Overview
Embracing Neurodiversity: Affirming Practices in Education
Embracing Neurodiversity: Affirming Practices in Education
Learn How Neurodiverse Learning Profiles Impact Learning and Behavior
Through research-backed insights, engaging activities, and hands-on projects, educators will discover how to celebrate neurodiversity, encourage positive outcomes for students, and foster a supportive culture in schools.
Who is this course for?
This course is for teachers, special educators, service providers, and administrators.
Course description
NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS:
45 hours
Teachers can more effectively address a diverse range of learning needs by adopting a neurodiversity-based approach. This course delves into the significance of embracing neurodiversity in educational settings, promoting affirming learning environments for all students. Participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other mental health diagnoses, and how these differences can influence learning and behavior. The course focuses on practical strategies for instruction, creating inclusive classrooms, and designing personalized plans to accommodate varied cognitive profiles. Through research-informed insights, interactive activities, and hands-on projects, educators will learn how to celebrate neurodiversity, foster positive student outcomes, and cultivate a culture of affirming practices within schools. By the conclusion of the course, participants will possess the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively support neurodivergent students, highlighting their strengths, encouraging their growth, and enhancing their educational experiences.
Course Schedule:
This course uses a hybrid model with both synchronous virtual classes and asynchronous work.
Synchronous Virtual Class Kickoff
- Date: May 30
- Time: 9:00–11:00 PM EST
- Format: Live virtual session for introductions and an overview of the course structure, expectations, asynchronous work.
Asynchronous Work Period
- Timeframe: May 30 – June 22, 2025
- Format: Self-paced coursework, readings and assignments, to be completed before the intensive synchronous sessions.
Synchronous Virtual Classes
- Dates: June 23, June 25, June 30, and July 2, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST each day
- Format: Live virtual classes including lectures, group discussions, interactive activities, and collaborative exercises.
Asynchronous Work Period
- Timeframe: July 4 – August 3, 2025
- Format: Additional self-paced work, including assignments, readings, and final project preparation.
Final Course Date (Asynchronous)
- Date: August 4, 2025
- Format: Final submission deadline for course assignments and projects.
Course Expectations:
All participants (regardless of taking the class for graduate credit) will.
- Purchase the required materials for this course.
- Attending all synchronous class meetings for their full duration.
Required Materials:
Armstrong, T. (2010) The Power of Neurodiversity Unleashing The Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain; Philadelphia, PA, Da Capo Press Persius Books Group.
Erdelyi, J. (2020), Activities, Games, and Lessons in Social Learning A Practical Guide; Thousand Oaks, CA Corwin Publishing
Kirchner-Morris, E., & Morin, A. (2025). Neurodiversity Affirming Schools Transforming Practices So All Students Feel Accepted and Supported; Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.
Participants taking the course for graduate credit must complete additional readings and assignments, which will be provided digitally before the course.
Dates
May 30 | Jun. 23 | Jun. 25 | Jun. 30 | Jul. 2
Registration closes May 15
Time
Synchronous virtual class kickoff: May 30: 9:00-11:00 AM EST
Synchronous virtual classes:
June 23 & 25, 30 and July 2:
9:00 AM-4:00 PM EST
Asynchronous work between synchronous sessions
Asynchronous final course date: August 4th
Course Number(s)
1560
Location and Format
Cost
$1,160
This course is being offered at a discounted cost to participants made possible by the generosity of the Hoehl Family Foundation, in honor of Cynthia K Hoehl’s vision of teachers as lifelong learners.
Grade Level
Audience
Graduate Credit
Julie Erdelyi, M.A.
Director of Social Learning and Speech Therapy
What Teachers Have to Say
Meet the Instructor(s)
Julie Erdelyi, M.A.
Director of Social Learning and Speech Therapy
Julie provides consultation and instruction. She has a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Vermont and a Master’s degree in special education – developmental disabilities from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has extensive experience as a Special Educator and Autism Specialist designing and implementing academic instruction, proactive behavior […]
Supporting Teachers
Grants for Professional Learning
The Cynthia K. Hoehl Institute for Excellence awards grants to individual educators and school cohorts seeking better outcomes for students through our programs. Learn more about Cynthia K. Hoehl, whose vision as an educator inspired a powerful legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terms and conditions are there for professional learning registrations?
Please read the terms and conditions for our courses and workshops and contact us if you have any questions.
How do I register?
- If the course or workshop you’re interested in is on our website, please visit the course or workshop’s page and follow the link to access our online registration form. Complete the form by doing the following:
- Indicate whether you will pay with a credit card or a Purchase Order (PO).
- Fill out the participant information and workshop information sections.
- Read the Terms and Conditions and check the box to confirm your agreement.
- Click “Next”
- If you are paying with a PO:
- Please verify that your PO is complete.
- Upload the signed PO when prompted through the registration process. If you have questions please email: proflearning@sterncenter.org.
- Click “Next.”
- Your information will be sent to us to review. In 1–2 business days, we will confirm your registration by sending you an email with “Registration Confirmation” in the subject line.
- If you are paying with a credit card:
- Click “Continue.”
- On the Payment Method screen Click “Pay with Credit Card” to continue to Authorize.net.
- Enter your credit card information and click “Pay now” to complete your credit card transaction.
- Your information will be sent to us to review. In 1–2 business days, we will confirm your registration by sending you an email with “Registration Confirmation” in the subject line.
- If the course or workshop you’re interested in is not listed on our website, please contact us to learn more.
I’m considering taking a course for graduate credit. How long do I have to decide?
Graduate Credit Policy
Vermont State University (VtSU): If you are registering for a course that offers graduate credit from VTSU, you may add graduate credit up to and including the first day of class.
Graduate Credit Withdrawal Policy: For classes running consecutive days, participants who withdraw must decide by the end of the first day whether to request a graduate credit refund. To request a refund, email the Professional Learning Intake Coordinator at proflearning@sterncenter.org or by phone at 802-276-8684.
My school said they would register me. Do I need to do anything else?
Please confirm with your school that they have completed all the necessary steps to register you. Please do not plan to attend the class without verifying that you are registered, as we may be unable to accommodate you due to limited seating. If you are officially registered, you will receive a Registration Confirmation email. If you do not receive a Registration Confirmation email, please check with your school.
What is a purchase order or PO?
- A purchase order (PO) is a document from your school or district stating that they will pay a certain amount for you to attend a course or workshop. A PO allows us to invoice your school or district for your attendance.
- A PO might look something like this.
- A PO is not a number. Please supply the complete document to register, not just the PO number.
How do I register with a purchase order?
You’ll need to complete a purchase order (PO) before you register. Make sure your PO fulfills the following:
- The PO is issued to “Stern Center for Language and Learning.”
- The unit price is for the total cost (if your school or district pays for only part of the total cost, please email us at proflearning@sterncenter.org.
- The PO is signed by an authorized party at your school or district.
- Upload your PO as part of the registration process.
Can you invoice my school or district so they can make a PO?
Unfortunately no. We cannot submit invoices without first receiving a PO.
My school/district/I sent you a PO. Why am I not registered?
Ensure you have also completed and submitted a registration form and your PO. Without both documents, we cannot register you.
Make sure you sent us a copy of the PO itself and not just a PO number or a letter of intent from your school or district. We cannot invoice either of these items without the PO document itself.
Please get in touch with us if you haven’t received confirmation of your registration 1–2 business days after you submitted a completed PO and the registration information form. We may have missed one of these documents and would appreciate your letting us know to look for them.
My school or district won’t cover the total cost of a course or workshop. How can I complete my registration?
If your school or district is paying for only part of the total cost, please get in touch with us by calling 802-276-8684 or emailing proflearning@sterncenter.org. To complete your registration, you must send the remaining balance by check or credit card payment.
How do I pay for graduate credit?
Please make all payments to the Stern Center for Language and Learning. We’ll handle the rest!
If you are worried about the course or workshop filling up, you can pay with a credit card or check while you wait for your PO to be completed. Please check with your school or district before doing this to make sure you can be reimbursed when the PO is completed.
If paying for the course out-of-pocket isn’t an option for you, please get in touch with us.
My school or district is still working on my PO. Can I still register?
We’re sorry, but we cannot accept registrations without proof or payment or proof of intent to pay (such as a completed PO).
Can I still take a course if I need to miss one or more days?
All participants must be prepared for and attend every class and be ready to participate as required by the instructor.
If that is not possible for you, please get in touch with us before registering. You may still be able to take the course in some instances, but such decisions are at the course instructor’s discretion. Please refer to our Attendance & Participation Policy.
Can I audit a course or workshop?
Auditing our public offerings is not available. All attendees must register, pay tuition, and follow the attendance and participation policy.
Do I need to register with Wilson® after I enroll in the course or workshop with the Stern Center?
If you wish to receive a certificate of attendance, access additional resources, and register for graduate credit (when available), you will need to pre-register with Wilson. These resources and materials are only available through Wilson.
Our Reach by the Numbers
1,800+
Teachers Served This Year
When a teacher takes one of our courses, the positive impact ripples beyond one life, spreading through an entire classroom, school, and community.
Our Reach by the Numbers
10,901+
Student Services Hours This Year
We offer one-on-one teaching that transforms lives, lifts up voices, and inspires learners to bring forth their unique gifts to a world that awaits them.
Our Reach by the Numbers
415+
Schools Served This Year
We celebrate the dedication of our school partners and share their commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
Our Reach by the Numbers
39
States and Counting
We’re a national leader in language and literacy. Our impact currently extends across 39 states and several countries through the thousands of educators we reach and students we serve.
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to helping every learner grow and thrive.
Course & Registration FAQs
Do you have questions about course registration, credits, grants, or anything else? Find your answers here!
Get in Touch!
For questions about courses and workshops, email proflearning@sterncenter.org, call 802-878-2332, or fill out the form below.
