Inclusive & Equity Minded Teaching Practices

As an instructor, how do you build courses and classroom spaces that are inclusive, equitable, accessible, and where students feel a sense of belonging?

Research shows that students learn better in spaces where they feel included and have a sense of belonging. Inclusive and equity-minded teaching focuses on intentionally designing learning spaces that recognize and support students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. By centering these principles, instructors can create opportunities for all students to engage meaningfully and achieve success.

Building an inclusive classroom begins before the course even starts and continues through ongoing practices across the semester. These guides draw on research-based practices and provide concrete course design and teaching strategies to help foster a learning community that affirms student experiences, promotes equitable outcomes, and strengthens authentic connections between instructors and students.

For those interested in deepening their approach, the Inclusive Education Scholars Certificate Program (IESCP) offers additional guidance and support.