As a Vietnamese-American Math teacher, I grew up hearing about Asian stereotypes of being good at math and science in school, yet we were never taught about Asian or Asian American mathematicians or scientists. As the only Asian teacher at my school, my students have very few teachers of color in their life to look to as a role model. In an attempt to help my students see themselves, specifically students of color, more in STEM fields and careers, I created the Look Like Me Library with the intent of curating books about people of color by people of color in STEM. Unsurprisingly, I found it very difficult to find books that satisfied these criteria.
In an effort to continue supporting my students in seeing themselves in literature, I am broadening the books I curate for the Look Like Me Library to include other content areas outside of STEM. These books will provide students examples of how they can develop a positive sense of self-identity, understand their power, and make a positive impact on their world.
About my class
As a Vietnamese-American Math teacher, I grew up hearing about Asian stereotypes of being good at math and science in school, yet we were never taught about Asian or Asian American mathematicians or scientists. As the only Asian teacher at my school, my students have very few teachers of color in their life to look to as a role model. In an attempt to help my students see themselves, specifically students of color, more in STEM fields and careers, I created the Look Like Me Library with the intent of curating books about people of color by people of color in STEM. Unsurprisingly, I found it very difficult to find books that satisfied these criteria.
In an effort to continue supporting my students in seeing themselves in literature, I am broadening the books I curate for the Look Like Me Library to include other content areas outside of STEM. These books will provide students examples of how they can develop a positive sense of self-identity, understand their power, and make a positive impact on their world.