Foundations in Inclusive and Responsive Teaching (FIRST) Certificate

The Foundations in Inclusive and Responsive Teaching (FIRST) Certificate prepares aspiring educators with essential, workforce-ready skills for today’s classrooms. Rooted in the principles of Culture, Language, Instruction, and Multilingual Bridges, this certificate equips future teachers with practical strategies to support diverse learners through inclusive and responsive teaching.

Designed for high school students taking concurrent enrollment courses or adult learners exploring a career in education, the four-course sequence builds foundational instructional techniques, communication skills, and cross-cultural understanding. Completers of the FIRST Certificate demonstrate the ability to design inclusive lessons, communicate effectively across cultures and languages, and apply responsive instructional strategies to support multilingual and diverse learners. The program emphasizes connecting theory to practice through hands-on experiences with K-12 students and teachers, allowing participants to apply what they learn in classroom settings. The FIRST Certificate provides an affordable, stackable, and career-focused introduction to teaching that leads directly into the Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Education at Colorado Mountain College and transferable to other Colorado institutions.

Graduates of the program will receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency in Foundations in Inclusive and Responsive Teaching (FIRST).