“Why I Am Not a Painter”: Developing an Inclusive Classroom

In this paper, I connect John Dewey’s notion that growth occurs through interaction with a diverse community to contemporary discussions of inclusive education. I highlight the importance of materials that offer different access points, the chance for students to listen to one another, and the teacher’s openness to each child’s potential. Though I became a teacher already committed to a classroom community that celebrated a range of capacities, I wasn’t initially able to translate this belief into practice. Integrating practice and philosophy, I share my path to provide insights for other teachers seeking to create a more inclusive classroom.