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This Course Is Included In The Accelerator

25 PD Hours/2.5 CEUs

Online, Self-Paced

Teacher PD for Classroom and Arts Educators. Learn how to use the arts as a vehicle for teaching that acknowledges and respects distinct customs.

Provided in the Course:

  • 12 Video-Based Lessons with Handouts & Templates

  • Transcripts and Closed Captioning

  • Sample Strategies and Curriculum Templates to Use Right Away

About this Course

Are you looking to create a classroom environment that respects and honors the distinct customs of your students? Do you feel unsure about how to address the varied cultural needs of your students and colleagues? Now more than ever, it’s essential to create a learning space that is welcoming and acknowledges the unique personal histories and traditions of everyone.

This course was designed for educators and administrators who want to use the arts as a tool for teaching that reflects and respects a variety of perspectives.

Inside, you’ll discover a structured approach with strategies and resources to help you develop lessons that recognize and incorporate the backgrounds of all learners in your classroom. You can begin or complete this course at any time – membership access is included.

CURRICULUM FOR THIS COURSE

This course is on-demand and can be completed any time after joining the Accelerator.

Module 1: The Importance of Culture and Connection

3 Lessons:

  • Understanding Respect vs. Misuse
  • Why is Recognizing Culture and Connection Necessary?
  • Exploring Personal Inclinations and External Influences

3 Activities:

  • Complete the Dimensions of Balanced Opportunities chart
  • Complete reflections on two films
  • Complete the Examining Personal Inclinations handout

1 Assignment:

5-question check-in quiz

3 Lessons:

  • The Difference Between Balanced Opportunities and Representation
  • Approaches to Strengthening Culture and Connections
  • Resources for Varied Perspectives and Communities

3 Activities:

  • Develop a Classroom Statement on Balanced Opportunities and Engagement
  • Complete the Strategies Graphic Organizer
  • Complete the Resource Organizer and Authenticity Test

1 Assignment:

5-question check-in quiz

3 Lessons:

  • Adapting Your Lessons to Strengthen Connections to Various Cultures
  • Examining Music and Visual Arts Through a Broader Perspective
  • Examining Dance and Theatre Through a Broader Perspective

3 Activities:

  • Review the Framework for Connecting Culture in the Classroom
  • Review Samples of Original Lessons in Visual Art and Music and How They Have Been Adapted
  • Review Samples of Original Lessons in Theatre and Dance and How They Have Been Adapted

1 Assignment:

5-question check-in quiz

3 Lessons:

  • How the Teacher shapes the story of culture and connection in the classroom
  • How to create buy-in
  • Bringing in the community

3 Activities:

  • Complete a reflection on narratives in the classrooms
  • Complete the Action Plan template
  • Complete the Community Partnership Brainstorm Checklist

1 Final Assignment:

Using the what you’ve learned about varied traditions and meaningful perspectives, adapt a previously written lesson to strengthen connections to culture.

Connect with ALL Students

Led by instructors Linda Johnson and Courtney Prugh, this self-paced online course is perfect for anyone looking to create lessons that are balanced, all-encompassing, and taught with respect for all cultures.

DOWNLOAD THIS SAMPLE RESOURCE

Connections to Practice

This course provides the following classroom connections:

    • Define Culture and Connection in Teaching
    • Examine the difference between appreciation and misrepresentation
    • Analyze why there is a need for connection to culture in the arts classroom
    • Define personal inclinations and external influences
    • Explore how our perspectives and experiences can affect instruction
    • Define Fair Access to Resources and Representation, and explore how each applies in the classroom
    • Compile teaching strategies that serve as a functional toolbox for a safe and welcoming classroom environment
    • Apply a “litmus test” to determine the authenticity and proper use of materials and resources for teaching with a connection to culture
    • Examine the concept of culture and storytelling
    • Determine what the hindrances are to implementing teaching practices that acknowledge various traditions and customs

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Define the term Culture and Connection, and examine myths that surround it.
    • Analyze the foundational issues that create a need for integrating culture in the classroom.
    • Examine unknown and learned personal inclinations and discover how they affect instructional delivery and student reception.
    • Construct a framework to use the arts as a vehicle for strengthening connections to culture.
    • Create a toolbox of authentic strategies that promote fairness, understanding, and representation in the classroom and community.
    • Construct a set of engaging resources that reflect a variety of traditions and perspectives for use in the arts classroom.
    • Investigate how to implement and support learning that reflects connections to culture.
    • Design a developmentally appropriate lesson that incorporates different perspectives in meaningful ways.

Approval Information and Requirements

While you should always follow any pre-approval requirements in your district, we have helped thousands of educators advance on their district’s salary scale and meet their relicensing requirements. Some states require that organizations be pre-approved, while others accept hours based on the certificate received.  Below, find out how we meet the various requirements:

States that require pre-approval which we have achieved:

New York Teachers: Click here to review our CTLE approval and number

Pennsylvania Teachers: Click here to review our Act 48 approval and number

All other teachers: Click here to review our list of states and approval status.

The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).  The Institute complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, The Institute is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

Quick FAQ and Support

We want you to feel totally comfortable taking this professional development course. So if you still have some questions, we’ll be happy to answer them!  View all FAQ here.

Why can’t I take this course without enrolling in the Accelerator?

Because this saves you money. Our individual courses cost the same amount as an Accelerator membership. It just didn’t make sense to keep offering these course a la carte when you could have better support and resources in the Accelerator. If you complete your course and don’t wish to continue your membership, you can always cancel at anytime.

Will the PD hours count for my school/district?

In most cases, yes! We can provide you with a certificate of hours from our organization, based on the contact hours of the course. The majority of schools and districts accept these certificates and count them towards professional development hours.  We always advise you, however, to check with your own institution before taking a course – just to be sure!

None of these courses are offered with graduate credit or are affiliated with an institution of higher education.  However, we do work directly with state departments of education to ensure that these professional development hours meet their requirements and high-levels of learning expectations.  As such, in almost all cases, these courses can be used for continuing education requirements.

Can I use a purchase order? What if I have a group?

School districts MAY use a purchase order – please contact us for more details and let us know which course you are interested in.

Group rates are available for groups of 3 or more.  Please use this group registration form to receive your discounted pricing.

How long can I access the course?

This course is self-paced, meaning you can go as quickly or as slowly as you need. We know that while you may have specific intentions for how you’ll go through your course, life can sometimes have other plans. That’s why you can take any course at any time.  You’ll never have to worry about falling behind or getting registered for credit in time.  Work at your own pace in your own way.

What if I have questions?

We have a great team of people who are here to support you all of the way.  If you run into an issues, or even if you just need a sounding board for an idea – we’re just an email, phone call or text away.

Phone/Text: 443-821-1089 or Email us here