The Walla Walla University Center for Educational Equity and Diversity (CEED) recently received a $20,000 grant to create a training and certification program in cultural competence for student teachers and their mentors. The grant, awarded by the Washington State Professional Educators Standard Board, is part of their Advancing Equity Grants initiative. The training will be offered to current WWU student teacher candidates, local educators, and community members.

The goal of cultural competence training is to prepare teachers to create school environments that are welcoming to those of diverse backgrounds. Statistics show that by 2025, 1 in 4 students will be English Language Learners. The grant will further CEED’s goal by improving current practices surrounding issues of diversity and equity on the WWU campus as well as in the local community. The grant will create more opportunities in school and community organizations as educators participate in professional development.

“Cultural competence training is important because it will allow for more mindful education practices by our teacher graduates.” said Amanda Ramoutar, assistant instructor in the School of Education and Psychology.

To learn more about the program and the School of Education and Psychology, visit, wallawalla.edu/education.

Posted March 10, 2022