Classroom Culture

Building Classroom Culture- 3 Credits

This course is designed to provide participants with proven strategies and tools for creating and maintaining a healthy classroom culture. Participants will explore the key tenets of social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and equitable practices as a framework through which they can build and support a positive culture in their classrooms. They will explore how their experiences, teaching practices, the selection of learning materials, assessment strategies, and interactions with families, colleagues, and the community shape the culture of their classroom.

Instructor: David Beyers

GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (COMING SOON)- 1 Credit

Based on the book Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance, this course explores what Grit is and why it matters. Different case scenarios whereby passion and perseverance versus talent relative to achievement will be highlighted.

Instructor: Lisa Nordick

Book Study Course: Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

The Trauma Sensitive Classroom: Building Resilience with Compassionate Teaching- 3 Credits

Half the students in U.S. schools have experienced trauma, violence, or chronic stress. In the face of this epidemic, it falls increasingly to teachers to provide the adult support these students need to function in school. but most educators have received little training to prepare them for this role. In this course, teachers will learn the research and experiential knowledge about the practices that support students' healing, build their resilience, and foster compassion in the classroom.

Instructor: Kelli Varley

Book Study Course: The Trauma Sensitive Classroom: Building Resilience with Compassionate Teaching by Patricia Jennings

The Way of Mindful Education, Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students (COMING SOON)- 1 Credit

This course explores ‘mindful education’ as a classroom enhancement strategy with the intent to enhance student achievement. Characteristics of a “mindful teacher” will be highlighted as will “mindful practices” for the classroom. The course is comprised of 5 modules. The modules offer information and ideas about mindful education that teachers may consider adopting to improve classroom settings and student learning experiences.