How Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Transformed a Classroom: My Experience at Imagine Charter School

When I took on the role of ELA Interventionist at Imagine Charter School in St. Louis, Missouri, I knew I was stepping into a challenging environment. The goal was to support the lead ELA instructor by providing one-on-one tutoring for students in grades 9-12, but on my first day, it became clear that the environment was far from ideal. The school was struggling with pervasive behavioral issues, and the lead teacher was burned out, overwhelmed by the demands of managing a class where 70% of students were illiterate.

Among the students, I met a girl who was seven months pregnant, another who was unhoused, and a third who disclosed gang involvement. Their challenges were compounded by literacy barriers that made it hard for them to engage with the lessons. It became evident that these students needed more than just academic support—they needed a way to feel seen, understood, and empowered. That’s when I decided to implement a blend of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP) and pull-out tutoring sessions.

A Personalized Approach: Empowering Through Culture and Connection

Rather than continuing with traditional one-on-one sessions, I shifted to small group sessions in a quieter, dedicated room where students could feel more comfortable and free from distractions. This environment was critical to building trust and allowing students to share their stories, as I used CRP to connect learning to their lived experiences. I saw that many of the most disruptive students were actually the class leaders, yet they were struggling with reading. This connection between illiteracy and behavior was a key insight. The students needed to feel empowered—not only through education but also by being recognized as leaders who could model positive behavior for their peers.

I focused on creating a space where students could develop their phonemic awareness while engaging in culturally relevant activities, such as group reading, songwriting, and project-based learning through speech and debate. These activities allowed me to assess their skill levels and, more importantly, connect the material to their real lives, building a deeper engagement and motivation to learn.

Building Trust and Seeing Transformation

The results were not immediate, but over time, I saw a significant shift in the classroom. One young girl, who had been involved in a gang and was struggling with reading, began to show an interest in learning the essential strategies that could reignite her passion for education. Another boy, previously disengaged and illiterate, became a more active participant, moving from a disruptive presence to an eager learner.

While we weren’t required to track our progress through state standards, I noticed an increase in students’ self-belief. They started feeling more confident in their abilities and were excited to gain stronger reading skills. One of the students, a 15-year-old, shared with me, “I like working with you, Ms. Amusa. You really care. That’s why I pay attention to you... I’ve got goals. I want to do something with my life, Ms. Amusa!”

Why Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Works

This case at Imagine Charter School is a powerful reminder of how much students can thrive when they are given the tools and support they need to succeed, not just academically but personally. By embracing the principles of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and fostering an environment of empathy and connection, we can empower students to overcome their challenges and tap into their full potential.

If you’re a school or class leader facing similar challenges, let’s connect! I specialize in creating supportive, engaging learning environments where students can thrive academically and emotionally. Reach out to me today, and let's explore how I can help transform your classroom or school community!