Teaching and Leading for Diversity

Cultural diversity has emerged as one of the most important issues for educators in the 21st century, both for those teaching and leading in culturally homogeneous environments, and those working in culturally diverse classrooms, schools, and communities. It is becoming increasingly evident that, in addition to the basic professional certification and degree requirements, educators of today and tomorrow also need to understand and respond effectively to the ever growing diversity of students they encounter. Thus, cultural awareness and intercultural competence are becoming one of the major professional requirements for urban and suburban schools and communities.

The Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Leading for Diversity (ACTLD) has been created by the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at the University at Buffalo to meet the growing demand by educators for the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to address and embrace cultural diversity.

The major goals of the ACTLD program are to raise cultural awareness and intercultural competence through tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and learning. In addition, teachers will acquire creative strategies and basic techniques for dealing effectively with cultural diversity in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

Eligibility

Who should pursue the advanced certificate?

The ACTLD program is intended for master’s, post-master’s, and non-degree students interested solely in the Certificate. The program is appropriate for any students interested in issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice. Students enrolled in any GSE program, preparing for careers in teaching, administration, counseling, or research may obtain the Certificate along with their degree. Students in graduate programs outside GSE who have an interest in education are also welcome, as are persons from the community who are interested in the Certificate without any accompanying degrees.

A registration form can be downloaded by clicking here.

Students will be considered officially enrolled in the ACTLD program at the time their registration form is approved by their ACTLD advisor and the Program Director.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Vladimir Ageyev, Program Director

Department of Learning and Instruction
University at Buffalo
520 Baldy Hall
Buffalo NY 14260
716 645-2455 ext 1151
vageyev@buffalo.edu