| Course Number: | EDX 5710 S33 |
| Instructor: | Erin Hurley, M.P.H. |
| Location: | Online synchronously and asynchronously. |
| Dates and Times: | July 06 - August 17, 2026. Two synchronous meetings over Google Meet on Monday, July 13 - 8:30 - 9:30am & Wednesday August 12 - 8:30 - 9:30am, with the rest of the course in an asynchronous format. |
| Credits: | 3 graduate credits |
| Tuition: | $1,195 |
Course Description:
Participants in this course will explore how educators can support the whole child by creating safe, inclusive learning environments for all students, strengthen relationships with families, and expand their reach as educators beyond the classroom. The course will provide practical strategies for building strong family partnerships. It will investigate ways to advocate for students, families and communities that are respectful and grounded in care. The course will also examine best practices for culturally responsive teaching and whole child development.
Audience: K-12 educators who have a Bachelor's Degree
Course Goals:
Course Objectives:
Course Schedule:
Weeks 1–5: Supporting the Whole Child, Family Engagement Strategies, Building Inclusive Environments using Culturally Responsive Practices, Advocating for Students and Families, Supporting all learners and families in accessing public schools
Week 6: Final Project (presentation Wed Aug 12)
Erin Hurley is a Multilingual Learner teacher at JFK Elementary School in Winooski, Vermont, where she co-teaches in 2nd grade and works with a diverse community of learners. She serves on the district’s Literacy Leadership Team and Family Engagement Committee, and organizes the Heritage Language initiatives. Erin helped develop and implement protocols to ensure the safety and support of immigrant students, including serving on the district’s rapid response team. With experience in teaching all levels of English Language Learners, teaching Spanish and World Languages and working abroad, she brings a deep understanding of language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching. Erin is passionate about helping educators create inclusive, engaging classrooms where all students can thrive.
Costs for required readings, if any, are not included in the course tuition.
Guernsey L., et al (2025, June 18). What parents want: How policies can spur school-to-family connections and build trust. New America https://www.newamerica.org/insights/what-parents-want-how-policies-can-spur-school-to-family-connections-and-build-trust/
Kidsburgh. (2024). Parents as allies: New guidebook offers a flexible roadmap for building family-school engagement. https://www.kidsburgh.org/parents-as-allies-new-guidebook-offers-a-flexible-roadmap-for-building-family-school-engagement/
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2023). The case for strong family and community engagement in schools. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/03/case-strong-family-and-community-engagement-schools
Massachusetts Family Engagement Collaborative. (2021). UDL and family engagement. https://masfec.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UDL-Family-Engagement.pdf
The 180 Podcast. (2021, July 15). Zaretta Hammond—What is culturally responsive teaching?. Center for Whole Child Education https://turnaroundusa.org/the-180-podcast-zaretta-hammond-what-is-culturally-responsive-teaching/
Mapp, K. L., & Kuttner, P. J. (2013). Partners in education: A dual capacity-building framework for family–school partnerships. SEDL in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education.
The 180 Podcast. (2021, December 13). Student voices: Fighting for an inclusive education system. Center for Whole Child Education.
(802) 595-0048
Center for Schools Team
(802) 468-1325