K-12 Educators Academy
5 Topics - 1 Certificate - Endless Impact
For more than 130 years, Viterbo University has prepared educators to be transformative agents in students' lives. With the emerging need to offer professional development for individuals working within the K–12 sector, Viterbo is offering professional learning opportunities spanning a variety of topics including:
- classroom management
- DEI culturally responsive learning
- instructional strategies for diverse learners
- serving students on the spectrum
- Universal Designed Learning (UDL)
This certificate will allow you:
- the time to reflect on your experiences,
- to develop new skills and strategies to help enhance your community, and
- to instill a servant-led culture within your institution.
Logistics
Each topic will include a face-to-face kickoff with the flexibility of completing each one through online learning. The in-person kickoff of each topic will take place on the first Monday of that module. Each module will be two weeks in length, with most of the programming offered online. After the conclusion of each, the participant(s) will receive a digital certificate verifying completion. If at least three out of the five modules are completed, a formal certificate will be mailed to the individual.
Price
These five non-credit options will be offered at an affordable price of $350 per module.
Schedule
| Module 1 | In-person on June 3 from 8 a.m.–noon Online Module June 3–14 |
Classroom Management |
| Module 2 | In-Person on June 17 from 8 a.m.–noon Online Module June 17–28 |
DEI Culturally Responsive Learning |
| Module 3 | In-Person on July 8 from 8 a.m.–noon Online Module July 8–19 |
Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners |
| Module 4 | In-Person on July 22 from 8 a.m.–noon Online Module July 22–Aug. 2 |
Serving Students on the Spectrum |
| Module 5 | In-Person on August 5 from 8 a.m.–noon Online Module Aug. 5–16 |
Universal Designed Learning (UDL) |
Contact
To inquire further, please get in touch with Alycia Larson, Coordinator of the Center for Professional Learning at aclarson@viterbo.edu.
Meet the Team
Kristy Holinka, ABD
Program Chair, Reading and Post-Baccalaureate Programs at Viterbo University
Kristy Holinka is finishing her 18th year as an educator. She has had a wide range of experiences; from being a classroom teacher for kindergarten to teaching a split-grade upper-elementary class, to being a Secondary Literacy Specialist, to now being an Assistant Professor and Chair of multiple Graduate Programs at Viterbo University. Kristy has lived in the La Crosse area for the past 22 years and loves spending time with her family out on the river, in their garden, around a campfire, and camping anywhere possible.
Melissa "Mel" Murray, EdD (she/her)
Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Viterbo University
Dr. Melissa Murray is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional Training and Outreach at Viterbo University. Prior to coming to Viterbo, Melissa spent nearly 30 years in PK-12 as a teacher and school administrator in middle and high schools in the area serving as an HR Director, grant writer, and school principal. As part of her administrative roles, she served the School District of La Crosse most recently for 8+ years as a middle school principal, and for five years as the district’s Supervisor for Cultural and Family Connections. Melissa brings to her role at Viterbo University those community connections and a desire to build better partnerships, learning opportunities, and positive educational experiences that uplift all people.
Tara Schmitz, MASL
Adjunct Instructor at Viterbo University
Tara is a veteran educator with 19 years of experience in the special education realm, at all grade levels. Her background is diverse, with time spent working as a special educator in grades K-12, an intervention specialist, an RtI coordinator, a Title 1 teacher, and a servant leadership facilitator and teacher. She is currently employed as a full-time special education teacher in the La Crosse School District. Tara has taught, for Viterbo University, as an adjunct since 2015 in a variety of roles which have supported the education department. Tara's passion lies in differentiation, servant leadership, and student-led learning. She often presents on the power of student-led IEPs and their impact on student success.
In addition to her life as an educator, Tara is a mother to four children who are actively involved in academics, sports, and the working world. Tara also owns a baking business, Mama T's Baked Goods, runs Tara's Travel Tours, and runs a rental business with local Airbnb’s.