Curiosity at the Core: Human-Centered Approaches to Teaching and Learning, Boudreau, Spring 2026

Course Description

Course Description:

This course examines how curiosity, compassion, and connection transform teaching and learning. Drawing on topics and strategies covered in A Stance of Curiosity podcast and companion webinar series—participants will explore the effects of trauma, stress, and adversity on students and educators, and develop strategies that foster resilience, belonging, and authentic learning. The course emphasizes neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approaches, highlighting the power of co-regulation, play, communication, and professional wellness to create inclusive classrooms and thriving school communities. Through applied practice and reflection, participants will critically evaluate systemic barriers in education and design curiosity-driven solutions that honor both student and educator well-being.

Audience:  Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, special educators, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, school psychologists, school administrators with an earned bachelor's degree.

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals: By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Cultivate a stance of curiosity to interpret student and adult behaviors, replacing assumptions with inquiry and empathy.
2. Understand how trauma, stress, and fear shape student and educator behavior, and apply strategies that support regulation and resilience.
3. Develop trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practices that presume competence, respect autonomy, and promote inclusion.
4. Apply relational approaches—including co-regulation, play, and belonging practices—to strengthen classroom and school communities.
5. Evaluate the impact of adult regulation, self-awareness, and professional wellness on student engagement and classroom climate.

Course Learning Objectives:

1. Cultivate a stance of curiosity to interpret student and adult behaviors, replacing assumptions with inquiry and empathy.
2. Understand how trauma, stress, and fear shape student and educator behavior, and apply strategies that support regulation and resilience.
3. Develop trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practices that presume competence, respect autonomy, and promote inclusion.
4. Apply relational approaches—including co-regulation, play, and belonging practices—to strengthen classroom and school communities.
5. Evaluate the impact of adult regulation, self-awareness, and professional wellness on student engagement and classroom climate.
6. Design classroom routines and interventions that balance structure with flexibility, fostering both safety and student agency.
7. Cultivate professional resilience through reflection, consultation, and collective care practices.
8. Critically examine educational systems and cultural norms that perpetuate urgency, compliance, and disconnection, and propose curiosity-centered alternatives.

Required Readings/Resources

Costs for required readings/resources, if any, may not be included in the course tuition. Please contact VT-HEC for more information.