The Character and Values-Centered Teaching Certificate is a research-informed professional learning program that prepares educators to intentionally cultivate character, ethical decision-making, and strong values in students while strengthening classroom culture and engagement. Through a focus on both theory and practice, participants develop actionable approaches to embedding character into everyday teaching and learning. The program equips educators to support students’ growth not only academically, but also socially and ethically.

Program Overview

The Character and Values-Centered Teaching Certificate equips educators with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools needed to intentionally cultivate character, ethical decision-making, and strong values in students.

Participants explore how to integrate character development into classroom culture, academic instruction, relationships, and discipline practices. The program emphasizes creating learning environments that promote integrity, curiosity, responsibility, resilience, empathy, and respect while strengthening student engagement and well-being.

Research consistently shows that when character education is intentionally embedded into school culture and instruction, it strengthens student behavior, relationships, academic outcomes, and overall school climate. Stronger classroom environments lead to more effective teaching and greater learning gains.

In today’s rapidly evolving, AI-driven world, students must develop not only academic skills but also ethical decision-making, empathy, and resilience. This program helps educators intentionally cultivate these competencies.

Program Details

Duration: October 2026 – May 2027

Intended Audience:
‍School leaders, staff members, and educators of all grade levels (PK-12).

Format:

1 course consisting of 8 modules
90 minutes per module
Meets once per month via an online platform
Minimal homework / streamlined workload
Designed for busy educators

Class Meeting Dates: For the 2026-2027 cohort, classes begin the week of October 5th. Please see the full calendar with meeting dates and times HERE.*

*Out-of-state and international participants will must join online synchronous sessions if time zones allow. If live participation is not feasible, participants will be expected to view the session recording and complete an alternate assignment.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Designed to complement, not overwhelm, your workload
Practical strategies you can apply immediately
Focus on reflection and real classroom impact

Course Instructor

Kaitlyn Abernethy

Kaitlyn brings over a decade of experience in education, having served as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and school administrator. These roles have provided her with a deep, practical understanding of how to cultivate strong character, positive school culture, and student-centered learning environments. In her leadership work, Kaitlyn focuses on character education, instructional excellence, and whole-child development. She has led the design and implementation of schoolwide character initiatives and supported the integration of core values into daily school practices. Kaitlyn partners closely with teachers to embed character development into instruction and classroom culture through intentional language, reflective practices, and community-building routines such as classroom circles. Her work has contributed to increased student engagement, stronger relationships, and more inclusive environments. She is passionate about helping educators create values-driven classrooms where students feel supported and empowered to grow both academically and personally.

Course Details

Five Dimensions of Character and Values-Centered Teaching This certificate program is built around five key dimensions that support meaningful and sustainable implementation.

1. Values Awareness
Helping students understand and internalize important values
2. Teacher Modeling
Educators modeling the behaviors and character they aim to develop
3. Relationships and Belonging
Creating environments where students feel respected and connected
4. Integration into Learning
Embedding character into academic instruction
5. Reflection and Growth
Encouraging accountability, self-reflection, and continuous development

Session Overview

Each 90 minute sessions includes:

Key concepts and guided discussionPractical strategies for immediate classroom use
Case studies and collaborative learning
Application-based activitiesReflection and next steps

Included Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Character and Values-Centered Education
Module 2: Defining and Communicating Core Values
Module 3: Teachers as Role Models of Character
Module 4: Building a Caring Classroom and School Community
Module 5: Integrating Character into Academic Instruction
Module 6: Discipline That Builds Character
Module 7: Building a School-Wide Culture of Character
Module 8: Implementation and Action Planning

Click HERE to view a detailed outline for each module.

Key Benefits

Develop a clear understanding of character and values-centered education
Gain practical tools for integrating character into daily instruction
Strengthen classroom culture and student relationships
Learn strategies for restorative discipline and student reflection
Create a Character and Values-Centered Classroom Action Plan for implementation

Ready to Register?