Culture & Collaboration

Catalog description

This course is designed for Clinical Residents who seek to build and understand the dynamic interplay between culture, family engagement, and collaborative partnerships within the context of schools and communities. Emphasizing the importance of cultural competence, inclusion, diversity, equity, and social justice, this course aims to prepare teacher candidates to work effectively in diverse educational settings. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and reflective practices, students will explore how cultural backgrounds and community contexts influence educational experiences and outcomes. Learners will engage with concepts of culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, examining how educators can respect and leverage the diverse cultural assets students and their families bring to the educational process. The course will cover effective communication strategies, partnership models, and engagement practices that foster meaningful collaborations with families and community stakeholders. By analyzing case studies, participating in simulations, and engaging with local educational communities, students will develop skills in building relationships, understanding community assets, and integrating these resources into their teaching practices to support all learners.