Dialogue Across Difference is designed for K-12 and higher education educators, administrators, and leaders from all disciplinary backgrounds looking to deepen their understanding of issues surrounding civic discourse in educational settings. Learn from experts about the importance of supporting difficult conversations and ways to address the challenges this presents.
The challenges of our increasingly polarized society are daunting. This spring, be prepared to support students, faculty, and staff as they engage in challenging conversations and build cultures that balance freedom of expression and a sense of belonging for all.
Application Deadline
Program StartJanuary 27, 2025
Length & Time Commitment~40 hours over 4 months
Certificate OfferedPenn GSE Certificate of Participation
Credits4 Continuing Education (CE) Credits
40 Pennsylvania ACT 48 Credits
Cost
Ideal Candidates
In this program, learn from experts about the importance of supporting civic discourse and ways to address the challenges this presents. Engage in questions such as:
Then, work closely with small groups of peers to examine shared challenges from your professional work and connect with and learn from a professional network that shares your commitment to this important and complex work.
Dates | Time Commitments | Session |
TBD | Asynchronous module ~10 hours | Part I: Explore - Learners will deepen their understanding of issues related to civic discourse in school by exploring resources on our online learning platform. |
TBD | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (ET) | Workshop #1 - "You Can't Say That: Teaching Controversial Issues in American Schools, from World War One to October 7" Led by Dr. Jon Zimmerman |
TBD | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ET) | Workshop #2 - "Building Conversational Safe Spaces" Led by Matt Kay |
TBD | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ET) | Workshop #3 - "Discussing Our Difficult Past: When Past & Present Collide in Your Classroom" Led by Dr. Abby Reisman |
TBD | 5:30-7:00 p.m. (ET) | Synchronous virtual small group meeting 1 |
TBD | 5:30-7:00 p.m. (ET) | Synchronous virtual small group meeting 2 |
TBD | 5:30-7:00 p.m. (ET) | Synchronous virtual small group meeting 3 |
What are the benefits of obtaining Continuing Education (CE) credits?
CE credits are issued on an official University of Pennsylvania transcript. Having an official record of your participation in this program can add credibility to the work that you invest in completing it. In some school districts, CE credits can be used to help educators advance along their pay scale.
What style of grading does this program follow?
Programs that offer CE credits award "Pass/Fail" grading.
Can I add CE credits after I get started in the program?
You must decide before you start the program if you will be participating as a learner who is completing the program for CE credentialing. You will not be able to opt in after the program starts.
Can I receive partial credit or opt out of receiving CE credits after I start the program?
No, this program can not offer partial credit if a learner can not complete the program. However, a learner can unenroll from the program by the drop deadline and will be responsible for 100% of the program fee.
Why might you not want CE credits?
If you choose to receive CE credits but do not successfully complete this program, you risk receiving an F on your permanent Penn transcript.
Can participating educators receive Pennsylvania Act 48 credits if they don't register for CE credits?
Yes! All Pennsylvania educators are eligible to receive the total amount of ACT 48 credits regardless of their preference for CE credits.
Please read the policy below carefully to understand the important consequences that choosing to receive CE credits may have for your University of Pennsylvania transcript.
As a participant in this Penn GSE Certificate program, you are eligible to receive Continuing Education (CE) credits for successful completion of the program requirements. Whether or not you choose to receive CE credits for your participation in this program, all program expectations and requirements are the same.
If you choose to receive CE credits, this course will appear on your permanent Penn transcript.
If you decide to unenroll from this program, you will have until the Add/Drop Deadline to do so without consequence for your transcript. This course will no longer appear on your Penn transcript.
If you decide to unenroll from this program after the Add/Drop Deadline, then this course will appear on your Penn transcript. Courses dropped after the Add/Drop Deadline requires instructor approval, and a 'W' will appear on your transcript in place of a grade.
If you decide to unenroll from this program after the Withdrawal Deadline, then this course will appear on your Penn transcript, and you may earn an F.
If you choose to receive CE credits for your participation in this program but do not successfully complete it, then you may earn an F on your Penn transcript.
Please indicate whether or not you would like to receive CE credits for your participation in this program on your application.
“It has given me a whole new way to think about how to help my students learn.”
“This program is extremely creative, thought provoking, and relevant. There are very few programs like this out there.”
“I feel reenergized after participating.”