Belonging: What It Is and Why It Matters

Belonging: What It Is and Why It Matters

3 CPDs, Estimated to take 2 hours to complete

In this two-hour self-guided class, you will explore what belonging is and why belonging matters, particularly in learning environments. You will also have the opportunity to consider how diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) shapes your school, classroom, and community. By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of your own definition of belonging as well as insight into why you should and ways you can cultivate inclusive, connected, and thriving learning communities.

The class will take approximately two hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the two class lessons/modules of this dynamic multimedia course includes a short introduction, content for the participant to review (including videos, podcasts, readings, resources, etc.), a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson/module is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approx. six months) from the date of purchase to complete the class and download the certificate that grants three hours of professional development. For the best user experience, we recommend using a desktop/laptop, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.

As you interact with diverse content, pause for personal reflection, and participate in discussion board conversations, you will:

  • Identify and examine what it means to belong.
  • Develop a greater understanding of the significance and impact of belonging.
  • Explore how diversity, equity, and inclusion support a culture of belonging within schools, classrooms, and communities. 
  • Examine connections between equity and belonging

By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.

Key:

Complete
Failed
Available
Locked
Welcome & Introduction [5 minutes]
Welcome to Belonging: What It Is and Why It Matters [2 minutes]
Open to view video.  |   Closed captions available  |  2 minutes
Open to view video.  |   Closed captions available  |  2 minutes Watch this short welcome video for a brief introduction to the this self-guided class.
You must register to access.
Introduction Discussion [3 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. This discussion offers an opportunity to introduce yourself, share where you are from, and what brings you to this class. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
You must register to access.
Lesson 1: Understanding Belonging [1 hour]
Lesson 1: Understanding Belonging [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package. This lesson will offer an overview what belonging is and outline reasons why belonging is important.
You must register to access.
Lesson 1 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. The Lesson 1 Discussion invites you to consider how you define belonging and why you feel belonging is important. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
You must register to access.
Lesson 2: A Look at Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Educational Communities
Lesson 2: A Look at Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Educational Communities [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package. This lesson will define diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), analyze the role DEI plays in shaping a sense of belonging for the children, staff, and families we serve, and offer opportunities to identify connections between equity and belonging.
You must register to access.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue. The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to explain where you see connections between belonging and equity. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
You must register to access.
Closing Comments
Open to view video.  |   Closed captions available
Open to view video.  |   Closed captions available This short video will offer some final thoughts related to Belonging: What It Is and Why It Matters.
You must register to access.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Belonging: What It Is and Why It Matters Survey [5 minutes]
5 Questions
5 Questions Completion of this survey is required before receiving a certificate of completion. Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us improve our short class offerings.
You must register to access.
Certificate of Professional Development
3.00 CPD credits  |  Certificate available
3.00 CPD credits  |  Certificate available A certificate for 3 professional development hours will release within 30 minutes of completion of all components of the class.
You must register to access.
Resources
Additional Resources
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. This downloadable pdf offers resources from each lesson of this self-guided class. We hope you’ll explore these resources and continue learning about belonging and why belonging matters.
You must register to access.
Ways to Explore Cultural Diversity
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource. This downloadable pdf offers ideas for exploring cultural diversity in your school/classroom.
You must register to access.

Cathy Durand-Horne

AMS DEIB Consultant

Cathy Durand-Horne is an Advanced level, state-approved Child Development Associate trainer with an AMS Infant and Toddler Montessori teaching credential and a BA in Psychology and Economics from Denison University. Cathy has over 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education, teaching, developing curriculum, consulting, and providing professional development. She is very passionate about empowering teachers in Montessori and traditional Early Learning environments. In addition to being an instructor and field consultant for multiple Teacher Education Programs, Cathy is also the founder of Intentional Logic Group, LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on improving the quality of learning environments intentionally by providing teacher mentorship, classroom consultation, and DEIB strategies. Cathy currently serves as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging(DEIB) Consultant for AMS and brings a wealth of information, experience, and knowledge to her work.

Pricing

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$60 $40

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