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Professional Development
Develop a deeper understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and gain the knowledge and confidence to design learning environments that increase access to engaging, meaningful learning experiences for all students.
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In accordance with Harvard University policy, Professional Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals to equal treatment in education without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To address the remarkable variability among students and across learning environments, educators are increasingly turning to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL offers a framework for guiding the design of learning opportunities that are inclusive and challenging for all learners.
Finding time to explore, apply, and implement new frameworks and practices can be difficult, which is why we've designed a comprehensive yet flexible UDL experience. The progression through the UDL content reflects the process of new initiatives in schools. The learning pathway begins with discovering the content, explored as either an individual, small team, or group. The next step comprises action planning through application in one or a few areas of your specific educational context, transforming into a team-based process, enabling scalable change and shared understanding across a school or system.
The Universal Design for Learning Practitioner Certificate is designed for individuals and teams of educators hoping to build toward meaningful practice by learning about UDL and experiencing it as participants. The series includes two coordinated program offerings:
*Synchronous online sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on the online course platform.
Full participation in this flexible learning community will enable educators to deepen their understanding and application of UDL; be supported to design and iterate on an action plan that addresses a problem of practice from a UDL perspective; and receive continuous support in implementing, reflecting on, and refining their action plan. Further, participants will build connections and become a part of a vast virtual community that will support them to grow and sustain their UDL practice into the future. The certificate welcomes interest and registrations from all practitioners in the field.
We look forward to collaborating with participants who have a basic understanding of UDL, are eager to deepen their UDL practice, and are motivated to develop into UDL leaders at their schools. Please note that a strong background in UDL is not required to begin this Professional Learning Series.
Individual educators may participate in both UDL: Explore and UDL: Apply, and team enrollment is encouraged throughout the series. We strongly advise that teams include a cross-section of stakeholders, including:
Participants must register for each offering in the Universal Design for Learning Practitioner Certificate separately. For UDL: Apply, you must complete either UDL: Explore or an eligible CAST program prior (including Introduction to Universal Design for Learning: Addressing the Variability of All Learners, UDL 101, any 2-day CAST workshop, CAST’s Digital Learning Series, or CAST’s NH UDL Innovation Network. The recommended pathway is to participate in both within the same academic year in order to maintain momentum through the learning and implementation process. However, participants may space their participation across time as best fits their needs and availability.
This program welcomes registrations from both individuals and teams. First-time registrants need to create a Professional Education account to register.
Individuals: Click the “Register” button at the top of this page to log into your Professional Education account and access the registration page. Proceed with the individual form until submission. Invoices will be immediately available upon the submission of the form.
Teams: Designate one participant or an administrative staff member as the Coordinator.
Tuition assistance is available for this program on a need and application basis. Tuition assistance is granted based on participant and institutional needs. Requests for tuition assistance do not affect an applicant's prospects for admission. You may access the tuition assistance application after you have submitted your program application. Tuition assistance applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the final application deadline.