Educators and psychologists know that learning is significantly affected by factors such as stress, anxiety, self-image, cultural expectations and societal expectations. The increasing number of students diverse backgrounds in today’s classrooms introduces a tremendous diversity of lived experience which influences how students learn. 

In today’s public schools, the majority of teachers, 80% are white, and the majority of learners are students of color. This fact alone suggests a strong potential for a cultural and communication gap between teachers and their students. Research findings confirm that black students face significant challenges to their learning as a result of unconscious bias and lack of cultural awareness on the part of teachers. It is well documented that black students, particularly boys, are more likely to be on the receiving end of disciplinary action, more likely to be suspended from school, and are at greater risk of failing than are other students. It is also well documented that black children are perceived to be older than white children of the same age and are more likely, as a result, to have expectations for behavior that are developmentally inappropriate. These factors, along with micro-aggressions that are common, and sometimes racially motivated aggression by peers render the learning environment for black students fraught with challenges that may be unseen or unrecognized by educators.

In this course, we will examine the factors that come together to create unique challenges to black students in the classroom and explore ways in which teachers can minimize those challenges and support school success for all students.

CEUs/ILUs: 1.6

Length (in hours): 16

To effectively manage a nonprofit organization, leaders need to be aware of the current trends, challenges, and best practices that are shaping the sector. This course will provide an overview of the key topics that are the focus of today's nonprofit leaders. You will learn about the ways in which the nonprofit sector is changing, as well as some new approaches to leadership, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. This course will also explore how nonprofits can grow, sustain themselves in challenging times, and utilize data and technology to improve their performance and assess their progress.

This is an online course and can start anytime.

Click on this link to find out more.

Data Analysis is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skills in the workplace.  Companies have vast amounts of data, but it is rare to have someone with the ability to analyze that data to see trends and make predictions.

Add a whole new skill set to your portfolio, and make a big difference in the success of your organization by acquiring data analysis skills.  Begin with getting a basic understanding of how to analyze data in a business setting. Then learn how many of your business decisions involve comparing groups for differences. You will know the statistics behind these group differences and relationships. Finally, you will find out how to perform inquiries that will be useful to your business or organization and have the skill necessary to communicate these results through graphs and text that your fellow employees will understand.

Whether your business is home based or a large company, this certificate will take you to the next level where important decision-making is concerned.

Click here for more information about the course specifics, dates, cost and registration.

There is also a self-study version available with no specific start dates.

Join Kelly Rose, DMD for a 10-week certificate program in Dental Assisting for one of the most high-demand careers.  This program is designed to teach all aspects of dental assisting and provide you the skills you need to work in this field and pass the RHS certificate exam needed for employment. This program is taught by a Dentist and includes an opportunity for internships. The price of the course Upon passing the DANB RHS®, you will receive a certificate of knowledge-based competency for that component from DANB. Payment plans are available.  The course includes all books, exam preparation materials, and fees for the DANB RHS® certificate program.

Call our Adult Education office for more information.

This Diversity Training for Employees and Managers is ideal for anyone working in a professional environment. The course brings people together by focusing on principles like respect, acceptance and inclusivity. It is designed to help employees and managers gain a better understanding of the skills, characteristics, and talents that each person brings to the table regardless of their background. The class emphasizes the need to communicate, negotiate, and collaborate in a diverse environment both internally and externally.

For more information please click on the link.

Most of us take hundreds of photos that languish on our iPhone/iPad or in the cloud. Knowing how to edit images and organize your photos on your iPhone and iPad is essential. Other areas of study in this online, self-paced course include using the tabs in the Photos app — “For You" tab (ready-made slide shows), creating, using, and sharing albums, and the very useful search function.

Click this link to register:  https://www.ed2go.com/telstar/

courses for this and other online classes offered by ed2go.

Food and nutrition have a profound impact on our health and well-being, yet many of us are not aware of what foods to eat, which diets are healthy, and where our food originates. We eat toxic, irradiated, or genetically altered foods and we eat more than we need. How can we change our eating habits and become more conscious of what we eat, why we eat it, how it is prepared, and what consequences our food choices have on our health as well as the health of our planet? This certificate provides an overview of the role of food and nutrition choices on our bodies, our immune systems, our overall well-being, and the health of all sentient beings on an increasingly populated planet.

The outcome of this certificate is for the learner to describe a holistic overview of current food and nutrition issues and their impact on physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and planetary health.