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School Climate 101 Certification Course

⏱ 1 hour | Online, self-paced | Certificate of Completion

Build a practical foundation in school climate—and learn how to contribute to a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.

School Climate 101 is a foundational online course from the National School Climate Center (NSCC) designed for educators and school staff who want a practical understanding of school climate and its role in the daily experiences of students and adults.
In approximately one hour, you’ll explore what school climate is, why it matters, how climate and culture are connected, and how individuals and school communities can contribute to meaningful improvement.
You’ll leave with a stronger foundation for participating in conversations and efforts around school climate improvement.

Preview the Course

Enroll in School Climate 101

Click the link above to book the certification course for up to 10 people through Stripe checkout. If you are interested in enrolling more than 10 people, contact us. After completing your purchase, you will receive instructions for accessing the School Climate 101 course through Change Up Learning.

What You'll Learn

Understand School Climate

Explore what school climate is and why it matters for students, educators, and school communities.

Explore the 5 Domains

Learn about the five domains of school climate and how they show up in everyday school experiences.

Connect Climate & Culture

Understand the relationship between school climate and school culture—and why the distinction matters.

Consider Your Sphere of Influence

Reflect on the ways individuals can contribute to school climate improvement.

Explore a Framework for Improvement

Get introduced to NSCC's 5×5 School Climate Improvement Process and practical ways to notice progress.

Who This Program Is For

  • Teachers and instructional staff
  • School administrators and leaders
  • Counselors and student support professionals
  • Child care and early learning professionals
  • School-based teams
  • Educators new to school climate work
  • Anyone looking to build a foundational understanding of school climate
How long does School Climate 101 take?
Approximately one hour.
Yes, if that’s how Change Up has configured it.

Yes, upon completing the course requirements, participants receive a Certificate of Completion.

The course is hosted through Change Up Learning. After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a link for accessing the School Climate 101 course through Change Up Learning.

About NSCC

Learn with the National School Climate Center

The National School Climate Center (NSCC) has dedicated decades to helping schools understand, assess, and improve school climate. School Climate 101 provides an accessible introduction to the concepts and practices that form the foundation of this work.Join schools across the country creating safer, more inclusive environments through student leadership and community engagement.

Learn More About NSCC

E Tsang, Director of Operations, National School Climate Center

E Tsang

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations for NSCC, E Tsang helps make the finances, HR, and organizational functions of NSCC run smoothly.
Adam St. Bernard Jacobs(he/him), Co-Executive Director, National School Climate Center

Adam St. Bernard Jacobs (he/him)

Co-Executive Director

Adam is a peace educator and nonprofit leader. Adam was previously the organization’s Director of Development. Prior to joining NSCC, Adam was the co-founder and Executive Director of Kids Creative, an arts education organization in NYC. He was also a member of the team that founded a community elementary school in The Bronx. He has worked on issues of equity, anti-racism, arts education, and conflict resolution. He has written articles and led workshops in conflict resolution and the arts, giving talks and workshops at Columbia University, The Peace and Justice Studies Conference, Gettysburg College, and The University of Istanbul, among others. Adam has an undergraduate degree in International Politics, a Masters degree in Peace Education, and a Certificate in Senior Nonprofit Leadership, all from Columbia University, as well as an undergraduate degree in Rabbinic Law from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He was also Mr. Clown, a lead performer in the internationally acclaimed rock group for kids, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, and was a regular on Nick Jr. and Chuck E Cheese TV. He is raising 2 fantastic children with his life partner, Tabitha.
Kori Hamilton Biagas, Director of Education, National School Climate Center

Kori Hamilton Biagas

Director of Education

Kori is an educator, connector, truth seeker, master facilitator, and the founder of Just Educators. Kori has nearly 20 years of experience in strategic planning, policy analysis and development, instruction, coaching, and technical assistance. As an Equity Specialist for the Region IV and Region IX equity assistance centers, Kori managed large-scale, racial equity driven school district transformation efforts, led district and state leaders through policy analysis, coached state leaders through school climate transformation initiatives, and provided equity-focused professional learning opportunities at all levels of education. Kori specializes in addressing and resolving inequitable policies, practices, and processes in organizations related to racial equity and social justice.
Christian Villenas, Ph.D, Co-Executive Director, National School Climate Center

Christian Villenas, Ph.D

Co-Executive Director

A sociologist by training and an applied education researcher by practice, Christian’s work examines how educational institutions shape opportunity, belonging, exclusion, and student experience. At NSCC, he helps guide the organization’s research, measurement, evaluation, partnerships, and strategic growth, with a focus on making evidence usable for schools, districts, and education partners. Before joining NSCC, Dr. Villenas held research and policy roles at GLSEN, Advocates for Children of New York, the New York City Charter School Center, the NAEP Education Statistics Services Institute, and the American Institutes for Research. Across more than two decades, his work has focused on school climate, social disparities in education, disability studies, LGBTQ student experiences, college access, education policy, program evaluation, and statistical analysis. He holds a BS from New York University, an MS from The New School, and a PhD in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University.
Amanda Weitzel, Director of School Partnerships, National School Climate Center

Amanda Weitzel

Director of School Partnerships

For over a decade at NSCC, Amanda has partnered with schools and districts across the country to support the implementation of school climate surveys and the strategic use of data to drive meaningful improvement. With a background in data analysis, customer success, and partner support, Amanda specializes in helping educators move beyond data collection to uncover actionable insights that strengthen school communities. Her work sits at the intersection of research, data, and practice, guiding school and district leaders in translating survey results into informed decisions that support student success, staff well-being, and positive learning environments. Amanda is passionate about empowering educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to create safe, supportive, and engaging schools where all students can thrive.
Samantha Elleman, Associate Director of Research, National School Climate Center

Samantha Elleman

Associate Director of Research

Samantha’s primary research topics span school climate, social inclusion, and school climate improvement. Prior to joining the National School Climate Center, Samantha worked as Assistant Teacher and Research Assistant at the Barnard Toddler Center. Her research interests include early childhood education, childhood trauma and protective factors, social-emotional education, and mental wellness in schools. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Barnard College and a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.