Becoming culturally proficient is a multistep process that takes time. First, one learns aspects of culture, which are not easily observed and often unconscious, such as values, beliefs, and worldviews. Next, one develops an awareness of barriers to equity, such as deficit thinking and inequitable instructional practices. Finally, one acquires cultural skills such as mindfulness, multiple perspectives, cultural responsiveness, and challenging deficit thinking. These skills are the foundation for cultural proficiency. However, having them does not necessarily make an educator culturally proficient. A culturally proficient educator is willing to act in support of equity, diversity, and justice in the face of resistance and perceived personal risk, such as being socially ostracized by colleagues, falling out of favor with a supervisor, or even losing a job.