About the campaign

VET teachers know how important a good atmosphere at school is. When everyone belongs and participates with respect for existing differences, this has a positive effect on students’ learning and development. When this is visible and tangible, school becomes a safe place for everyone. The ‘Together, we are everyone’ campaign therefore draws attention to the importance of an inclusive climate in VET. The second edition of this campaign focuses on VET as a community, because learning together is better learning.

Why this campaign?

Research shows that when people are actively involved and invited to share their views, they experience a sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. However, there are still students who feel excluded, who try to adapt but end up struggling with themselves. These are students who, because of their background and upbringing, have their own norms, values and ways of interacting and do not feel heard. This applies not only to students, but equally to colleagues. The School and Safety Foundation is therefore calling on teachers, as part of the campaign, not only to listen to the voice of the majority, but also to invite those who are less visible or express a different perspective.

This does not mean that every behaviour should be tolerated. You will have to discuss that boundary with one another. That is possible in a community in which everyone contributes and may be held accountable for behaviour that is undesirable.

What does this require of the teacher?

Creating an atmosphere at school in which everyone feels heard and takes responsibility requires awareness and expertise on the part of the teacher. Teachers need to start asking themselves questions such as:

  • How does the teacher involve students?
  • What are they allowed to have a say in?
  • How does the teacher do this?

The School and Safety Foundation is therefore calling on teachers to become more aware of who they are and to improve what they do. This will enable them to mean even more to their students and to help shape the atmosphere in the classroom.

And don’t forget: learning together is better learning. Working towards a more inclusive school climate requires inviting others in, listening to one another, working together and participating. It is therefore important that teachers involve students, colleagues and managers in this process.

How does the teacher do this?

Practical tips for building an atmosphere at school and in the classroom where everyone belongs can be found on the website www.inclusiefmbo.nl . These include advice, training and teaching materials for students or teaching teams. The website is regularly updated with new information. School and Safety is also calling on teachers to take part in the ‘Together, we are everyone’ campaign. An overview of the activities can be found here.