We offer yearly site licenses that allow schools to certify any number of staff, with Fall, Winter, or Spring cohort enrollment options.
For schools not ready for certifications, we offer Conversation Starter Kits , a practical first step to build awareness, experiment, and generate teacher buy-in before launching a certification cohort.
Our training aligns with…
ESSA Title I, Part A: Supports professional development that improves teaching, student engagement, and equity.
ESSA Title II: Funds teacher training and leadership development to strengthen instruction and student success.
Built from a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Teach Different Certificate Program is a public-private partnership between Teach Different and the Illinois Institute of Independent Colleges and Universities.
This apprenticeship-style program trains teachers in transformative conversation techniques that they can use in the classroom and invites them to a nation-wide professional learning community to tackle
Civil discourse is eroding. Smartphones are replacing real, face-to-face conversation. Students are increasingly anxious, disengaged, and disconnected from themselves and others.
Discover how a statewide pilot transformed classrooms and student lives through the power of conversation.
A structured routine that helps all students speak openly, listen attentively, and hone critical thinking across subjects and settings, while developing the collaboration and decision-making skills essential in technology-driven workplaces.
Designed as a core support for entire classrooms; increases motivation, improves peer connection, and strengthens concentration and behavior.
Helps educators build concrete routines that engender trust, reduce anxiety, and cultivate a classroom climate where every student feels seen.
In the 2024–25 pilot, 78 educators reached 883 students across Illinois. Results: 81% better understood perspectives, 74% expressed ideas more clearly, 73% improved listening, 64% gained speaking confidence. Teachers reported 94% confidence implementing and 97% agreement the method supported outcomes.
We’re here with tools to help your staff build stronger relationships and healthier classrooms.
A year-round professional learning environment that strengthens classroom dialogue and student voice – while helping teachers build momentum toward certification through ongoing support and an expanding community.
Monthly live trainings + on-demand replays
Searchable resource library (conversation plans + student-ready prompts)
Growing best-practice vault: certified teacher-tested tactics, facilitation tips, and real “here’s what happened” classroom reflections.
Challenges that build momentum toward certification
The program runs in a PD cycle—not classroom instruction. Teachers complete the learning components during approved PD/work time or outside school hours (based on district policy), then apply the conversation routine during regular instruction as part of normal teaching practice.
No. The program can be configured so teachers complete work during approved time, or the district may compensate teachers if participation occurs outside contract hours.
Illinois CPDU time covers professional learning activities around implementation (orientation, collaboration, reflection, curriculum-related preparation). It does not include time spent teaching students or implementing the method live in class.
Because Illinois CPDUs are intended for professional learning, not the act of teaching. This separation helps avoid overlap with compensated instructional duties and keeps the PD hours defensible.
Yes. There is a required one-hour live orientation plus asynchronous work completed outside school hours. Recorded options can make scheduling even easier.
Yes. Many components are asynchronous and can be completed during approved work time if district policy permits—for example, reflection, curriculum planning, and collaboration.
Participation in the certificate program is documented through:
Zoom attendance reports (for live sessions)
Submissions/reflections in the online community
Confirmations of shadow debrief/check-ins (if used)
The certificate program is designed with flexible scenarios in mind. The key guardrail is that Illinois CPDU hours only cover professional learning (prep/reflection/
Minimal: typically a 1-hour orientation (live or recorded) plus an optional 30-minute exit interview, with optional support sessions available as needed.