Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
2022-2023 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Culturally Responsive Teaching Certificate


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Program Description

The Culturally Responsive Teaching certificate program at Saint Mary’s University offers educators in all school settings the opportunity to work internally and collaboratively with their colleagues to explore and integrate their students’ cultures and prior experiences into instructional design. The 15-credit program provides educators the foundational theory and research as well as proven, practical strategies to enhance instruction for learners. Intentional work on awareness, sensitivity,  professional disposition, and action-steps are embedded throughout the program.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Culturally Responsive Teaching Certificate program, graduates are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Think critically about beliefs that shape, inform, and guide their perspectives and practices.
  2. Understand and value students’ cultural and educational experiences to inform teaching and learning.
  3. Apply culturally responsive teaching principles to create an inclusive, civil learning environment.
  4. Differentiate culturally responsive teaching principles and embed them into instructional and assessment plans.
  5. Select and organize relevant resources that support culturally responsive teaching-centered student learning.

Program Structure and Delivery

Program courses are delivered fully online.

Degree Requirements


The certificate is 15 credits; all courses are required. The courses are designed to build upon one another and are taken in numerical sequence.

Admission Requirements


Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and must have maintained an overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. If GPA is below 2.75 or GPA is not available, provisional status may be granted.

Admission Process


Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form.
  2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree.
  3. A one/two page reflective essay which includes the following:
    1. Brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience
    2. The career/teaching goals of the applicant and reasons for seeking admission to the program.
    3. Description of the areas the applicant considers to be their strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities.
  4.  A resume listing educational background and teaching experience.

Submit application materials to:

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404

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