Fostering a Culture of Belonging through Inclusive Teaching for Equitable Learning

The microcredential in inclusive teaching practices is a much shorter course (8 weeks vs. 25 weeks for the course on Effective Teaching Practice). The microcredential leads to a digital badge as recognition, whereas the course on Effective Teaching Practice leads to a credential in Effective College Instruction that is awarded in collaboration with the American Council on Education. 

While the course in Effective Teaching Practice does address issues of equity and inclusion, the microcredential spends more time on these topics and provides opportunity for deeper reflection on how you create an inclusive learning environment.

The course consists of four online modules:

• Managing the Impact of Biases
• Reducing Microaggressions
• Addressing Imposter Phenomenon and Stereotype Threat
• Creating an Inclusive Environment

Each module includes a few videos to discuss the topic and demonstrate implementation techniques, discussions for you to share thoughts with the other participants, and a reflection.

The course consists of 4 online modules completed over 8 weeks, involving 2-3 hours of online content and engagement per week, as well as time spent on application of instructional practices in your classroom (if you are currently teaching).

There will be a synchronous launch to kick off the course and a summary discussion at the end of the course. These will be recorded for those who are unable to attend.

Most cohorts will be open to all NIU faculty, including tenured, tenure-track, instructional, and clinical faculty (instructional faculty includes full-time, part-time, and adjunct instructors). Staff who teach (both SPS and operating staff) are also welcome in the faculty cohorts.

Graduate student cohorts will be available at least once a year and will be open to any graduate student. Because space is limited, preference may be given to students who have career aspirations in academia and those who have graduate teaching assistantships.