U.S. society is diverse, consisting of individuals who may differ in culture, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, language, gender, exceptionality, and age. Optimum learning for all students can occur only in an environment that supports and encourages such diversity. Multicultural education addresses the challenges of recognizing diversity and providing equal opportunity in the schools. Socioeconomic status influences the way learners feel about themselves, the way teachers and peers perceive them, and the ways they interact with their families and society. Ethnicity is an individual's identification with his or her nation or people of origin. Religion is an important influence in the lives of many people, and powerful religious groups can influence everything from national policy to curriculum and textbook content. Language is another important influence on life, as humans communicate through language, and language shapes thought. Gender is another important factor in all human interaction, including classroom interaction. The presence of individuals with exceptionalities, both the gifted and the disabled, necessarily affect classroom teaching. Age is yet another social factor influencing education. There is a critical need for additional research involving interactions between teachers and students in the socially diverse classroom. Research demonstrates that teacher intervention can facilitate student empowerment by building self-esteem, motivation, and communication. (Contains 38 references). (SG)