Culturally Responsive Teaching: Empowering Students Through Representation and Relevance

Discover how culturally responsive teaching transforms classrooms into spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered. This session, led by Victor Hicks and Yaritza Villalba, explores practical strategies for incorporating students’ cultural identities into STEM and computer science instruction. Participants will learn to design lessons that leverage representation and relevance to boost engagement and achievement in CS and beyond. Real-world examples from Coding with Culture and McKenzie’s Adventures will illustrate how educators can use students’ unique experiences to broaden participation and bridge gaps in STEM education.