School of Education Office of Professional Development

Summer "Teaching Beyond the Barriers" Series

Empower Your Teaching with "Teaching Beyond the Barriers"

How are you addressing the needs of all learners?  Do you feel the need to address inequities and inclusivity in your classroom? The National Network of State Teachers of the Year, in partnership with the Hofstra University School of Education, presents "Teaching Beyond the Barriers," a groundbreaking virtual course designed for both new and veteran K-12 teachers across the country to transform your instruction and practice.

The Teaching Beyond the Barriers course addresses the critical need for equity in education. It empowers educators to become agents of change, fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Developed and facilitated by a team of State Teachers of the Year and Finalists, this course provides you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.

The course is structured around NNSTOY’s "5 I's" Framework–Identity, Investigation, Intervention, Inspection, and Impact–guiding participants through a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and actionable change.

Course Highlights:

  • Personal and Professional Growth: Deepen your understanding of your own identity and cultural positioning, and learn how to leverage this awareness to create equitable learning experiences.
  • Content: Rich in information, rooted in habit science investigates the history of segregated schools, identity, and strategies for promoting equity.
  • Expertise: Co-facilitated by experienced State Teachers of the Year and Finalists, Teaching Beyond the Barriers boasts a 6:1 participant-to-facilitator ratio, ensuring high-quality guidance and personalization.
  • Network: Join a community of like-minded educators committed to making a difference.
  • Practical Application: Develop and implement an "Equity Habit Plan" targeting specific areas for improvement in your teaching practice.

Join us in this impactful course and take a significant step toward becoming the teacher you aspire to be—a teacher who champions equity and inclusivity for every student. Register now and be part of a community that is shaping the future of education.

Course Details:

  • Continuing Education Units: Upon completion of the course, receive 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from Hofstra University.
  • Length: A concise yet impactful course, (6) 2.5 hour synchronous virtual sessions for all participants, plus additional asynchronous and self-guided work (total of 45 contact hours)
  • Dates:
    • Cohort I: Cohort I: October 15, 22, 29 at 6:00-8:30pm Eastern (3:00-5:30pm Pacific) | 24 Seats Available | REGISTER HERE
    • Cohort II: November 5, 12, 19 at 6:00-8:30pm Eastern (3:00-5:30pm Pacific) | 24 Seats Available | REGISTER HERE
  • Price:
    • $585 ($13/credit hour)

Impactful Results:*

  • Satisfaction: 100% of participants were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the course and its facilitators.
  • 100% of respondents felt prepared for equitable teaching in key areas, with a notable increase of 20-50 percentage points in preparedness from the start to the end of the course.
  • Practical Value: 94% agreed that the course offered valuable information applicable in the classroom.

Qualitative Feedback:*

  • "The course provided me with a network of like-minded educators and practical strategies to implement in my classroom."
  • "This course should be offered to every educator in the country and as an option to any interested person. The structured approach with the 5-I' s is a great method for engagement and distilling the concepts. It provides the avenue for deep dives but also allows for the overview approach."
  • "I felt that the Teaching Beyond the Barriers course gave a great safe space and encouraged conversation for how difficult thinking about equity in our classrooms can be."
  • "The information was presented in a non-judgmental way and the presenters met me where I was in my teaching practice. The value of this class was evident immediately."
  • "I can't begin to tell you how important this course was! The most doubtful of teachers would learn from this course and not feel offended or attacked. As a teacher striving to do better for my students, I felt encouraged and uplifted."
  • "I think everyone can benefit from the materials in this course. Having a place to explore biases and try to work through them is invaluable."

[*Feedback from 67 course beta testers, data analyzed independently by the University of Memphis.]

Join us in this journey towards educational equity. Register now for "Teaching Beyond the Barriers" and be the change you wish to see in the classroom!