Culturally Responsive Education, Creativity & the Brain
Program Description:
Unlock the transformative power of education that truly sees and serves every student. This comprehensive course explores how to create learning environments that honor students' identities while leveraging cutting-edge neuroscience research on how brains learn best. You'll discover evidence-based strategies that weave cultural responsiveness seamlessly into curriculum and instruction, fostering classrooms where equity isn't just an aspiration—it's a lived reality. Through the intersection of creativity, brain science, and culturally sustaining pedagogy, you'll learn to design experiences that not only accelerate academic achievement but also cultivate profound joy and belonging for all learners.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your understanding of diverse learning styles, strengthen cultural connections in your teaching practice, or create more inclusive educational spaces, this course provides the tools and insights needed to transform your classroom into a thriving community where every student's unique background becomes a catalyst for learning and growth.
Dates & Registration
Dates: January 3 - 10, 2026
Times:
| Non-Credit | For-Credit (Must register through Registrar) |
|---|---|
|
Live Zoom Sessions on
and Asynchronous Modules on
Please Note: Non-credit participants are welcome to join the other live sessions (January 5, 6, 10) but is not required in order to receive the Certificate of Participation. |
Live Zoom Sessions on
and Asynchronous Modules on
Please Note: For-credit students are required to attend all live sessions and complete the asynchronous modules. |
Format: Online with Live Zoom Sessions (See dates and times above)
Price: $295
Please Note: This course is offered on a non-credit basis or for 3 credits. Registration for this course through TC Academy is for the non-credit offering and Academic Credits will not be awarded. For instructions on how to register for the credit offering see below.
For more information, questions, or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on December 1st. Winter session courses will follow spring registration and payment deadlines.
Faculty
Bettina L. Love
William F. Russell Professor
Dr. Bettina L. Love holds the prestigious William F. Russell Professorship at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the celebrated author of Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal, a New York Times bestseller. This groundbreaking work earned her the Stowe Prize for Literary Activism, a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize, and long-listed for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize. In 2022, the Kennedy Center honored her as one of their Next 50 Leaders for her dedication to fostering inspiration, inclusivity, and compassion, and in 2024, she was awarded the Truth Award for Excellence in Education from Better Brothers Los Angeles and The Diva Foundation. In 2024, she also received the Black Girl Magic Award at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Learning Objectives
Create learning environments that honor students’ identities, support how their brains learn best, and promote equity, joy, and belonging in the classroom.
Who Should Attend
K-12 educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders committed to equity, student-centered learning, and culturally responsive practice.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that showcase your commitment to professional growth and can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
Licensed educators in NY state are also eligible for a Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE) certificate for a total of 10 CTLE hours.
Important Notice: This is a non-credit program. Completion does not provide academic credit toward any degree program at Teachers College or other institutions. No transcript credit will be awarded.