What Inclusive Instructors Do and Why It Matters
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
8-13-2025 3:15 PM
End Date
8-13-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Inclusive teaching practices have been and always will be a core component of effective and meaningful education. Long after a course has ended and final grades have been posted, the impact of intentional and inclusive instruction continues. While many faculty members at USU embrace and include inclusive teaching practices in their classrooms, concern and confusion about inclusive teaching have seemed to increase since 2024, when the Utah Legislature passed the controversial Equal Opportunity Initiative (HB261). The Utah State Board of Education has affirmed that academic freedom and classroom instruction are not affected by HB261 and that faculty retain full authority to continue to adopt and implement inclusive and evidence-based teaching practices. But how does one do this?
The members of this panel were part of an ETE Learning Circle that read and discussed What Inclusive Instructors Do in Fall 2024. This book focuses on principles and practices for excellence in college teaching and offers recommendations for creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom. This session will focus on what inclusive teaching is and why it matters, explore important principles related to course design, and provide examples of concrete and practical strategies that can help all students thrive and grow.
What Inclusive Instructors Do and Why It Matters
Logan, UT
Inclusive teaching practices have been and always will be a core component of effective and meaningful education. Long after a course has ended and final grades have been posted, the impact of intentional and inclusive instruction continues. While many faculty members at USU embrace and include inclusive teaching practices in their classrooms, concern and confusion about inclusive teaching have seemed to increase since 2024, when the Utah Legislature passed the controversial Equal Opportunity Initiative (HB261). The Utah State Board of Education has affirmed that academic freedom and classroom instruction are not affected by HB261 and that faculty retain full authority to continue to adopt and implement inclusive and evidence-based teaching practices. But how does one do this?
The members of this panel were part of an ETE Learning Circle that read and discussed What Inclusive Instructors Do in Fall 2024. This book focuses on principles and practices for excellence in college teaching and offers recommendations for creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom. This session will focus on what inclusive teaching is and why it matters, explore important principles related to course design, and provide examples of concrete and practical strategies that can help all students thrive and grow.