Compassion and dignity are essential for building caring and inclusive schools. Earn a master’s level digital certificate supporting educators to lead with compassion.
Compassion can be cultivated and dignity can be affirmed, and leaders need skillful means — tools and practices that can help them develop their own compassion and see their own dignity and that of others. Yet, learning about compassion and dignity are not standard components of teacher preparation. We want to change this.
Cultivating Compassion & Dignity in Ourselves and Our Schools is our four-course, master’s level digital certificate designed for educators who are seeking support and resources for caring for themselves and for cultivating and sustaining compassion in their work. It is offered through the Teacher Leadership Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. This certificate explores the ways in which practices of compassion and a focus on the essential dignity of educators and students can contribute to the wellness of educators and schools. The certificate draws upon rigorous research, contemplative wisdom, and lived experiences of educators.
The foundations of mindfulness and compassion. Learn how to settle the mind and cultivate loving-kindness towards a loved one.
Strengthen the capacity to hold compassion and kindness towards the self.
Explore how compassion can be extended outwards, toward a whole school community.
A capstone project where educators work together towards compassionate change in their schools and the ripple effect in their community.
Learn more and register to earn your digital certificate supporting wellness for educators, students, and their communities.
The Crown Institute is proud to offer the Joseph R. Bankoff Memorial Scholarship to help offset the cost of completing the Cultivating Compassion and Dignity in Ourselves and Our Schools master’s level certificate program.
This scholarship honors the legacy of Joseph R. Bankoff, an Atlanta-based lawyer, arts executive and academic whose wide-ranging public service was fueled by his conviction that “what is right, good, and fair will prevail if we do the work to keep it so.”
Requirements:
As part of your application, you will be asked to respond in 2-5 sentences to each of the following questions:
Applications are open until June 30, 2026.
A limited number of $1,000 scholarships are available each year. Please check current tuition rates here.
Please contact Compassion-Dignity@Colorado.edu with questions.
Listen to Settling the Mind with Awareness of Breathing.