Ethics in Education

Course Description:  This course explores legal and ethical issues that arise in elementary and secondary schools. It helps school leaders think through questions of educational policy and ethics that legal disputes raise but don’t resolve. Topics include liability for student injury, due process, search and seizure, staff appraisal, employment discrimination, church/state conflicts, control over the curriculum, the expression of controversial views, legal and ethical issues related to the financing and adequacy of state school finance plans, and the schools’ authority to make rules governing student and teacher conduct. The course also reviews ethical issues related to equal opportunity, including school desegregation, bilingual education, sexual discrimination and harassment, privacy issues, affirmative action, and the education of exceptional children. This online course covers key concepts, such as ethical decision-making, codes of conduct, ethical reasoning, and accountability. You will learn about different techniques used in determining the best courses of action based on ethical considerations as well as how to apply a deeper understanding of moral principles and values to areas such as resolving disputes and creating effective policies. You will also gain an understanding of how power dynamics in educational institutions can impact behavior and decision-making. Learning Objectives:

• Understand the difference between ethics and the law
• Think through questions of educational policy and ethics that legal disputes arise
• Explore issues in contemporary educational issues
• Define key terms related to ethics in education
• Examine moral principles & values
• Identify biases when making decisions
• Balance autonomy & obligation
• Develop strategies for managing complex dilemmas
• Analyze conflicting perspectives
• Lead meaningful conversations
• Utilize effective communication techniques
• Examine the power dynamics of educational institutions
• Apply ethical principles from multiple disciplines

Intercultural and Cosmopolitan Learning Course Description: This online course provides an introduction to the study of intercultural and cosmopolitan learning. It covers key concepts, such as cultural awareness, communication with diverse populations, building bridges between different cultures, and embracing diversity. You will learn about different techniques used in developing knowledge and skills related to cross-cultural collaborations as well as how to apply a deeper understanding of culture-sensitive practices to foster inclusion. You will also gain an understanding of how working collaboratively across cultures can lead to innovative approaches and long-term solutions. Through interactive lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments you will develop your knowledge of intercultural and cosmopolitan learning while learning practical skills such as recognizing bias & stereotypes in interpersonal interactions, adapting teaching materials & approaches for diverse settings, creating safe organizational environments for intercultural connections, engaging stakeholders in ethical decision making processes and engaging in meaningful dialogue when dealing with complex issues. This course is ideal for those who are new to examining intercultural matters or are interested in pursuing a path involving more advanced topics in the subject. Course Objectives:

• Describe key principles & practices related to intercultural learning
• Examine cultural awareness & communication strategies
• Develop bridge-building skills
• Develop strategies for fostering inclusion
• Adapt teaching materials & approaches
• Recognize bias & stereotypes
• Create safe organizational environments
• Engage stakeholders in ethical decision-making
• Engage in meaningful dialogue
• Use problem-solving processes with an intercultural lens

Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child Course Description: This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthier lives. The course will cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, safety in the home, school, and workplace, and more. Course Objectives:

• Understand the basics of nutrition and how it affects overall health
• Learn how to create a balanced diet that meets individual needs
• Identify different types of exercise and their benefits for physical health
• Develop strategies for managing stress and improving mental health
• Understand safety protocols in the home and school environment
• Recognize potential hazards in the home or school environment and take steps to reduce the risk of injury or illness
• Learn how to recognize signs of illness or injury in oneself or others and take appropriate action if necessary
• Develop an understanding of first aid techniques for common injuries or illnesses, including CPR certification if applicable to local laws/regulations/standards/guidelines)
• Understand the importance of regular medical checkups and preventive care measures such as vaccinations when applicable)
• Understand how lifestyle choices can affect overall health, safety, and well-being over time (e.g., smoking cessation)

Perspectives of Early Childhood Education Course Description: This online course provides an introduction to the study of early childhood education. It covers key concepts, such as family dynamics, cultural differences, and teaching strategies. You will learn about different approaches used in early childhood education as well as how to apply a deeper understanding of educational theories & practices. You will also gain an understanding of how families & cultures influence children's learning and development. Through interactive lectures, readings, discussions, and assignments you will develop your knowledge of perspectives in early childhood education while learning practical skills such as understanding home-based curriculums, recognizing different learning styles & needs among children, utilizing effective discipline techniques & materials in the classroom environment, assessing individual student progress and exploring global influences on culture and parenting. This course is ideal for those who are new to working with young children or are interested in pursuing a path involving more advanced topics in the subject. Course Objectives:

• Analyze child guidance techniques
• Recognize different learning styles
• Utilize effective discipline techniques
• Assess individual progress
• Explore culture & family influences
• Incorporate materials for classroom use
• Understand home-based curriculums
• Facilitate meaningful interactions
• Discuss environmental influences
• Analyze global influences on parenting