An achievement gap exists in the United States between children of color and their White peers. This gap is most prevalent in the content discipline of literacy, as literacy achievement affects student success in other content areas. To address this problem, educational researchers have identified a conceptual framework and culturally relevant pedagogy, providing educators with strategies for integrating students' cultural experiences, understandings, and beliefs. This pedagogy will encourage student success and foster cultural competence. The tenets of culturally relevant pedagogy pertain to the impact of racism in the educational system. This qualitative study was an examination of novice teachers' use of culturally relevant pedagogy to address the needs of students of color. Using a narrative inquiry structure, the investigator collected data from seven new teachers through interviews using semi structured, open-ended questions and constructed response journal entries. Using inductive analysis, the researcher identified several themes pertinent to culturally relevant pedagogy, including (a) how novice teachers implemented culturally relevant pedagogy; (b) which materials they used in implementation; (c) what strategies teachers used; and (d) successes and challenges. Based on the data, building relationships was an important aspect of implementing culturally relevant teaching, with culturally relevant pedagogy vital to students' development of cultural awareness. The materials teachers used reflected their students' cultures. Although culturally relevant pedagogy is important to academic achievement and engagement in learning, curriculum constraints and students' cultural biases hinder its implementation. The findings of this study have implications regarding teacher preservice education and professional development in terms of preparing and equipping novice teachers to address the needs of culturally diverse student populations. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]