NC.EDUC-104 - Culturally Responsive Teaching - Heidi McMahon

Introduction

Welcome to the (almost!) start of our semester! Whether this is your first time exploring the topic of culturally responsive teaching, or you've been implementing CRT practices for years, I'm sure that you have some questions as we start this semester together. To try to help you all feel more comfortable and prepared for what is ahead, and so you know exactly what to expect, I have outlined the format/plan for our class this semester, which will hopefully answer questions you may have. Details about your specific section will be emailed to you separately, closer to the start of the semester. 

At any point, please email me with any questions you have. I am generally away from campus for breaks (Winter and Summer), but I do try to check in with my email occasionally during this time. Most importantly, know that I am here to support you! You have picked such a crucial topic to explore, on how to engage in more inclusive, inviting and supportive practices in your classroom! I look forward to meeting you all very soon!

Course Description

Develops inclusivity through co-teaching and pedagogical documentation exercises. Emphasis is placed on developing cultural competency in areas such as race, class, and culture; and learning strategies for creating classrooms that are culturally inviting to all. This course is designed for students and faculty preparing for and maintaining a career in education. Emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for success as an educator.

What to Expect in this Course

Frequently Asked Questions

1. So, do we meet together at a scheduled time at all?

No – this online course is entirely asynchronous which means we have no scheduled meeting times (there are no Zoom sessions). All of the material is done each week entirely on your own time and schedule – as long as you meet each week's due dates (which I keep consistent each week so you can get into a rhythm!) you can work on the material and your assignments at whatever time is best for you. 

2. How is the course going to be organized?

The course in Canvas is organized in Modules for each week and the material in them will align with what we are covering that week (per the syllabus/schedule). Each Module will contain all of the reading assignments and videos for that week, any discussion posts or other assignments that are due, and some extra resources to help you engage with the material.

3. How am I going to be graded?

The idea behind the assignments in this class is to get you thinking about cultural competency and inclusivity - and to share those thoughts and ideas with your colleagues and peers, primarily through the use of discussions boards. We also want to give you some practical material to leave with too - so other assignments are designed to help you start reflecting on how you could implement these changes in your classrooms now, and to start you on the path to creating and using them.

Types of Assessments

As previously mentioned, assignments in this course will include discussion boards, reflection assignments, and creation of ideas/resources that you can take into your classroom after the end of the course.

Textbook Information

All of the materials for this course will be available through our Canvas course shell, for no cost. You will need familiarity with Canvas, and access to a reliable computer with stable, high-speed internet connection

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 05/18/2026 Sub#: 2045 Sub ID: 214793