Diversity

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The International American School is committed to sustaining a welcoming and supportive environment both for the children and families in its community and those interested in joining the IAS family. IAS values and celebrates ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic diversity. The International American School is explicit about this mission and families that join our community are expected to uphold these principles, not just tolerate them in pursuit of an IAS education. The IAS experience is based on mutual respect and personal integrity, the foundation upon which our diversity mission is established.

DIVERSITY AT THE INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN SCHOOL

Diversity within the IAS Community is defined in its broadest sense. Our commitment to diversity includes families that are from various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Our cultural diversity also includes various family constellations. Recognizing the changing face of our world, the mission of the International American School is to create an environment that will reflect the larger society. It is essential that our students learn to co-exist with others different from themselves as they work towards becoming competent global citizens. IAS strives to promote multicultural inclusion through its curriculum, programming, and outreach efforts. 

CULTURAL COMPETENCY

In our effort to sustain a welcoming and supportive environment for all including our culturally diverse families, IAS students, faculty and staff are continually working towards becoming culturally competent. As a community we must become comfortable with self-reflection in order to understand others. Rather than “tolerating others” we seek to understand, and appreciate those who are different from ourselves. Our empathic ability is essential to a sincere appreciation and celebration of diversity. 

TO ACHIEVE CULTURAL COMPETENCY WE:

 Engage in Dialogue about Diversity and Multiculturism Students and faculty discuss difficult issues including social choices, responsibility, prejudice, and privileges involving the surrounding community as well as on a global basis. Adults and students within the IAS community attend conferences and workshops designed to help achieve cultural competency and empathic ability. Our curriculum is rich with the exploration cultural diversity and global unity.

EVALUATE OUR EFFORTS

Our commitment to Honor and Excellence requires an evaluation of our diversity goals and efforts. Faculty are routinely asked to provide feedback about the progress achieved and the work left to be completed. In the Summer of 2010, the faculty and staff will complete a survey which will be used to identify further needs in the area of diversity initiatives. We welcome any input from our students, faculty and parents.

FACULTY OF DIFFERENT CULTURES

We actively recruit faculty of all races to join the IAS community. It is critical that our students learn from adults that represent a diversity reflective of the larger global community. Children learn best what they live, therefore, the first hand experiences of another culture are best learned at the hands of a native of that culture.