UDL Campus Representative Program: Comprehensive Training and Support Initiative

Overview and Strategic Purpose of the UDL Campus Representative Program

  • Program Identity: The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Campus Representative Program is a dedicated training and stipend initiative led by the Center for Academic Excellence and Student Well-Being (CAE).
  • Core Objective: The program aims to build internal institutional capacity for Universal Design for Learning across the academic divisions of Shorecrest.
  • Strategic Approach: Instead of utilizing external consultants to introduce UDL principles on a department-by-department basis, the CAE trains a small, internal cohort of teachers to become certified practitioners. This allows expertise to be disseminated by peers using subject-area language that is credible and relevant to their specific disciplines.
  • Philosophical Alignment: The program transitions the CAE’s philosophy from student-facing accommodation work to everyday classroom design. While the CAE maintains a functional-need-based approach for specific students, UDL extends this by designing instruction for the widest possible range of learners from the outset.

Program Philosophy: UDL vs. Traditional Models

  • Definition of UDL: Within this program, UDL is defined as a framework rather than a diagnosis-based accommodation.
  • Proactive Design: The framework focuses on how three specific areas can be designed from the beginning to reach all learners:
    • Instructional methods.
    • Classroom materials.
    • Assessment and test design.
  • Terminology Distinction: The program explicitly distinguishes UDL from special-education terminology (such as IEP, MTSS, or 504504 plans). It aligns instead with the CAE's established language focusing on functional needs.

Cohort Structure and Composition

  • Annual Participation: The CAE sponsors a cohort of 44 teacher representatives each program year.
  • Divisional Distribution:
    • 22 representatives are selected from the Middle School.
    • 22 representatives are selected from the Upper School.
  • Subject Diversity: Representatives are chosen to reflect a diverse range of subject areas within their respective divisions. This ensures that application examples provided to colleagues are specific to their fields rather than being concentrated in a single academic discipline.

Training Component and Harvard Certification

  • Certification Provider: Representatives undergo the Universal Design for Learning Practitioner Certificate program through the Harvard Graduate School of Education Professional Education.
  • Module Breakdown: The certificate consists of two required, separately registered modules:
    • UDL: Explore: A three-week asynchronous workshop that introduces foundational UDL content.
    • UDL: Apply: A three-week virtual institute requiring participants to design and implement a UDL action plan within their own classroom context.
  • Tuition Costs:
    • The published tuition is approximately $345\$345 per module.
    • The total cost per representative is approximately $690\$690.
    • Note: Pricing is set per program cycle by Harvard Professional Education and must be reconfirmed at the time of registration.
  • Official Website: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/professional-education/certificate/universal-design-learning-practitioner-certificate-udl

Representative Responsibilities and Divisional Integration

  • Divisional Point of Contact: Once certified, the representative serves as the primary UDL resource for their division for the remainder of the program year.
  • Departmental Presentations: Conducted once or twice per year. These are scheduled through existing faculty meeting structures and cover the application of UDL in:
    • Instructional design.
    • Classroom materials.
    • Test/assessment design.
  • Ongoing Support: Serving as a peer resource available to answer informal questions regarding UDL application throughout the academic year.
  • Internal Tracking: After each presentation, representatives provide a brief written summary to the CAE. This summary includes the date, department, and topics covered. This is used for internal tracking and is not considered a formal evaluation of the representative.

Professional Standards and Language Consistency

  • Coordination with CAE: Representatives must coordinate with the CAE to ensure all presentation content remains consistent with the school's established framework.
  • Restricted Terminology: Representatives are instructed to avoid using the following terms:
    • IEP (Individualized Education Program).
    • MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports).
    • 504504 plans.
  • Preferred Framing: Presentations should utilize "Level and Accommodation Plan" framing where relevant, adhering to the CAE's internal language standards.

Compensation and Financial Terms

  • Annual Stipend: Each representative receives a stipend of $500\$500 per program year.
  • Stipend Basis: The stipend is specifically provided as compensation for delivering department presentations and providing year-round colleague support. It is distinct from training costs.
  • Payment Schedule: The stipend is paid annually as a single payment at the end of the program year, contingent upon the completion of all scheduled presentations.
  • Tuition Funding: Tuition (≈$690\approx \$690 per representative) is funded separately by the CAE/school budget and is not deducted from the teacher's stipend.
  • Prorating Policy: The stipend is only paid upon completion of duties. If a representative leaves Shorecrest or cannot complete their term before delivery of presentations, the stipend is not paid; no prorated payments are issued.
  • Financial Penalties/Sunk Costs:
    • If a representative completes the certification but leaves the school, the tuition is treated as a sunk program cost and is not recovered from the individual.
    • Repayment Rule: If a representative takes the first class ("UDL: Explore") and then chooses to discontinue the program before completion, they are required to pay back the total cost of that first class.

Term of Service and Selection Process

  • Term Length: The commitment is for one program year following certification, defined as the period from the completion of the certificate through June 3030.
  • Renewal: The role is renewable annually based on mutual agreement between the teacher and the CAE Director. The Director may decline renewal if expectations regarding presentations or availability are not met.
  • Term Limits: To prevent the concentration of institutional knowledge in a fixed group and keep the program refreshed, representatives may serve a maximum of 33 consecutive one-year terms.
  • Nomination Process:
    • Division Heads nominate candidates from their respective divisions.
    • The CAE Director reviews and approves final selections.
    • Selection criteria include departmental diversity and the ability of the nominee to present material consistent with CAE frameworks. Prior familiarity with CAE terminology is considered a plus.

Program Timeline (Year One)

  • August 15, 2026: Representative nominations occur.
  • August 16-18, 2026: CAE and teacher applicant meetings.
  • August 20, 2026: "Teacher UDL Explore & Learn" session.
  • September 8, 2026: Deadline for applications.
  • October 6, 2026: Certification is completed.
  • Subsequent Months: Delivery of first and (if applicable) second department presentations.
  • Year-End: Disbursement of stipends.

Budget Summary (Year One)

  • Per Representative Costs:
    • Tuition (Explore + Apply): ≈$690\approx \$690
    • Annual Stipend: $500\$500
    • Total per Rep: ≈$1,190\approx \$1,190
  • Total Program Costs (4 Representatives):
    • Total Tuition: ≈$2,760\approx \$2,760
    • Total Stipends: $2,000\$2,000
    • Total Annual Program Budget: ≈$4,760\approx \$4,760