This course focuses on applying the principles of neuroscience and positive psychology from Dr. Shawn Achor’s, Happiness Advantage. Through this course, educators will gain valuable insights into how these principles can improve students’ cognitive abilities, memory retention, concentration, focus, and creativity, while also promoting respect for diversity and establishing an environment for learning. The course will also provide educators with effective communication and conflict resolution skills that can reduce bullying, improve student engagement, and classroom behavior.  This course will also delve into different personality types.  Understanding Myers-Briggs personalities can help educators create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment and work culture. Educators will learn to manage their classrooms better, enhance communication, promote professional collaboration, and engage in reflective practices.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify evidence-based practices for promoting a positive brain and develop strategies for implementing these practices in both personal and professional environments.
• Analyze the drama triangle and cultivate skills to avoid workplace gossip and negative communication patterns.
• Explain the principles of effective conversation and develop habits that foster improved listening and inquiry skills.
• Describe the characteristics of different personality types according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, identify the strengths of each personality, and acknowledge the learning preferences of each type. Develop strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners.
• Analyze the three major root causes of conflict and implement the Reflect-Empathize-Logic framework to solve workplace and classroom conflicts.
• Identify strategies and collaborate with peers to build better connections with students, including active listening, building rapport, and providing meaningful feedback.

This comprehensive, interdisciplinary graduate-level course dives deep into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), with a specific focus on the use of generational conversational AI in educational contexts. Students will explore the historical and theoretical foundations of AI, analyze the ethical challenges presented by AI in education including data privacy, algorithm bias, fairness, and the potential misuse in cheating. Students will then investigate the creative possibilities unlocked by AI integration in the classroom. The course provides a platform to learn, evaluate, and apply generative AI in various aspects of education, such as crafting resourceful lesson plans, innovative assessments, personalized feedback, and differentiated instruction. Hands-on activities and assignments will give students the opportunity to apply AI to the creation of resourceful lesson plans and teaching materials that inspire and engage.

The course progresses to explore how AI can revolutionize assessments and feedback in education, making them more personalized, efficient, and effective. This will involve both a theoretical understanding and practical application of AI in assessments to create a more inclusive and effective learning environment.  The final segment of the course focuses on teaching your own students how to use critical thinking and problem solving to leverage AI tools to adapt to the transformative potential of AI.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the history, evolution, and key principles of AI
• Formulate a thorough ethical analysis of AI use in education, with an emphasis on data privacy, fairness, and accessibility
• Design and deliver lessons using generative AI to monitor student progress, collect formative and summative data, and analyze outcomes to inform instructional decisions
• Develop, design, and implement innovative learning strategies and assessments using AI to create differentiated instruction strategies and promote personalized learning
• Teach students about the principles and responsible use of generative AI

The impact of trauma on a student’s educational performance and attainment is profound, with potential influences on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses. This advanced-level course is designed to provide educators with an in-depth understanding of trauma informed education, underlining the vital role of ensuring the physical and emotional wellbeing of all members of the school community. Upon completion of this course, educators will have the skills necessary to cultivate a trauma-responsive learning environment that emphasizes courage, empathy, and self-regulation. Furthermore, they will gain knowledge on how to shape an inclusive and supportive educational setting that addresses the unique needs of each student.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Analyze the theoretical foundation of trauma-informed education by evaluating relevant research and literature.
• Create a comprehensive plan for implementing trauma-informed practices in the classroom, incorporating strategies that prioritize courage, empathy, and self-control. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies for supporting the physical and emotional well-being of school staff and assess their impact on student outcomes.
• Synthesize knowledge of trauma-informed education to design and implement culturally responsive interventions that address the unique needs of students who have experienced trauma.