The Character and Values-Centered Teaching Certificate is a research-informed professional learning program that prepares educators and school personnel 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 all school personnel with the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools needed to intentionally cultivate character, ethical decision-making, and strong values in students—recognizing that every adult in the school environment plays a critical role in character development.

The program explores how educators and staff across all roles can integrate character development into school culture, academic instruction, daily interactions, relationships, and discipline practices. Participants learn how to create learning environments that promote qualities such as integrity, curiosity, responsibility, resilience, empathy, and respect, while strengthening academic engagement and student well-being.

In a world shaped by rapid technological change, particularly artificial intelligence, increasing complexity, and pressing global challenges, schools play an essential role in preparing students with the character, judgment, and human-centered skills needed to contribute positively to their communities and navigate an uncertain future.

The ultimate goal: Raising a generation that will actually do the right thing at critical moments—in leadership, in their professions, in their communities, and in their personal lives.

Program Details

Duration: October 2026 – May 2027

Intended Audience:
Classroom teachers of all subject areas & grade levels, school leaders & administrators, school support staff, counselors & student support specialists, and parent leaders.

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. Universal Modeling
All adults, teachers, staff, administrators, and parent partners, intentionally modeling the character and behaviors we hope to cultivate in students
3. Relationships and Belonging
Creating environments where students feel respected and connected
4. Integration into Learning & Daily Life
Embedding character development into academic instruction, daily routines, and every school experience—from the classroom to the cafeteria to the bus.
5. Reflection and Growth
Encouraging accountability, self-reflection, and continuous development

Session Overview

Each 90 minute sessions includes:

Key concepts and guided discussions
Practical 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: Living the Values: How Every Adult Shapes Student 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 and school-wide practices
Strengthen school culture and student relationships
Learn strategies for restorative discipline and student reflection
Create a Character and Values-Centered Action Plan for implementation

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