Inclusive Teaching

Inclusive teaching refers to the strategies we can use in the classroom to address the needs of students with a variety of abilities, backgrounds and learning preferences. In an inclusive environment, all students feel valued, regardless of their ethnicity, age, ability, identity or family background.

The student population at UTSA is unique among American universities. Almost half of our students are first-generation, meaning they are the first in their immediate families to attend college. A significant percentage are military-affiliated and nontraditional students. These characteristics provide unique challenges for faculty in ensuring student success. Because we as faculty are also diverse, we may inadvertently use teaching strategies or language that make some students feel excluded. By simply recognizing our own biases and adjusting our teaching accordingly, we can create a climate where all students feel welcome and can succeed. We have compiled some resources to help you better understand your students’ needs and to assist you in ensuring inclusive teaching practices.