Course Description

Create the Sense of Belonging for All Students with Inclusion Practices

Inclusion: The Teacher Down the Hall Podcast is an engaging and accessible professional development course designed for educators, administrators, and support staff seeking to explore the topic of inclusion in education. This unique course takes the form of a podcast, allowing participants to listen to expert teachers discuss relevant topics related to inclusion at their convenience, whether it's during their daily commute, workout sessions, or any other time that suits their schedule. With the added benefit of being able to earn professional development credit, this course offers teachers the flexibility to enhance their skills and gain valuable insights without compromising their busy routines.

Course Details

Number or Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education to those that include educators, administrators, and support staff in the field of education. This course is designed to benefit a wide range of professionals involved in the education system, with a specific focus on classroom teachers of all grade levels and subjects.

Classroom Teachers: Classroom teachers of all grade levels and subjects will find this course highly beneficial. By engaging with the podcast episodes and reflecting on the subject matter, teachers can gain valuable insights into fostering inclusivity within their classrooms. They will discover strategies to support students with diverse backgrounds, address the needs of marginalized groups, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners.

School Administrators: Administrators, such as principals and vice-principals, can also benefit from this course. Understanding the challenges faced by students from various backgrounds and marginalized groups can help administrators shape school policies and practices that promote inclusivity. This course can also assist them in providing professional development opportunities for their teaching staff to foster a more inclusive culture within their schools.

Support Staff: Support staff members, including instructional aides, guidance counselors, and school psychologists, will also benefit from this course by gaining a deeper understanding of inclusion and its importance in supporting student success. They can acquire strategies to assist students facing diverse challenges and develop a collaborative approach to create an inclusive learning environment.

Prospective Educators: Aspiring educators, such as pre-service teachers or individuals considering a career in education, can benefit from this course by gaining early exposure to the principles of inclusion. They will develop a foundation of knowledge and understanding, enabling them to approach their future teaching roles with a strong commitment to inclusive practices.

By catering to the needs and interests of classroom teachers, Inclusion:  The Teacher Down the Hall Podcast provides practical strategies and insights that are directly applicable to their daily teaching practices. Whether they teach in elementary, middle, or high school, and regardless of the subjects they specialize in, classroom teachers will gain valuable knowledge and tools to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students.

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Understand the concept of inclusion in education and its significance for student success
  • Identify barriers to inclusion and recognize their impacts on students
  • Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters diversity, equity, and belonging
  • Implement strategies to support students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
  • Support students with unique needs, such as refugees or those who have experienced trauma
  • Apply effective instructional strategies for English language learners
  • Understand the principles of inclusive education for students with disabilities
  • Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of all students
  • Promote acceptance and create safe spaces for LGBTQIA students in the school community
  • Collaborate with families and engage community resources to support inclusion efforts
  • Assess the effectiveness of inclusive practices and use data to inform instructional decisions
  • Engage in reflective practices to continuously improve inclusive teaching approaches

By the conclusion of the course, participants will have acquired a comprehensive understanding of inclusion and will be equipped with practical strategies and tools to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. They will be prepared to address the needs of diverse student populations, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and advocate for inclusive practices within their schools and communities.

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

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Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Key Benefits of Educator Courses

A World of Choices

With hundreds of courses across a range of education-related topics, there’s a strong chance we have the ideal class for you!

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world educators are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.