George Lucas Educational Foundation

Building Belonging With Cultural Ambassadors

By asking families to visit the classroom to share their language and traditions, this school creates a sense of community and connection for all students.

August 7, 2024

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Whiting Lane Elementary School, in West Hartford, Connecticut, is a school that celebrates the diversity of their students—more than 30 different languages are spoken in the building—through cultural ambassadors. The program, developed by an English as a Second Language (ESOL) teacher, is one way they show their commitment to inclusivity—and to making all families feel like they belong. Family members serving as cultural ambassadors are invited to come into the classroom, read a book in their native language, and share aspects of their home culture with the class. Students compare elements of the language with English and are given space to ask lots of questions. As a result, classmates develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of cultures around the world, and families feel truly welcomed by the school community.

Schools That Work

Whiting Lane Elementary School

Public, Suburban
Grades PK-5
West Hartford, CT
  • Designated a School of Distinction by the Connecticut Department of Education 6 times in the past 9 years. 
  • Recognized as a national Blue Ribbon School in 2022 for academic performance and strong efforts to close the achievement gap amongst all subgroups of students.
  • School survey data collected in the 2023-24 school year reflects that 95% of students feel safe at school.

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Filed Under

  • Culturally Responsive Teaching
  • Diversity
  • Family Engagement
  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • K-2 Primary

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