21 Skills for 21st Century

Prepare students for a changing world

Adapt to the demands of the 21st century by teaching critical skills and strategies for fostering a global mindset in the classroom.

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Find answers to more essential questions by checking out our FAQ.

What You'll Learn

The classroom is changing, and your teaching can, too. Discover how to deliver meaningful lessons that prioritize the skills K-12 students need in the 21st century.

Key takeaways

Identify the components of the Global Mindset Framework
Make connections between 21st century skills and culturally responsive-sustaining education (CRSE)
Design instructional goals related to social-emotional learning and key life skills
Develop a project-based unit aligned with modern skills, using the Global Mindset Framework as a guide
Set a new vision for your school or district’s future-focused education approach

Shifting academic priorities

Pre-service teacher education has focused on traditional methods of instruction, but the last 20+ years have seen major changes in technology, culture, and globalization — all of which have fast-tracked the need to expand basic academic priorities to move beyond critical thinking.

Shape future-ready learners

In order to prepare today's students for tomorrow's changing world, we must explore the benefits of a pedagogy grounded in critical thinking while expanding our understanding of essential skills for the future, including where and why these skills are critical for student success.

Build a global mindset

This course takes a deep dive into the Global Mindset Framework, which provides a blueprint for interacting, teaching, and learning in the 21st century. As we unpack each of the Framework's domains and skills, you'll have space to imagine and integrate ways of teaching these critical capacities with intentionality and connecting them to your instructional goals.

What Educators Are Saying

Join K-12 educators from around the world in creating meaningful change in your classroom and community.

Course Format and Topics

This course bridges theory and practice, packed with instructional videos, resources, discussions, and assignments — all designed to support real classroom impact. Explore our open enrollment and on demand formats to find the option that works best for you.

Open enrollment

• Course & registration available for a limited time
• Join a cohort of educators from various schools and locations
• Learn independently with periodic feedback from a facilitator
• Self-paced within course period

On demand

•  Available at any time, with flexible pacing
•  Private access for your team, school, or district
•  Work with a dedicated facilitator
•  Customize course content and/or receive additional coaching

Course begins

Participants who are registered prior to the course start date can expect to receive course login details 2-3 days before the course starts. For more information on access and participation, please visit our FAQ page.

Preview an introductory video from the course:

Topic 1

A Case for 21st Century Skills
Explore the history and purpose of 21st century education.

Topic 2

Critical Capacities
Explore the first domain of the Global Mindset Framework and how they support students in becoming discerning, informed world citizens.

Topic 3

Creative Capacities
Explore Creative capacities and how they contribute to positive improvements or inventions to the world.

Topic 4

Collaborative Capacities
Explore Collaborative capacities and their relationship to students connecting in essential discourses, close to home and across the world.

Topic 5

Caring Capacities
Investigate the Caring capacities within the Global Mindset Framework and how students can develop empathy for themselves, their community, and their world.

Topic 6

Global Consciousness
Explore the Global Consciousness component of the framework and discover how students can engage productively with a complex, diverse world.

Course ends

Course participation ends and assignments close one (1) week after the final course topic is released. Within two weeks after this date, final grades and certificates will be processed.

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Meet Your Facilitator

Dr. Roberta Lenger Kang

Dr. Kang started her coaching career in 2006, after nearly a decade of teaching in Denver, CO and NYC schools. In her role as CPET's Executive Director, Roberta cultivates partnerships with schools, districts, and organizations in critical areas of focus, including: developing academic rigor, refining literacy in high school, creating meaningful instruction for high-stakes assessments, and leveraging city and state mandates for authentic school change. You can reach her at [email protected].

"Through thoughtful and intentional action that respects the knowledge of teachers and honors the ways adults learn, we can prepare for the future."

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Take Your Next Steps

This opportunity is designed for K-12 educators to grow independently, or as part of a team. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ page, or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to working alongside you!

This timing doesn't work for you? Talk to us about a custom course for your team or school, that works with your schedule!