Cultural Competence Certificate Program
Pacific University offers a 10-credit certificate program for teachers, instructional assistants, counselors, and community members who want to learn more about developing their personal cultural competence as well as enhancing the cultural competence of educational institutions.
What is Cultural Competence?
Cultural competence is a developmental process that evolves over an extended period. Both individuals and organizations are at various levels of awareness, knowledge and skills along the cultural competence continuum. (adapted from Cross et al., 1989)
Students may join the program at any point. Foundational courses introduce the concepts of cultural competence, the history of oppression in schools, understanding acheivement gaps, and working with speakers of other languages. Beyond Fear, Guilt, & Anger: Moving Toward Cultural Competence explores deeply personal issues of racism and prejudice. Students may choose between Cultural Competence for Young Children, which includes strategies for working with our youngest students, or Teaching About the Holocaust.
The final course in the program is a 90-hour practicum where participants apply their knowledge and skills while working in a diverse educational setting.
This certificate program is designed for the following.
- Teachers, counselors, and administrators who want to engage in dialog and learn more about cultural competence.
- Para-professionals and school support staff who want to engage in dialog and learn more about working with diverse learners in the schools.
- Community members who want to engage in dialog and are interested in issues of diversity in our schools.
Curriculum
| Section | Cultural Competence Certificate Requirements | Credit Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC-540 | Language Policy in ESOL Education | 2 |
| EDUC-564 | Cultural Competence for Young Children (K-3) or.. |
1 |
| EDUC-569 | Teaching About the Holocaust (4-12) | 1 |
| EDUC-562 | Foundations of Cultural Competence | 3 |
| EDUC-563 | Beyond Fear, Guilt, & Anger: Moving Toward Cultural Competence | 2 |
| EDUC-655 | Practicum in Cultural Competence | 2 |
Please note: The current program involves a small online component; however, we are planning to offer more courses via distance learning in the future.
For More Information
Contact Person (Eugene): Nancy Meltzoff
Email: meltzoff@pacificu.edu
Phone: 541-485-6812
Contact Person (Forest Grove): Catherine Kim
Email: kim5764@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1459
Contact Person: Diana Watkins, Assistant Director of Graduate & Professional Admissions
Email: teach@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1435 or 877-722-8648 ext. 143