Diversity in Teacher Education

Abstract

This article looks at diversity issues in teacher education from the perspective of representation of the population in the teaching force. It distinguishes 11 types of diversity. Most research concerns cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity, and little attention has been paid to disability, sexual orientation, religion, and age. The article reviews the ethnic and gender composition of the teaching workforce, student teachers' beliefs about diversity and multicultural education, and teaching competence needed to cater to the needs of a multicultural student population. Aims and pedagogy of teacher education programs to prepare student teachers for teaching in multicultural settings are discussed.