Few challenges are greater in achieving educational success in high-need schools than the preparation and professional development of teachers who understand and relate effectively to the diverse identities and cultures of their students. Teachers who emphasize with the cultural differences of their students, are sensitive to their students' diverse learning styles, and are skilled in a variety of culturally appropriate pedagogies are critical. Partnerships among teacher educators, their arts and sciences faculty colleagues, and teachers in the schools play important roles in designing pre-service curricula integrating culturally responsive content and pedagogies to equip teacher candidates for success. In short it is about both teacher and student in closing the achievement gap.
