The Essential Elements of Inclusion

Join educator and author Mary Burbank in this short course illuminating the essential components of inclusion. Drawing from her extensive experience and insightful research, and based on her book Meeting the Learning Needs of All Children, Mary Burbank explains the essential elements that transform classrooms into thriving, inclusive communities.

In this short course you will learn about the importance of meaningful participation, genuine social relationships, and empowering students with disabilities to exercise self-determination. This course offers an introduction to best practices to create environments where every child can experience belonging, acceptance, and success.

You will explore how physical presence alone is not enough, discovering ways to truly integrate students into the vibrant fabric of your learning community through meaningful participation and purposeful roles. You will learn about the transformative power of supportive social relationships and robust support systems, and the power of transdisciplinary approaches that ensure every student is valued and supported.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or advocate, Mary Burbank’s course will provide basic information and inspiration so you can begin you journey towards fostering inclusion in your school or educational program. Enroll now and gain the clarity, confidence, and practical methods needed to champion inclusion in your educational environment.

Mary D. Burbank is the Associate Dean for Teacher Education and Director of the Urban Institute for Teacher Education (UITE) in the College of Education at the University of Utah. As a faculty member since 1994 she holds the rank of Clinical Professor, is a 2014 recipient of a University of Utah Diversity Award, a 2005 Distinguished Teaching Award, a 2002 College of Education Teaching Award, and service awards from the College of Education, University Alumni Association, and the community. Her teaching, research, and service interests examine pathways to higher education for under-represented students and families. She is the author/co-author of three books and has written multiple book chapters and peer reviewed research articles. She has secured over $4 million dollars in federal and state grants and awards. She oversees accreditation for the university’s teacher education programs.