Cultivating Learning Communities of Belonging

Practices for Inclusive Education

Edith H. van der Boom

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Year: 2026
• Print ISBN:
  9798385250073
  9798385250080
• eBook ISBN:
  9798385250097
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Theology

This book is a practical guide for educators seeking to foster inclusive, supportive classrooms. It invites teachers and school leaders to reflect on how race, trauma, sexual orientation, and cultural background shape classroom experiences and school culture.



Rather than offering simple solutions, this book poses transformative questions: How do racism and oppression contribute to student alienation? How can school culture be a catalyst for social change? And most centrally, how can we create inclusive communities that value diversity?



Each chapter includes reflective questions and suggested group practices designed to build trust and deepen understanding. Educators are encouraged to share their stories, bear witness to others, and participate in the shared work of reimagining education. Through structured group study, this book helps educators not only learn about belonging—but practice it.



Whether read alone or in community, Cultivating Learning Communities of Belonging is a call to co-create classrooms that reflect the full beauty of God’s image in every learner.

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Permissions
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• 1. Cultivating School Culture
• 2. Racial Justice
• 3. School as a Place of Healing and Hope for Students Impacted by Trauma
• 4. Communities Where Sexual Minority Youth Are Seen and Heard
• 5. Indigenous Perspective Within Education
• 6. Restorative Practices in Education
• 7. Pedagogy and Community
• 8. Cultivating a Community of Learners
• 9. Hospitable Classrooms
• Bibliography