Neuroinclusive Teaching
Summer Institute

Join us and learn how to empower neurodiverse
learners in your classroom and beyond!

About the Institute 

The Summer Institute is a 1.5-day professional learning opportunity aimed at supporting and empowering faculty to build inclusive STEM learning environments that allow neurodiverse learners to thrive.

  • Dates: May 22 - 23, 2024
  • Location: In-person at the University of Connecticut
  • Registration: $600
    • 10 % off for a group of 4: 10OFF4
    • 12 % off for a group of 5: 12OFF5
    • 14 % off for a group of 6: 14OFF6

Institute Goals

The aim of this Summer Institute is to transform STEM teaching and learning by:

  • encouraging the adoption of a strengths-based approach toward neurodiversity,
  • breaking down stigma and engaging in open dialogue related to neurological variations such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, and
  • promoting the implementation of inclusive practices within STEM classrooms in order to build neuroinclusive learning environments in which all students may thrive.

Tentative Schedule

Day 1:

8:00-8:30 am Breakfast   
8:30-9:00 am   Welcome    Opening remarks and introductions 
9:00-9:45 am   Defining Neurodiversity   Co-create understandings about neurodiversity 
9:45-10:15 am   Narrative reflection  Activity 
10:15-10:30 am   Break   
10:30-11:15 pm  Strengths-Based Approach   Support and empower neurodiverse students  
11:15-12:00 pm  Case studies  Activity 
12:00-1:00 pm   Lunch  Food for thought 
1:00-2:00 pm   Neurodiversity Circle  Dialogue with neurodiverse students 
2:00-2:15 pm   Break   
2:15-3:00 pm   Neuroinclusive Teaching  Apply standards for neuroinclusive teaching 
3:00-3:30 pm   Example of an I-course   
3:30-4:00 pm   Discussion  Activity/brainstorming 

Day 2:

8:00-8:30 am Breakfast   
8:30-9:15 am   Inclusion statement  Peer review 
9:15-10:15 am   Faculty panel-I-team   
10:15-10:30 am   Break   
10:30-11:15 pm  Active learning/group work with neuroinclusive mindset   
11:30-12:00 pm  Redesign your course components  Activity 
12:00-1:00 pm   Lunch   
1:00-2:00 pm   Assessment  Discussion 

Registration Includes

  • Participation in institute activities,
  • Paper and electronic versions of the Neuroinclusive Teaching Workbook,
  • Copies of all reference materials from the Institute (PowerPoints, PDFs, etc), 
  • Breakfast and lunch both days!

Other Lodgings

Hotel Location Distance from Campus (miles)*
Spring Hill Inn Storrs, CT 2.7
Holiday Inn Express Vernon - Manchester Vernon, CT 16
Courtyard Hartford Manchester Manchester, CT 18
Cambria Hotel Manchester South Windsor, CT 20

*The reference point used for distance is North Garage at the University of Connecticut.
** Please feel free to choose any hotel or lodging website that meets you needs and suits your preferences. The provided list has been thoughtfully curated, considering both the quality of accommodations and their proximity to our university.

Winter Institute Neuroinclusive
Teaching Fellows '23

Question: What aspects of the Winter Institute were particularly effective for you and why?

Participant Responses:

  • "The student discussion circle was fantastic. Great to hear direct from the students regarding their experiences."
  • "The community building aspect by bringing together people interested to bring inclusion in their courses."
  • "Learning that there are different ways to make the course contents and teaching more inclusive."
  • "Was able to hear from colleagues on their experiences and teaching practices, which I can implement into my class to teach."

    Questions?

    We welcome questions and accommodation requests. If you have any questions or require accommodations to participate in this event please contact:

    Connie Syharat
    INCLUDE Project Manager
    connie.syharat@uconn.edu