One of the most important concepts in cultural proficiency is understanding the extent to which culture affects every aspect of our lives. Cultural values acquired in childhood endure into adulthood and influence basic functions, including communication, thinking processes, relational styles, and even conflict resolution. However, having this understanding is no guarantee that educators will apply this knowledge. Learning to apply the principles of cultural proficiency takes mindful practice. This is why professional development that aims to help educators become culturally proficient must occur over time and be directly linked to what educators do in practice. Educators must have coaches or mentors who provide feedback and help them see how culture operates in their own classrooms and schools. We can illustrate this point with an example