Anti-racism – teachers

Teachers play a critical role in developing intercultural understanding, promoting mutual respect and positive behaviours in the classroom, and in assisting all students to effectively engage with learning.

Teachers are expected to reflect on their own behaviour to ensure that it does not result in anyone – other staff, students and members of the school community –experiencing racism.

Facilitating conversations about racism

Conversations about racism can be difficult. The following guides can assist teachers develop confidence to respond to the sensitive content that arises when addressing racism.

The Information for Teachers about Racist Bullying (PDF 156 KB) document provides advice and practical steps for responding to incidents of racist bullying.

Racism online

ResearchExternal link shows that a high proportion of young people are likely to encounter inappropriate or hateful content such as racism online.

Teaching resources

Incorporating Aboriginal perspectives

  • Aboriginal Education and Communities provides information to support schools to plan and meet Aboriginal student needs and build understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
  • The Partnership Agreement 2020–2030, Walking Together, Working Together (PDF 4.8 MB) between the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (NSW AECG)External link aims to ensure that every Aboriginal child and young person in NSW achieves their potential through education. It recognises the NSW AECG as the peak community advisory body to the department on Aboriginal education at all levels and in all stages of planning and decision making.
  • NarragunnawaliExternal link (Reconciliation Australia) supports all schools and early learning services in Australia with professional learning and curriculum resources to foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions. Information on the Department of Education’s Reconciliation Action Plan is also available.
  • The AIATSIS Map of AustraliaExternal link serves as a visual reminder of the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia.
  • An online repository of Elder-approved content relating to a host of different communities, StorylinesExternal link is a place to discover Aboriginal, non-secret, non-sacred stories of history, culture and achievement. This is a fantastic tool for learning and particularly worth exploring if you feel you need a bit of preparation for talking with community for the first time.

Category:

  • DoE

Business Unit:

  • Teaching and Learning Support
  • Teaching, Learning and Student Wellbeing
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