Graduate-Level Credit / Non-Credit Hours
3 Semester Credits or 45 Clock Hours
Early enrollment is now open for the new self-paced course:
Classroom Culture by Design: Behavior, Environment, and Groupings that Work
- The course will be available in January 2027.
- You’ll receive an email notification as soon as it’s ready.
Course Description
This course is designed to equip educators with the tools and understanding necessary for building an intentional and positive classroom culture. Participants will explore how physical environment, routines, and strategic grouping can create conditions for every student to succeed. Educators will also examine evidence-based approaches to positive behavior systems, learn strategies for responding to challenging behaviors, and develop skills to foster student ownership and responsibility. Drawing on research from Dr. Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Dr. Natalie Wilkins, Dr. Jorge Verlenden, Dr. Leigh Szucs, and Dr. Michelle Johns, this course also addresses the foundational principles behind classroom culture and why intentional design matters. After completing this course, participants will be prepared to design and implement a personalized, sustainable plan tailored to building a positive culture in their unique classroom context.
Global Outcomes/Goals of the Course
To deepen and/or apply the content and skills of the teacher’s existing professional knowledge base by meeting the following global goals of the course:
- Analyze the foundational principles of classroom culture and explain how intentional design impacts student learning, behavior, and well-being.
- Apply research-based strategies for designing effective learning environments and establish routines that support engagement, consistency, and student success.
- Use strategic grouping to promote collaboration, differentiation, and equal participation across diverse learners.
- Implement evidence-based behavior systems that build a positive classroom climate and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Respond to challenging or distracting behaviors effectively using restorative, relationship-centered approaches.
- Build family partnerships that reinforce and sustain classroom culture.
Related Reading:
The Teacher Survival Kit: 5 Tools Every Educator Needs for a Successful School Year