Diverse Minds & Inclusive Hearts, White, Summer 2025

Course Number:	EDX 5710 S84
Instructor:	Benjamin White, Ed.D.
Location:	Online. Remote Asynchronous (fully online without scheduled meeting times.)
Dates and Times:	Jul 07 - Aug 24, 2025
Credits:	3 Graduate Credits
Tuition:	$1,195

Course Description

Dive into a transformative journey with a course designed for educators and educational leaders aiming to champion inclusivity and support in today’s diverse classrooms and schools. This course offers an in-depth exploration of cultural competency and neurodiversity, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to create learning environments that acknowledge, respect, and celebrate the unique backgrounds and learning needs of all students. Participants will engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical strategies, learning to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and culturally responsive teaching techniques. The goal is to cultivate classrooms and schools that are equitable, engaging, and fully responsive to the diverse experiences of students.

This unique blending of neurodiversity and cultural competency will reinvigorate educators and educational leaders, while also allowing them to embark on a personal journey of reflection to examine and evolve one’s teaching or leadership practices. This introspective process is designed to challenge participants to confront and scrutinize their own biases, privileges, and the systemic inequities that pervade the educational landscape. By delving into these critical areas, participants will be better equipped to identify and dismantle the barriers to inclusion, creating a learning environment where diverse voices are not just heard but are also valued and empowered. This course is not just about adapting to diversity but embracing it as a source of strength, fostering a classroom culture that promotes self-advocacy, empowerment, and a deep sense of belonging among students. Prepare to transform your educational practice into one that is more inclusive, understanding, and supportive, ready to meet the multifaceted needs of today’s learners.

Audience: All educators prek-12 with a Bachelor's Degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals: By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand and articulate the foundations of cultural competency and neurodiversity in education.
Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and culturally responsive practices to support diverse learners.
Create inclusive, affirming learning environments that foster student belonging and empowerment.
Reflect critically on personal biases and teaching/leadership practices to support ongoing growth.
Develop and implement strategies that promote equity, identity affirmation, and self-advocacy in schools.

Course Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Articulate foundational knowledge of cultural competency, neurodiversity, and inclusive education principles.
Examine the influence of identity, bias, and systemic inequities on student learning and engagement.
Apply inclusive instructional approaches that integrate UDL and culturally responsive strategies into classroom or school practices.
Foster supportive, equitable learning environments that promote agency, voice, and belonging for all students.
Commit to reflective, growth-oriented professional practices that support diverse learners across educational settings.

Instructor

Ben White, Ed.D.

Ben White is an educational leader and researcher focused on providing an inclusive, safe, and fun educational learning experience for students. He has expertise in antiracism professional development, policy development and preparing aspiring school leaders. Additionally, he is experienced in early literacy specifically teaching equity and diversity through literature as well as creating systems which foster innovation. He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for SAU 29. He has also worked as a Director of Curriculum, Communication and Innovation, Principal at the elementary level, an Assistant Principal at the middle-level, Program Director for at-risk children through a non-profit, and served as an educator in grades PreK-8th. He has a BS and an M.S.Ed from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and his Ed.D. through New England College.

Required Texts

Required Texts are not included in the course tuition.

Dunne, D. (2024). The neurodiversity edge: The essential guide to embracing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences for any organization. Harper Business.

Available from publisher

Lyiscott, J. (2019). Black appetite. White food: Issues of race, voice, and justice within and beyond the classroom. Routledge. ISBN: 9781138480667

For additional course information

Ben White
(603) 803-1739

For additional registration information

Center for Schools Team

(802) 468-1325