Seeing the Invisible

Sometimes we can’t see diversity.

Often times we consider diversity to be something that we see or hear on the outside…skin color, languages spoken, or other “physical” traits.

During our Senior Roll Call, as each of our seniors was welcomed by the song of their choosing, what I’m calling “invisible diversity” was on display. From Metallica, to David Bowie, to Drake, to Elvis and everything in between. We had K-Pop, traditional Chinese songs, and Ecuadorean ballads. Our students were each able to choose their own song which goes to show the wide range of interests that our students hold. This example of “invisible diversity” is, perhaps, the number one reason that we need to get to know our students on a personal level!

As educators it’s easy to group our students and place them into a category. The “artists”, the “athletes”, the “academics”, the “musicians”…but who are these people beyond what we think we see? Many of our students (or people in general) don’t fit neatly into any one group in particular. Some of our best athletes are also strong musicians, artists, academics, and much more. On the other hand, some of the kids who aren’t our top academics have talents and interests outside of school. But how would we know if we don’t take the chance to get to know our kids on a personal level?

I’ve mentioned this before, don’t be afraid to take some class time to set the content aside and learn (and share) some personal information about these young people that you work with 210 minutes (sometimes more) each week. Teaching is more than disseminating content, it’s about knowing our students and building connections.

I know it’s the end of the year, this may be more relevant at the beginning of the school, but it’s worth considering at any time. Since it was the Senior Roll Call music that inspired my thinking about “invisible diversity” I thought I would share the songs from the whole playlist…enjoy 🙂

* A word of caution…while our students selected a 1 minute and 15 section of these songs with all “clean” words, some of the full songs include “explicit lyrics”.

In order of appearance…

Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations

Let’s Go – Khalid

마에스트로 (Maestro) – 창모 (Changmo)

Strange Charm: A Song About Quarks – Hank Green

The Fratellis – Chelsea Dagger

Anillos De Saturno – Danny Fornaris Feat. Jani Sanchez

Daddy – Psy

Modern Love – David Bowie

Me Llamas – Piso 21

Jump in the Fire – Metallica

Headlines – Drake