This unique essay in verse is a learning tool for educators who want to reconsider their cultural pedagogy. Using the author’s own experiences with a lack of diversity in the education system in Cape Breton as a framing narrative, the piece calls into question how educators respond to students from diverse backgrounds.

Educators will:
• Gain a better understanding of what it is to be responsive, both culturally and linguistically.
• Learn the importance of building relationships with students, and how to create a school environment that is culturally responsive.
• Reflect on the current pedagogical approach with an equitable lens.
• See how being culturally and linguistically responsive in teaching increases student success.

"The System Almost H.A.D. Me! Understanding Culturally Responsive Pedagogy…" includes an educational overview with twenty-two concrete tips for how to make your school environment culturally and linguistically responsive. It also shares resources for teachers and the bios of the contributors, including an experienced culturally responsive classroom teacher, a responsive illustrator, as well as the bio of the equitable community honoree.

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy is a style of teaching, both in Canada and the United States, that promotes diverse, authentic learning environments for students and staff. It is, at its heart, grounded in equity. Educators, parents, and even students will learn to make connections to what it is to be culturally responsive in both teaching and learning.

Partial proceeds from the sales of this book will go back to the community of Whitney Pier, and the students in the Cape Breton Centre for Education.