Culturally Responsive Educator Program

ACPS Culturally Responsive Educator Framework

ACPS Culturally Responsive Educator Framework 2025-26

Click Here for the ACPS Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Assessment

CRT Characteristic #1: Culturally Responsive Teachers acknowledge, validate, and incorporate the cultural influences of all students, while reflecting on their own personal cultural lenses.
1.1 Reflects on personal cultural influences, including the way these may impact communication styles, expectations, and unconscious biases.
1.2 Fosters classroom environments that create opportunities for access and achievement by acknowledging, valuing, advocating, and affirming social and cultural diversity in all aspects of the learning process.
1.3 Analyzes, selects, and integrates inclusive curriculum and instructional resources that represent and validate social and cultural diversity by connecting classroom curriculum and instruction to the cultural examples, experiences, backgrounds, and traditions of all learners.

CRT Characteristic #2: Culturally Responsive Teachers teach to and through culture as they plan curriculum and instruction that is differentiated, rigorous, and relevant.
2.1 Disaggregates assessment, engagement, behavioral, and attendance data by student social and cultural groups and identifies and applies differentiated strategies to address growth and learning needs of all students with specific attention to students who are impacted by equity, opportunity, and achievement gaps.
2.2 Considers and utilizes assessment modes that help diverse student groups best demonstrate learning.
2.3 Guides students to develop the skills necessary to communicate and engage with diverse groups in ways that support anti-racist and anti-bias communities while promoting classroom dynamics that enhance belonging, inclusivity, and respect for difference.

CRT Characteristic #3: Culturally Responsive Teachers build positive learning partnerships with students, families, and communities.
3.1 Builds meaningful, culturally responsive partnerships with all students anchored in affirmation, mutual respect, validation, and high expectations so that all students are supported to achieve rigorous academic goals.
3.2 Develops culturally-conscious, asset-based partnerships with families by putting structures in place for meaningful collaboration, including communicating with families in their home languages, in order to build trust and form mutually agreed upon learning goals for students.
3.3 Pursues a community partnership approach to education by inviting the cultural wisdom of the community into the classroom and building on community funds of knowledge to support the education of all students.

CRT and the Brain Book Study

Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Book Study

Build the Foundation

The Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Book Study is the starting point in the pathway. Using Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, educators build a common foundation for understanding how culture and identity shape learning.

How It Works

Educators participate in a cohort-based book study that blends whole-group instruction, discussion, and reflection. The design moves from introduction to practice:

Introduction: Explore the key characteristics of culturally responsive education
Framework: Learn Hammond’s Ready for Rigor Framework and its four quadrants
Reflection: Engage individually and in small groups to process learning
Application: Begin applying key concepts and document insights in a workbook companion

Workbook Companion

The Book Study Workbook Companion supports deep reflection and connects directly to the credentialing process. Educators use it to:

Document their professional learning and growth
Track shifts in instructional practices
Collect data and examples of student impact

For those continuing into the Micro-Credential, workbook entries can be carried forward to strengthen later submissions.

Why It Matters

The book study is more than professional reading—it lays the foundation for culturally responsive practice across ACPS. By engaging deeply with Hammond’s work, educators prepare to create classrooms that:

Affirm student identity
Build belonging and trust
Accelerate academic growth

"This book study changed how I see my students—and how I design my lessons to connect with them." — ACPS Teacher

At a Glance: CRE Book Study

Purpose: Foundation of the CRE pathway
Format: Cohort-based book study with discussion and reflection
Learning Focus: Culturally responsive characteristics, Ready for Rigor Framework, reflection, application
Workbook Connection: Supports documentation and prepares for Micro-Credential
Impact: Builds shared understanding and skills to create inclusive classrooms

Sample Lessons

You can explore a selection of sample lessons from the Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) program [here]. These examples provide a glimpse into the kinds of strategies and learning experiences educators engage with.

Please note that these are not the full courses—they are designed to provide families and community members with an overview of the approach and content.

CRE Micro Credential

Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Micro-Credential

Deepen Your Practice

The Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Micro-Credential is the next step after the book study. It helps teachers move from understanding culturally responsive teaching to applying it consistently in their classrooms.

How It Works

Educators complete three asynchronous courses, each aligned to the three characteristics of culturally responsive education:

Foundations – Build on the shared book study (Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond) to deepen core principles.
Application – Engage in three online modules that connect Hammond’s framework with the ACPS Culturally Responsive Educator Framework and state cultural competency standards.
Impact – Document how strategies are applied in the classroom and how they contribute to student growth and engagement.

Throughout the pathway, educators reflect on their practice, strengthen relationships with students, and refine instruction to better meet the needs of all learners.

Workbook Connection

The Book Study Workbook Companion continues to serve as a resource during the Micro-Credential. Educators use it to:

Document professional growth and classroom practice
Reflect on instructional shifts
Collect data and examples of student impact

For those who choose to pursue the optional certification, the workbook provides evidence that can be used in the portfolio submission.

Why It Matters

The Micro-Credential turns knowledge into action. By completing this pathway, educators:

Develop practical strategies that affirm student identity
Strengthen classroom communities built on respect and belonging
Improve student engagement and achievement

"Earning the Micro-Credential gave me new ways to connect with my students and helped them see themselves as capable learners." — ACPS Teacher

At a Glance: CRE Micro-Credential

Purpose: Move from understanding to applying culturally responsive teaching
Format: Three asynchronous courses, completed after the book study
Learning Focus:
- Foundations – Deepen knowledge from Hammond’s book
- Application – Practice strategies aligned with the ACPS CRE Framework
- Impact – Show how strategies support student growth and engagement
Workbook Connection: Use the companion workbook to reflect, document practice, and collect evidence
Optional Next Step: Can serve as preparation for CRE Certification

CRE Certification

Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Certification

Advance Your Practice

The Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Certification is an optional opportunity for educators who want to go beyond the Micro-Credential. Certification allows teachers to demonstrate their professional growth, classroom application, and the positive impact of culturally responsive practices on student learning.

How It Works

Educators who choose certification develop a professional portfolio that includes:

Professional Learning: Reflection on the book study and micro-courses
Professional Growth: Evidence of new skills and instructional shifts
Application: Examples of culturally responsive practices in the classroom
Student Impact: Data and documentation showing growth in student engagement and achievement

This process highlights not only what educators have learned, but how they are using it to make a difference for students.

Connection to the CRE Pathway

Required: Book Study + Micro-Credential
Optional: Certification (for educators who want to advance further)
The Workbook Companion continues to be a tool, as educators can use reflections and documentation from earlier stages to strengthen their certification portfolio.

Why It Matters

Certification is more than a credential, it is a recognition of educators who are actively leading for equity in their classrooms and schools.

Educators who complete certification:

Model culturally responsive practice for colleagues
Show measurable student growth tied to inclusive strategies
Help ensure equity remains at the center of teaching and learning in ACPS

"Certification gave me the chance to step back, reflect, and see just how much my students have grown because of the changes I’ve made." — ACPS Teacher

At a Glance: CRE Certification

Purpose: Optional recognition of advanced culturally responsive practice
Format: Professional portfolio submission
Portfolio Includes: Learning, growth, classroom application, and student impact
Connection: Builds on the Book Study and Micro-Credential
Impact: Celebrates educators who lead with equity and inspire lasting change

Spotlight on Culturally Responsive Educators

ACPS Gathers to Celebrate Educators Receiving Culturally Responsive Teacher Credentials

Community Information Session Policy JBA

Congratulations to CRT credentialed and Diversity Resource Teacher Jessica Eisenhauer for your outstanding work as an educator and equity leader at Monticello High School. When people ask what is the difference between a "good teacher" and a "Culturally Responsive Teacher", you are a shining example. Thank you for all you do.

Congratulations to our own Pecola Conner for being named the 22-23 Classified Staff Member of the Year. Her colleagues describe Pecolia Conner as someone who "holds her students to high standards, both in terms of academics and behavior." That is one of the many reasons Ms. Conner was chosen as ACPS' 2022-23 Classified Staff Member of the Year.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to complete the Culturally Responsive Educator Micro Credential pathway?

Code of Virginia Title 22.1. Education Chapter 15. Teachers, Officers, and Employees Article 2. Terms of Employment Generally § 22.1-298.7.

Teachers and other licensed school board employees; cultural competency training Each school board shall adopt and implement policies that require each teacher and any other school board employee holding a license issued by the Board to complete cultural competency training, in accordance with guidance issued by the Board, at least every two years. 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 23, 24.

What do I need to do to complete the Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) Micro-Credential?

To complete the Micro-Credential pathway, educators participate in a cohort-based book study and complete three asynchronous courses. Each stage develops skills connected to the three core characteristics of culturally responsive education:

Foundations – Build a strong base through Zaretta Hammond’s Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain book study.
Application – Strengthen practice with three online courses that align Hammond’s work with the ACPS Culturally Responsive Educator Framework and cultural competencies.
Impact – Document how these strategies support student growth, engagement, and belonging.

Throughout the pathway, educators reflect on their practice, test new approaches, and share evidence of growth.

Why it matters: The Micro-Credential turns learning into action, helping educators create classrooms where every student feels respected, supported, and challenged.

How is the CRE Micro-Credential different from Certification?

The Micro-Credential is the required pathway for all ACPS educators. It includes the book study and three asynchronous courses that build a foundation in culturally responsive practice.

The Certification is an optional next step. Educators who choose to pursue certification create a professional portfolio that:

Demonstrates their professional learning and growth
Shows classroom application of culturally responsive strategies
Provides evidence of student engagement and achievement

The Micro-Credential ensures every educator has the knowledge and skills to create inclusive classrooms. Certification is an option for those who want to take their practice further by documenting and sharing its impact.

What benefits does the CRE program bring for students and families?

The Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) program strengthens classrooms so that every student feels included, valued, and challenged. Families and the community benefit by knowing that ACPS educators are intentionally building equity into daily teaching.

For students, this means:

Seeing their culture, language, and experiences reflected in learning
Building stronger relationships with teachers who understand and respect them
Engaging more deeply in lessons that feel meaningful and relevant
Growing in confidence and achieving at higher levels

For families, this means:

A school environment that welcomes and affirms every child
Teachers who partner with families and recognize their contributions
Greater trust that ACPS is preparing all students for success in school and beyond

Will I lose my job if I do not complete the CRE training?

No. The Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) program is designed as professional learning and growth, not as a punishment.

That said, ACPS has made a strong division-wide commitment: by 2027, all educators will complete the book study and micro-courses. These are expectations for professional learning, just like other required training for educators.

Completing the CRE program is important because it:

Builds a shared foundation across all schools
Equips educators with proven strategies to support students
Demonstrates our collective commitment to equity and excellence

The optional Certification is not required. It is an additional step for educators who choose to deepen their practice further.

Participation in the book study and micro-credential is an expectation for all staff, with a focus on learning, support, and growth — not job loss.

How long does it take to complete the CRE pathway?

How does the CRE program connect to Virginia’s cultural competency requirements?

How do students benefit when all teachers complete this work?

Can families find out which educators have completed the CRE training?

ACPS shares updates on the overall progress of the Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) program as part of our commitment to equity and transparency. Division reports highlight the number of educators who have completed the book study and micro-credential, as well as the impact this work is having across schools.

However, we do not publish a list of individual educators who have completed the training. The program is designed as a professional growth opportunity, not as a public ranking system.

Families can be confident that by the 2027–28 school year, all ACPS educators will have completed the required book study and micro-credential, ensuring a consistent, division-wide commitment to valuing and supporting every child in reaching their learning goals in every classroom.

We will know every student!

How is the quality of the CRE program measured?

The quality of the ACPS Culturally Responsive Educator (CRE) program is measured in several ways:

Educator feedback on the learning experience and its impact on practice
Classroom evidence showing how strategies are applied
Student growth data that reflects changes in engagement, achievement, and attendance

ACPS also ensures accountability through public reporting and independent program audits. The most recent audit was conducted in 2023 by the University of Virginia, and future reviews will continue to guide improvements.

The CRE program is continuously assessed to make sure it delivers on its promise to create classrooms where every student is valued and supported.