5 CPDs, Estimated to take 4 hours to complete
In this four-hour self-guided class, you will explore practical strategies and resources that can help you foster a classroom or school community where everyone feels they belong. You will have the opportunity to review AMS's Equity Audit tool and consider ways you might incorporate more diversity, equity, and inclusion based practices to enhance belonging in your community. By the end of this course, you will have an idea of next steps for building a community with a stronger sense of belonging and resources to support you along the way.
The class will take approximately four hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the three 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 an hour and twenty minutes 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 five 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:
- Understand the purpose of an equity audit and how AMS’s Equity Audit resource can support your work.
- Recognize potential challenges to using the Equity Audit in your community.
- Explore practices that build diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and strengthen belonging.
- Identify key components of a culture of belonging.
- Draft S.M.A.R.T. goals and detailed objectives.
- Review key elements of an action plan.
- Identify resources to help implement and sustain your efforts for building a culture where everyone belongs.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
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Welcome & Introduction [5 minutes]
Welcome to Building a Culture Where Everyone Belongs [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.
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.
Lesson 1: Holding Up the Mirror [1 hour and 20 minutes]
Lesson 1: Holding Up the Mirror [65 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on how you can utilize the Equity Audit, presented in AMS's special publication Equity Examined, to better understand the landscape of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in your current learning community
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 might use the Equity Audit in your work and any challenges you forsee. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 2: A Look at Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Educational Communities [1 hour and 20 minutes]
Lesson 2: Creating a Culture of Belonging [65 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
In this lesson, you will examine the key components of a culture of belonging and explore practices/strategies that can help you create a learning environment where all individuals feel included and valued.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to reflect on the use of DEIB practices in your learning environment and consider how the Equity Audit might help you identify strategies to implement.
Lesson 3: Moving From Ideas to Action [1 hour and 20 minutes]
Lesson 3: Moving From Ideas to Action [65 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson is designed to guide you in transforming your ideas for enhancing belonging in your learning environment into impactful and sustainable actions.
Lesson 3 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 3 Discussion offers an opportunity to share one of your own S.M.A.R.T. goals as well as your next step for moving that goal forward.
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 Building a Culture Where Everyone Belongs.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Building a Culture Where Everyone Belongs 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.
Certificate of Professional Development
5.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
5.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
A certificate for 5 professional development hours will release within 30 minutes of completion of all components of the class.
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 ways you can build a culture where everyone belongs.
Action Plan Template
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This downloadable pdf offers a template for action planning.

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.
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