Diversity, defined by the differences and similarities in people in ways such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion and/or traditions, and cultures, can pose a challenge for some teachers. In some majority of schools that have resource classrooms, diversity can even include the physical and mental abilities and capabilities that a student has. It has been researched that the United States of America is comprised of many different cultures, which often makes it difficult for a teacher. The difficulty is not for the teacher to teach, but it is more in the way of how the students learn, and their behavior. In order for a teacher to get and keep their students engaged in the lessons, the teachers need to know and understand the cultural differences within their classroom. The two main ways children learn are infused within the concept of cultural differences, which is contained in the idea of individualism-collectivism. The first idea, individualism, is when the families within the culture promote and expect independence and self-responsibility. Whereas the second idea, collectivism promotes groups and/or a collaboration of some sort within the culture.

Diversity allows a teacher to learn about different cultures, which can help them to better learn ways to reach out to the children to make sure that they are understanding and retaining the lessons that are taught. On the other hand, these difference are known to cause educational gaps within the classroom itself. Some students and teachers can overcome these challenges, while some schools may lack the resources to close the gaps.