Olathe Public Schools designed the Culture Setter course for educators to explore how they are the key to setting up the right atmosphere for all learners to achieve. Cohort participants are educators who examine how their cultural identity impacts professional practice through an exploration of the various cultural shifts within the United States' educational system. By the end of this course, educators will leave with an action plan centered on culturally responsive pedagogical strategies that will help support a culture of belonging to meet the diverse needs of the students and families they serve.

Participating educators can receive up to 84 professional development points or four college credits from Mid-America Nazarene University.

The course consists of four in-person sessions. The course is offered to district educators in the fall and spring semesters.

Course Outcomes

1. Examine individual cultural identity and its impact on your professional practice.
2. To grow in capacity to recognize, navigate and bridge individuals and groups intercultural competency to ensure all feel valued and included.
3. Define key components and strategies for cultivating a culture of belonging in the school environment.
4. Explore culturally responsive pedagogical strategies to finalize and establish a plan of action for full implementation and continual measurable impact.

Cohort #6 — Spring 2025: Four sessions will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Instructional Resource Center, 14090 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe KS.

• Session 1: Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025
• Session 2: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025
• Session 3: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
• Session 4: Tuesday, March 11, 2025  

Please join us in the fall for Cohort #7 by coming back to this site to sign up beginning March 14. 

Reach out to Director of Culture and Belonging Kathleen Smith by emailing her or calling 913-780-7784 for more information.