Embracing Diversity & Equity Through Culturally Responsive Teaching

(Grades K-12) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 12T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC40247

Course Description

Are you curious as to what culturally responsive teaching is and how exactly it relates to the classroom? Perhaps you are concerned because your diverse students just don’t seem to be “getting it,” no matter what you try. 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 and inclusive manner. Specific culturally-responsive classroom management strategies will also be shared so teachers can be more effective working with students from diverse populations. Resources for choosing excellent examples of multi-cultural literature will also be shared. By the end of this course, teachers will feel more confident implementing the principles of culturally responsive teaching into their classrooms. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"This course was extremely informative, thoughtful, and really applicable to my classroom. This course contains multiple suggestions on how to make sure every student feels welcome and celebrated in the classroom." - Adam George