In an increasingly interconnected world, higher education must equip students with the skills and knowledge to navigate diverse cultural landscapes. This presentation explores how culturally responsive teaching practices can be leveraged to integrate global perspectives into higher education curricula, enhancing students’ global awareness and intercultural competencies. By infusing curricula with a broader range of cultural viewpoints, educators can create inclusive, engaging learning environments that better prepare educators for diverse teaching environments. This session will outline practical strategies for incorporating a global perspective into a Master of Education (M.Ed.) curriculum by integrating international, intercultural, and cross-cultural content, practices, and perspectives, including contributions from underrepresented voices worldwide. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of a culturally responsive approach that enriches learning and supports social justice by valuing and validating students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences. Key points will include the theoretical foundations of culturally responsive teaching, practical methods for embedding global perspectives, and challenges and solutions in developing culturally relevant curricula. Participants will leave with adaptable strategies to foster inclusivity, engagement, and a commitment to global social justice in their own educational settings. Thoughtfully integrating global perspectives allows educators to transform curricula into more inclusive, reflective, and impactful experiences for all students.
Dr. Sepideh Mahani is the Interim Dean, Faculty of Education at Yorkville University. She has been a member of Yorkville University faculty since 2016 and served as the Associate Dean (Education) and Chair of Educational Leadership from 2018 to 2024. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, Dr. Mahani has worked as an educator in various national and international contexts. Her research interests encompass a broad range of topics, including social justice, diversity in education, humanizing pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, first-generation students.