s easier for our brains to learn and store information when we have a hook to hang it on. That hook is background knowledge. Students bring this knowledge to the classroom every day.
But for students of color, English language learners (ELLs), and other underserved student populations, those assets are often overlooked. When that happens, educators miss the chance to use them to support learning. (See recent work by Zaretta Hammond for the neuroscience behind this.)
Culturally responsive teaching values and reflects the assets of all students. By doing that, it raises academic expectations for all learners. It also sends the message that multiculturalism is an asset.
Dive deeper
The benefits of culturally responsive teaching
How culturally responsive teaching, UDL, and SEL work together
For educators: Culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
For educators: How to partner with families
Lydia Breiseth (director of Colorín Colorado), Shivohn García, PhD (senior director of the Impact team at Understood), and Shaquala Butler (Understood Teacher Fellow) contributed to this article.
About the author
About the author
Educators Team at Understood is made up of passionate writers, editors, educators, and subject matter experts who have worked in classrooms and with students who learn and think differently.
Reviewed by

Reviewed by
Karla Vigil, MAT is the chief executive officer and co-founder of the Equity Institute.