For me, as an educator and an TESOL professional, there are two major takeaways from the Danger of a Single Story. The first is that relationships are KEY. We cannot know our students or our colleagues likes, dislikes, interests, strengths, areas of growth etc. etc. without getting to know them deeply. Building a deep, connective relationship means listening to each other and not making assumptions. It means taking the time to be in community with one another. When you take the time to build a relationship with a student, you are opening opportunities for learning and exploration. The second takeaway is that we must have both cultural proficiency and cultural humility. Cultural proficiency is when we have knowledge, understanding, and background of culture and the impact on individuals and institutions. Cultural humility is the belief that you do not know everything, and that you are able to be humble, listen and learn.
