Executive Education

Situated at Teachers College, a top-ranked graduate school of education, the MD-ICCCR is recognized for educational excellence. We offer a wide range of courses for scholar-practitioners in the areas of cooperation, conflict resolution, dynamical systems, and social justice. We develop and provide state-of-the-art instruction, training, and professional development for students, practitioners, educators, and organizational leaders.

We continue to generate additional opportunities for our external educational work with non-profit organizations, agencies, and communities nationally and internationally. The MD-ICCCR is committed to building relationships with a variety of organizations to allow students to gain practical experience. We provide a bridge between the academic community and experienced practitioners as we support and encourage a reflective scholar-practitioner model.

Education Objectives:

• We offer individuals opportunities to develop the fundamental skills required to be successful practitioners of cooperation and conflict resolution: self-reflection and awareness; communication re: needs and objectives ; negotiation and mediation.
• We educate future leaders who will further the development of theory and practice in the interrelated areas of conflict resolution, cooperation, and social justice.
• We seek to increase public awareness of constructive methods for conflict prevention and resolution, of the many forms of oppression, of strategies for overcoming social injustice in families, organizations, and communities worldwide, and for fostering sustainable peace.

Training Program: From Conflict to Connection: Overcoming Political Polarization in Everyday Life

Are you ready to transform your school, organization, or community to overcome political polarization? In today’s polarized world, schools, organizations, non-profits, and even government agencies face the growing challenge of political division. The one-day training, which is based on the groundbreaking original research of Dr. Peter Coleman of Columbia University and featured in the book "The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization," offers a scientifically proven, actionable framework for leaders across sectors to reduce polarization, foster unity, and create long-term, positive change.

Why This Training is Critical for Schools, Organizations, Non-Profits, and Governments

Political polarization can disrupt operations, damage relationships, and stifle collaboration in various settings, including schools, companies, non-profit organizations, and government bodies. Based on research from Columbia University, this training provides evidence-based conflict resolution tools to help navigate these challenges and transform division into an opportunity for growth, mutual understanding, and collaboration. The program draws from the science of non-linear change pioneered by Dr. Peter Coleman. It offers a practical approach to overcoming entrenched political divides, applicable to schools, organizations, non-profits, and government entities.

What You Will Learn: Scientifically-Based Training with Real-World Applications

Overcoming polarization begins with self-awareness—understanding personal biases and beliefs and how they influence interactions within polarized environments. This training introduces the Seven Crude Laws for Non-Linear Change, helping participants recognize the complexity of political and social conflicts and develop more adaptive, effective responses. Our research-based approach enables participants to initiate meaningful and lasting change in the classroom, workplace, or community.

Participants will also learn about the Five Steps to Radical Relandscaping, a strategic framework for bridging divides and fostering inclusive collaboration. The training covers essential skills such as recognizing emotional reservoirs, understanding implicit theories of change, and resetting relationships for greater social cohesion and unity.

Grounded in Dr. Coleman’s research, participants will learn practical solutions for breaking down complex and entrenched political divisions. They will examine real-world case studies of successful conflict resolution in schools, organizations, and governments and learn how to apply these strategies to pioneer meaningful change in their environments.

Sustainable change requires adaptive leadership. This training teaches participants how to use movement and adapt techniques to maintain progress over time and adjust to evolving challenges. Whether in a school, non-profit, corporation, or government agency, participants will leave with actionable plans to ensure that the change they implement today continues to thrive tomorrow, driving long-term impact in their institutions and communities.

Who Should Attend?
This training is designed for:

• Educators and school leaders who aim to create inclusive, respectful classrooms and cohesive school environments.
• Business leaders and HR professionals in organizations dealing with division or internal conflict who seek to promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Non-profit leaders addressing community divisions and searching for sustainable conflict resolution strategies.
• Government officials and public sector leaders manage polarized communities and work toward unity, cooperation, and effective governance.

Whether you are a leader in a school, non-profit, corporation, or government, this research-based training provides the practical, scientifically backed tools to address polarization and lead your community or institution through transformative change.

The Science Behind the Training
This program is based on the pioneering work of Dr. Peter Coleman, whose research at Columbia University’s Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution (ICCCR) is at the forefront of understanding and overcoming political polarization. His influential book The Way Out offers a roadmap for individuals and institutions to break free from toxic polarization and foster collaboration. The methods presented in this training are grounded in years of scientific research, ensuring that participants receive proven strategies that can be adapted to the unique challenges of their organizations, schools, or government bodies.

Are you ready to transform your school, organization, or government? Contact us to schedule your training! Please email us at icccr@tc.columbia.edu to schedule your one-day training and begin implementing scientifically proven strategies to overcome polarization today.