DEIB Articles and Advice
Welcome to our DEIB Resource Hub!
This is your go-to spot for tips, ideas, and inspiration to make Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) a natural part of your world. Whether you’re in the school setting or just navigating everyday life, we’ve got resources to help you create spaces where everyone feels they truly belong. Dive in and discover strategies to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
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In today’s world, fostering inclusive and equitable environments is so important! This is where DEIB—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—comes into play. These four pillars are not just buzzwords but essential frameworks for creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Let’s break down what each term means:
Diversity: The presence of varied identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences within a group.
Equity: Ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities by addressing systemic barriers and disparities.
Inclusion: Actively creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed and valued.
Belonging: Cultivating a sense of acceptance and connection so that individuals feel integral to the community.
When integrated thoughtfully, DEIB practices can transform not only schools but also everyday interactions.
Implementing DEIB in a School Setting
Schools play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. By embedding DEIB principles into education, we can foster empathy, understanding, and social responsibility. Here are some actionable ways to integrate DEIB into a school setting:
Inclusive Curriculum: Design lessons that reflect diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. This could include books by authors from underrepresented communities or discussions about global issues.
Equitable Policies: Review school policies to ensure they promote fairness. For instance, address disparities in disciplinary actions and provide resources for students from marginalized backgrounds.
Safe Spaces: Create environments where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences without fear of judgment.
Student-Led Initiatives: Encourage clubs, events, or projects that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, such as cultural fairs or peer mentoring programs.
Incorporating DEIB Into Everyday Life
Beyond school settings, practicing DEIB in daily life can create ripple effects of positive change. Here are some ways to do this:
Self-Education: Commit to learning about the experiences and challenges of different communities. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend workshops.
Active Listening: When engaging with others, especially those whose backgrounds differ from your own, listen without judgment and seek to understand their perspectives.
Challenge Bias: Recognize and confront your biases. This might mean reevaluating assumptions or speaking up when you witness discrimination.
Support Diverse Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support businesses owned by people from underrepresented groups.
Practice Empathy: Approach situations with compassion and an open mind, striving to build connections and understanding.
Why DEIB Matters
Integrating DEIB into schools and everyday life is not just about addressing disparities; it’s about enriching our communities. Diversity brings innovation, equity ensures fairness, inclusion fosters collaboration, and belonging builds trust. By embracing these principles, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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The Power of Language: Inclusive Practices for School-Based Professionals
At Ampersand Therapy, we know that words matter—a lot. The way we talk can shape how people feel, build stronger connections, and create spaces where everyone feels like they belong. As school-based professionals, we get to lead the way by using inclusive language in our classrooms and with our teammates.
When someone offers a more inclusive phrase, it’s not about being corrected—it’s about making a connection. It’s a chance to grow, be more thoughtful, and make sure everyone feels seen and respected. Even small changes in how we speak can have a big, positive impact on students, coworkers, and the whole school community.
Here are some simple, powerful inclusive language tips you can start using right away at school:
Gender-Neutral Terms
Avoid language that assumes binary gender.
❌ “Hey guys!”
✅ “Hey everyone!” or “Hey team!”This small switch helps every student and colleague feel acknowledged, regardless of gender identity.
Avoiding Ableist Language
Common phrases may unintentionally marginalize people with disabilities. Consider alternatives that are both accurate and respectful.
❌ “I’m so OCD about this.”
✅ “I like things to be organized.”❌ “Turn a blind eye.”
✅ “Ignore” or “Overlook.”As educators and advocates, using respectful language reinforces dignity and inclusivity for all students.
Using Inclusive Pronouns
When unsure of someone’s pronouns, it’s best to default to they/them until clarified.
Introduce yourself with your pronouns to model inclusion (e.g., “Hi, I’m Jordan, and I use they/them pronouns.”)
❌ “She or he will help you.”
✅ “They will help you.”❌ “Chairman.”
✅ “Chairperson” or “Chair.”This small change can create a safer, more welcoming environment for students and staff across the gender spectrum.
Culturally Sensitive Language
Some phrases may carry racial or class-based stereotypes. It’s important to rethink how we describe things and offer compliments.
❌ “That’s so ghetto.”
✅ “That’s outdated” or “That’s low-quality.”❌ “You’re so articulate!”
✅ “You explained that really well!”Our language should celebrate communication without reinforcing harmful assumptions.
Inclusive Family and Relationship Terms
Not all students come from a traditional nuclear family—and that’s okay.
❌ “Mom and Dad”
✅ “Guardians,” or “Caregivers”❌ “Husband/Wife”
✅ “Spouse” or “Partner”Using neutral terms ensures all family structures are respected and represented.
Use Language that Respects Individual Preference
Language shapes how we see others. Some people prefer person-first language (e.g., “a person with autism”), which emphasizes the individual before any condition or identity. Others prefer identity-first language (e.g., “an autistic person”), which embraces the identity as an integral part of who they are.
💬 Examples:
Person-first: “A person with autism”
Identity-first: “An autistic person”
Identity-first: “A Deaf student”
Person-first: “A student who is deaf”
There’s no universally “right” choice. The most respectful approach is to listen, ask when appropriate, and honor how someone identifies themselves.
Language is personal. Respecting preferences shows you care—and that never goes out of style.
Holiday and Cultural Awareness
Holidays offer a meaningful opportunity to celebrate culture, build community, and foster curiosity—but it’s essential to approach them with intention and inclusivity.
Educate, Don’t Just Decorate: Go beyond surface-level celebrations. Share the cultural significance behind holidays like Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and others. Help students understand why these days matter to the communities that honor them.
Use Inclusive, Non-Assumptive Language: Instead of saying “everyone loves Christmas,” try “some families celebrate Christmas, while others may observe different traditions or none at all.” This small shift signals that every student’s background is valid and valued.
Acknowledge a Wide Range of Traditions: Don’t center every classroom celebration, or school break, around dominant-culture holidays (e.g., say winter break instead of Christmas break). Make space to highlight underrepresented ones and invite students (when they’re comfortable) to share about traditions that are meaningful to them.
Creating an environment where diverse holidays and traditions are recognized not only teaches respect—it helps all students feel seen, safe, and empowered to express who they are.
Inclusive language is not about being perfect—it’s about being mindful. It’s about choosing words that uplift rather than exclude, that welcome rather than alienate. As school-based professionals, the way we speak is a powerful tool for shaping more equitable, compassionate communities.
Let’s keep growing together.
—The Ampersand Therapy Team
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The Role of Trauma-Sensitive Approaches in Our Schools
Many of us know that our classrooms are filled with wonderful, unique students - each carrying their own stories and experiences. Research shows a significant number of children have faced trauma in their lives, often at school. These experiences can happen in many forms, including but not limited to: witnessing violence, experiencing emotional, verbal, or physical abuse or neglect, dealing with a caregiver’s mental health struggles or substance use, bullying, or other difficult events.
Trauma can influence how students communicate, learn, and connect with others. It may affect their ability to process information or manage their emotions, as well as processing language.
We may not always know what our students have been through, but as educators, it’s important to remember that we don’t need to know. Our role is to create an environment where all students feel safe, supported, and valued - regardless of their past experiences.
When we adopt trauma-sensitive approaches, we're not just helping students who have experienced trauma: we’re fostering a respectful, nurturing space that benefits everyone. Our shared goal is to build a community where every student feels secure and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
By being mindful, compassionate, and deliberate in our interactions, we can make a powerful difference in the lives of our students - one caring gesture at a time. Together, we can create classrooms that are truly safe havens for all children to grow and succeed.
Here are some initial ideas and strategies to get started:
Educate Yourself About Trauma: We can gain a deeper understanding of how trauma affects students and can influence their behaviors and needs. This valuable knowledge equips us to create a safe, nurturing, and supportive classroom environment for every student. Feel free to check out the resources provided at the end of this article to learn more about trauma and trauma-sensitive practices. For example, attending professional development trainings that address cultural and socio-economic factors influencing trauma can help us understand diverse student experiences. By exploring resources that highlight different cultural expressions of resilience and trauma, we can better support students from all backgrounds
Collaborate with Support Teams: We can collaborate closely with counselors, social workers, and administration to create consistent, school-wide approaches. Together, we can focus on developing strategies that help students build self-regulation skills and use effective techniques to support their emotional and behavioral growth. For example, collaborating with team members to share observations and create tailored plans helps us serve every student more effectively.
Create a Safe Environment: We can foster a classroom or therapy space that feels predictable, welcoming, and secure (for example, routine and consistency often can help reduce anxiety and make students feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves). For example, establishing clear routines that consider students’ cultural practices or language needs, and providing visual schedules or quiet spaces can help all students feel more secure and respected in the classroom setting.
Build Trust and Show Empathy: We can show up for students and help build trust by actively listening, showing genuine interest, and respecting students’ boundaries. We can remember that challenging behaviors may be signals of trauma - and we can choose to approach all students with kindness and without judgment. For example, taking time to ask students about their interests and listening actively demonstrates genuine care. Recognizing that behaviors might be influenced by cultural expectations or trauma, and responding with patience and kindness, supports a trusting relationship.
Use Trauma-Informed Language: We can choose to be mindful of our tone, body language, and words, be aware of students’ emotional responses, and avoid shame-based language. We also can celebrate students’ strengths and successes to empower them with their wins (no matter how big or small!). For example, instead of saying “you’re being disruptive,” we might say, “I notice you’re upset right now; let’s work together on how you’re feeling.” Celebrating recent successes, like a student sharing their artwork or completing a task, reinforces their strengths and builds confidence.
Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries: We can take care of our own mental health and set boundaries to maintain compassion and resilience. This includes knowing our personal limits regarding workload (and delegating tasks when possible), establishing work-life boundaries, maintaining our own physical well-being, and practicing self-compassion. For example, setting aside time for regular self-reflection or mindfulness practices helps maintain resilience (e.g. closing laptop at lunch break, or taking 15 minutes at beginning/end of day for self-care). Knowing when to step back or seek support—whether through supervision or peer support—ensures we can continue to show up with compassion for all students.
Additionally, we hope you find these following resources valuable. If you have any additional ones to share, please feel free to email us and let us know!:
The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative https://traumasensitiveschools.org/
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – https://www.nctsn.org/
The Book The Body Keeps the Score (by Bessel van der Kolk) is a book that details how trauma can affect the brain and body.
