Embracing Diversity and Equity through Culturally Responsive Teaching (K-12)

This online course is designed for K-12 teachers who are looking to dig deeper into their own teaching practices and explore strategies and initiatives for incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds and experiences so that the focus is on the whole child/student. This course begins by discussing the history of marginalization and how it has impacted both teaching and learning within the classroom. The foundations of culturally responsive teaching are addressed, as well as strategies for helping students who have suffered from trauma. Teachers will learn how to create a culturally inviting classroom environment, complete with specific strategies for creating and sustaining culturally relevant relationships, a cornerstone of culturally responsive teaching. Teachers will also learn how to help students build confidence and competence through culturally inspiring teaching practices which are designed to nurture the whole student, including his/her social and emotional needs. Additional topics include addressing individual differences and similarities by giving students voice and choice, as well as how to manage the classroom in a culturally responsive manner. By the end of this course, teachers will feel more confident implementing the principles of culturally responsive teaching into their classrooms.