Description of ERI: Ethnic-Racial Identity (ERI) refers to how individuals perceive and identify with their ethnic and racial backgrounds. It encompasses feelings of pride, connection, and belonging to one’s cultural heritage, as well as how individuals perceive societal attitudes towards their ethnic or racial group. ERI is dynamic and evolves over time, influenced by personal experiences, social interactions, and broader societal contexts.

Objective: To help educators reflect on their own Ethnic-Racial Identity (ERI) and understand how it influences their perspectives and interactions with students.

Activity Steps:

• Personal Reflection (20 minutes):
  • Find a quiet space where you can reflect without interruptions.
  • Take a few minutes to think about your own ethnic and racial background. Consider how you identify with your cultural heritage and racial identity.
  • Reflect on significant experiences or moments in your life that have shaped your ERI. How have these experiences influenced your perceptions and beliefs about race and ethnicity?

• Journaling (15 minutes):
  • Write down your thoughts and feelings about your ethnic and racial identity. Include aspects such as affirmation (how you feel about your ethnic group), public regard (perceptions of how others view your ethnic group), centrality (the importance of your ethnic identity in your life), and salience (when and how your ethnicity/race is relevant to you).
  • Consider how your ERI impacts your interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader educational community.

• Discussion (10 minutes):
  • If possible, share your reflections with a trusted colleague or participate in a group discussion.
  • Discuss commonalities and differences in experiences related to ERI within the group. How do these reflections influence your understanding of diversity and inclusion in the classroom?

• Action Planning (10 minutes):
  • Identify one or two actionable steps you can take to leverage your understanding of ERI in your teaching practice.
  • Consider how you can create a more inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates students’ diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

• Reflection (5 minutes):
  • Reflect on the insights gained from this activity. How has reflecting on your ERI influenced your perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education?
  • Write down any additional thoughts or ideas for future personal growth in this area.