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As teachers we have the ability to significantly influence the attitudes of our students and model positive attitudes towards accepting difference. It is understood that to accomplish this we need to be aware of the existing attitudes of our students in the classroom. By creating a welcoming, accepting and supportive atmosphere, it is believed that students will mirror the same attitude. I believe it is also imperative that teachers foster the understanding that the diversity of students can beneficially provide learning opportunities and experiences that might not otherwise be part of the curriculum (Foreman, 2008). As teachers we need to constantly educate our students that difference should be valued, provide opportunities for all students to succeed and develop relationships and model an understanding of how to accept difference. I have gained further insight into the underlying values of inclusive education and have experienced personal and professional growth as a result. I personally believe that inclusive education has the potential to ultimately shape society and their attitudes towards difference. However we need to be aware that while it is vital that we consider the importance of policies and legislation we need to also take into account that to be a successful inclusive educator we need to act in the best interests of the students and their
