Neal Tepper

Teaching students tolerance is at the heart of Tepper's innovative program, "Putting Diversity Into Practice". More than 900 students in the fifth through eighth grades in rural North Dakota and rural Minnesota schools will participate in learning projects, which examine the importance of combating racism and intolerance, the strengths of different cultures and how we all can benefit from one another. Students will explore the rich cultural population of the region and learn to become respectful, responsible, caring members of their communities - essential life skills. Additionally, members of the University of North Dakota Teaching and Learning Department will conduct pre- and post-tests on all the students participating in the program to determine their attitudes, as well as their self-esteem levels. The research findings will be used to assess the differences in the students' attitudes. Thanks to publicity about the program last year, other schools in the region have expressed an interest in participating. As the program grows, plans are to include the community by organizing a regional cultural diversity celebration. Tepper resides in Grand Forks.