Middleton High School students shared their perspectives on diversity and the importance of having teachers and staff of color, according to an article written for the April edition of the Community Compass newsletter on Apr. 23.
The topic is significant as students believe that a diverse teaching staff helps foster inclusion, improve communication, and provide role models for students of color. Leaders from the Black Student Union (BSU) and Latino Student Union (LSU) at Middleton High School recently attended a Multicultural Student Achievement Network conference where they discussed strategies to increase staff diversity with peers from across the country.
“Having teachers of color in your school breeds a culture of diversity and makes students of color feel included,” said Uriel Tsipotou, a junior. “It also makes it easier for students to go up and ask those teachers for help.” Fiona Mccasey, a sophomore, said, “What we’ve been working for, for so long, is that we want more people of color here in this district. They’re going to be welcomed with open arms.”
Students are now involved in recruitment efforts by producing promotional videos and participating at district hiring events. Natalia Romero Gutierrez, a junior, said: “Representation matters, not just for academics, but also identity and confidence for students. They could turn into a role model for students who rarely see themselves reflected in the classroom.” Genesis Flores Lanzo recalled her experience having Ms. Figueroa as her algebra teacher: “She told me that I reminded her a lot of her younger self…and knowing that it’s true more on an ethnic level…it just hit me a lot harder than a lot of other teachers could.”
Students highlighted gratitude toward staff members such as Aisha Myers and Laura Taveras-Genao—Student and Family Engagement Specialists—and School Counselor LaRon Ragsdale who support them outside regular classes. Sennie Kidau said: “It’s really important to know that I have people who are on my side and can understand where I’m coming from a lot of the time.” Natalia added: “Just their presence alone has helped me imagine a future where I can succeed and be like them…and make a true impact.” Diamond Tai stated: “To me, it would mean seeing somebody walk the way I walk…choose higher education and teach. You have the opportunity to make a difference.”
According to the official website, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District promotes community engagement through extracurricular activities while supporting education from early childhood through high school with programs focusing on literacy, math, social-emotional learning; it achieved top ACT composite scores among public non-charter schools statewide; aims to prepare students for global challenges while fostering local inspiration; serves Middleton and Cross Plains area in Wisconsin; Dr. Dana Monogue served as superintendent.
