Creating a Welcoming Classroom: Fostering Belonging

How do we, as artists and art historians, create a sense of belonging in our classrooms? In a time where students are too often disengaged from the community, how can we foster belonging? A one-size-fits-all method of teaching is ineffective and faculty must develop innovative pedagogical strategies to help our students learn. How can we encourage our students to see the relevancy of our subject matter and feel connected to the material? How can we help our students have agency, center their voices, feel part of a community, and increase engagement in the classroom? This panel seeks innovative teaching strategies and projects that support all students and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom, the studio, and the learning community at large. We encourage all to share their approaches, but especially those from community colleges and other 2-year institutions.