Teaching Black History Micro-Credential
Become an advocate and leader for advancing Black history education in schools and society. Combat misinformation and the erasure of Black history with expertise and knowledge in best practices.
Embrace Essential Concepts of Black History and Race
Advance your proficiency in teaching Black history through this one-year program designed to enhance your content knowledge and pedagogical skills for PK–12 Black history courses. You’ll learn best practices in curriculum development and instructional approaches, preparing you to teach Black history effectively. The program includes two traditional courses, specialized professional development courses, and a capstone course. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to attend and potentially present at the annual Teaching Black History Conference, with registration included in the tuition.
The Value of a Micro-Credential
Whether you are a current or prospective student, or a working professional, GSE offers a variety of micro-credentials to enhance your skill set.
Smaller than a minor, certificate or degree program, a micro-credential allows you to meet personalized learning goals and gain relevant knowledge and skills. UB GSE’s micro-credentials lead to digital badges that showcase your achievements and expertise. Enhance your resume by showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and knowledge in a specific area, making you more competitive in the job market.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Micro-credential | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to completion | 1 year | |
| Skills experience gained |
| |
| Course delivery | Online | |
| Application deadline | Fall: Aug. 20 |
Required Courses
- Teaching Black History to Teachers 1
Offered/Start: September
In this module, you will experience a deep dive into Black history from Ancient Africa through the present. This will use LaGarrett King’s Teaching Black History Principles to investigate how Black history education should be taught through histories and multiple perspectives. It will explore how African Americans have contributed to ideas of American democracy and helped shape all parts of American society. Model lessons will be provided on lesser-known Black history topics so that participants can understand and develop pedagogical skills related to the subject and Black History content. Teaching Black History 1 will provide the foundation to develop racial literacy and critical consciousness to drive appropriately framed classroom conversations on race. This module will take place for 1.5 to 2 hours synchronously with an additional 1 to 1.5 hours asynchronously weekly from September to December. - Teaching Black History to Teachers 2
Offered/Start: January
This module provides a deep dive into the Teaching Black History Principles. It will provide a deep dive into Black histories as specific topics and Black historical content is engaged through various resources. Teaching Black History 2 will challenge you to build upon Teaching Black History 1 through assignments that will challenge a deeper reflection on the critical consciousness of race required for classroom success. This module will help you develop skills to be a qualified Black history teacher in the classroom and within the school community. Teaching Black History 2 will explore activities for all grade levels and subjects. - Teaching Black History Book Clubs
Offered/Start: Year round
The book club course is one of the Center’s auxiliary experiences that are offered several times per semester. The book clubs consist of books or films dedicated to increasing Black history content or pedagogical knowledge. Individual gatherings happen in five-week increments on Saturday afternoons during the academic year. It is expected that you will purchase the books and participate/lead discussions involving the content of the books. Students will have to take at least one book club per semester. - Teaching Black History Nerds Saturday School
Offered/Start: Year round
The Black History Nerds Saturday School consists of auxiliary experiences that are offered several times per semester. These experiences are taught by various instructors/guests who teach on topics concerning Black history and race. There are at least 10 sessions throughout the year. The one-hour sessions are on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. ET. Students must attend 75% of Nerds sessions throughout the year. - Teaching Black History Researching Race
Offered/Start: Year round
Researching Race is an auxiliary experience offered twice per year. The module is taught by experts in the 4Rs: race, racism, racial literacy and research. You will learn about strategies that are important to quality racial literacy research. Sessions occur during the week at 6 p.m. Students must attend both sessions. - Teaching Black History Conference Capstone
Offered: Summer (4 to 6 weeks)
This experience prepares you to present at the Teaching Black History Conference in July. You will select Black history topics and create units connected to the Black historical consciousness principles. The instructor will supervise each project to ensure quality. There are two goals. First, to develop a unit plan on a Black history topic that can be used in their classrooms and other settings during the next academic year. Second, to create a unit to present at the Teaching Black History Conference in a poster format. You must agree to attend the conference and contribute to receive the micro-credential.
Additional Required Activities/Assignments
- Black History Sankofa Reflection
The goal of this assignment is to reflect on your own journey of learning African American history in this course. - Black History Synthesis
Your final synthesis for this class has three components: a plan for incorporating African American History in your school, future school or organizational setting; a 7-minute model of the lesson; and a 2 to 3-page reflection of the lesson. - Teaching Black History Conference Attendance
Capstone project will be presented.
As part of the application submission process, you will need to have the following items prepared to upload:
- Statement of educational and career goals (500 words)
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial transcript with proof of undergraduate degree
- Name and email address for two references
The cost of the micro-credential is $1500. Only after review of your application and formal admission to the program will you be directed to provide payment. Additional details on payment and the courses are provided after admission.
Important Dates/Deadlines
- Aug. 20 – Application deadline
- Aug. 27 – Admissions decisions sent to students
- Sept. 6 – $1500 micro-credential fee due
- Sept. 16 – First module begins
There is a $1500 fee per student. Any school district that would like to send 10 or more teachers, the cohort fee is $1200 per student. Complete the Request Information form to receive additional information on how to submit payment.
The Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education
The Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education is a research and professional development center housed within GSE at UB. The center seeks to investigate and provide solutions for more effective education around Black history and race.