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Professional development courses for teachers created by expert educators

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Empowering Teacher Voice and Choice through Relevant Professional Development Topics

Explore a vast range of professional development topics created by expert educators addressing today’s classroom needs and supporting student achievement.

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Discover flexible personal development options designed to fit your shifting schedule and educational needs. From on-demand training to live sessions and workshops, learn on your own terms.

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Sign up to access over 1500+ on-demand training courses across various topics, K-12 grade levels, and subject areas. Choose 30-minute virtual sessions for quick learning or 60-minute virtual training for comprehensive understanding.

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Gives teachers voice and choice with access to over 1500+ on-demand training and development courses across 40 topics, K-12 grade levels, and a variety of subject areas at whatever time works best for you.

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To the point support.

30-minute virtual training sessions that are designed for teachers with limited time but who still want high-quality training.

Teacher Workshops

Interactive, engaging, and comprehensive.

60-minute, virtual training that follows research-based best practices, engagement, and activities to apply what you've learned right away.

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Why SimpleK12?

Educator voice and choice.

Our professional development courses are developed by expert educators, addressing the real-world needs of teachers and schools. We provide timely, relevant content that empowers you in your teaching career.

Promoting Lifelong Learning

We believe in continual growth and learning. Our flexible, relevant, and engaging professional development courses inspire educators to keep learning, growing, and evolving.

Career Support

No matter where you're at in your teaching career, SimpleK12 is here for you. Our professional development courses provide support, guidance, and actionable advice to help you advance in your profession.

Actionable Information & Insights

We don't just provide theory; we provide actionable advice. Our trainers are real teachers and educational professionals who provide strategies and tips you can apply immediately.

Your professional development Journey

Choose your pace.

Our professional development courses are flexible, allowing you to learn at a pace that suits you best.

Connected Educator Community

Engage with a global community of educators. Share ideas, gain new insights, and foster collaboration.

Track Your Progress

Easily track your professional development with completion certificates for our premium courses.

Immediate Application

Our actionable professional development content allows you to apply what you've learned immediately in your classroom.

The Benefits of Choosing SimpleK12

Access anytime and anywhere.

With SimpleK12, you can access our professional development courses whenever and wherever it's convenient for you.

Personalized Learning Experience

Choose from a wide range of professional development courses to create a learning journey that aligns with your interests and needs.

Global Connections

Join a global community of educators. Collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from educators around the world.

Trusted by over

As a Teachers of Tomorrow company, we are dedicated to serving students and educators. We are trusted by over 84,000 educators worldwide.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the educators who've experienced growth through our professional development courses.

The cost compared to others is just phenomenal. The teachers are excited, it’s convenient, it’s something in which teachers can relate to, and it’s current. It is a tool that you can’t go wrong with using and just the fact that teachers migrate to it, it just sticks with them.

One half-hour SimpleK12 webinar was filled with more information than I receive at an all-day session elsewhere.

We’re using SimpleK12 because it’s a powerful tool for teachers. Anytime you get a committed group of teachers working together for a similar cause, amazing things happen. That’s what’s happened in the Teacher Learning Community.

Our Mission

Founded in 1985, we’ve been at the forefront of online professional development for educators for decades. Our flagship product, ‘Seminar-on-a-Disk,' was an innovative solution for self-paced learning. With the evolution of digital technology, we launched SimpleK12, an online community for educators, and ‘How to Master,' our first virtual platform.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges, but we responded with the tools and resources teachers needed for the sudden shift to virtual teaching. Now, as part of the Teachers of Tomorrow family, we continue to support educators from their initial certification to ongoing professional growth.

As the world evolves, so do we, staying committed to empowering educators through online professional development, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to make a profound impact.

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Free Online Professional Development for Teachers

• May 24, 2022

Now that we’re nearing summer, you might have more time to think about professional learning and licensure requirements. If you’re a teacher looking for a way to meet your professional development goals, there are plenty of options. Here are some free online professional development courses for teachers to consider, along with a brief overview and the requirements to complete each one.

Waterford.org Science of Reading Opportunities for Free Professional Development

These free Waterford.org Science of Reading webinars offer a free online professional learning opportunity to explore research-based classroom strategies. Learn how to use the latest neuroscience to inform reading instruction, help students build key literacy skills, and teach students to become effective communicators. The webinar sessions include:

• Phonological Awareness: The Structure of Spoken Language
• Phonics: Breaking the Reading Code
• Fluency: The Bridge from Word Identification to Reading Comprehension
• Comprehension & Vocabulary: Reading as a Lifelong Tool for Learning
• Language Concepts: The Structure of Written Language
• Communication: The Four Domains of Language

PBS TeacherLine

Through PBS TeacherLine , you can choose 15-, 30-, or 45-hour courses, which are generally available for continuing education credits. You can even earn graduate-level credit through university partnerships. Each course is self-paced and can be completed around your own schedule.

Coursera is a learning resource that partners with universities all over the world to provide free and accessible courses. You can find plenty of professional learning courses specifically for teachers, including:

• Supporting Children with Difficulties in Reading and Writing
• Teaching Character and Creating Positive Classrooms
• Motivating Gen Z Learners: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know

TeachingTolerance

If you’re looking for professional development focused on social-emotional learning, check out TeachingTolerance . Their professional development section includes tons of webinars and self-guided learning resources on topics like diversity, leadership, and empathy in the classroom.

LearnersEdge

LearnersEdge offers free on-demand webinar recordings on a wide variety of topics, from mindfulness and mental health awareness to reading and writing. After you’ve finished the webinar, you can receive a certificate as needed for your specific professional development requirements.

Canvas has a collection of online, self-paced professional development options for teachers—many of which are free. Here are a few examples of the courses they offer:

• The Art and Craft of Remote Teaching
• Safe & Resilient Schools: Mental Health
• Supporting Girls in STEAM

Learning for Justice

Learning for Justice has an archive of webinars on improving equity and access in schools that are available on demand. Here, you can learn about topics like How to Be an Ally in the Classroom and Responding to Hate and Bias at School.

If your district allows webinars to fulfill professional development requirements, this can be a great option.

Whether you’re a STEM teacher or just learning more about the scientific side of teaching, SciLearn offers webinars focused around the neuroscience of learning. A few recent sessions include:

• How to Rewire the Brains of Struggling Learners
• Engaging All Students with Poverty in Mind
• Developing Executive Function from Kindergarten Through High School

National Education Association

The National Educators Association (NEA) maintains a website of live and archived webinars for teachers looking to fulfill their professional development credits. The organization also hosts a podcast called School Me , and while it’s not eligible for credits, it does offer tons of bite-sized “life hacks” for educators.

Sanford Inspire

Webinars are a quick and convenient way to fulfill professional development hours online, but if you’re looking for a more hands-on option, try completing one of the free professional development courses from Sanford Aspire . After finishing the course and passing an assessment, you gain a professional development certificate which you can then submit to your district and potentially redeem for credit.

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) website has a large archive of webinars for teachers, as well as live webinar options for ASCD members. Like other webinar options on this list, each session can be redeemed for an hour of credit if it meets the specific requirements for your license renewal.

The slogan of SimpleK12 is “professional development in your pajamas,” and they offer educational webinars to watch at home. Although some webinars are only available for site members, many others are free to the public.

Free Professional Development Modules by The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress offers build-your-own professional learning modules on subjects like Understanding Copyright and Primary Sources and Inquiry. These are designed for educators interested in presenting their own professional development course for their colleagues, which you can then submit to your district to request licensure credit.

Additionally, there are online webinars and workshops that can potentially fulfill one hour of professional development.

Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM

The arts and humanities are a vital way to teach children creativity and critical thinking. Through the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM , you can access free toolkits and audio trainings on bringing arts into the classroom—several of which can be redeemed for professional development hours.

Holding both live and on-demand webinars, edWeb can easily fit into your schedule. Because of the range of topics, the webinars can be great free professional development for both teachers of early elementary students and teachers in older grades.

Facing History

Facing History provides both free and paid courses, webinars, and video professional learning options on challenging bigotry in education. If you’re unable to attend an event in person, there is also an archive of on-demand webinars and workshops .

SHAPE America

If you’re a health or P.E. teacher (or you just want to learn more about health education), this resource is for you. SHAPE America is a website run by the Society of Health and Physical Educators that includes plenty of free webinars on K-12 health education. A few examples include:

• Ideas for Equitable and Accessible Teaching in Health and Physical Education
• No-Cost Digital Resources to Support Social, Emotional and Physical Wellness
• Trauma Sensitive Practices in Health Education

TeachersFirst Workshops

Many of the options on this list are self-guided or pre-recorded, but if you’re looking for an interactive professional development option, TeachersFirst might be more your speed. These free, live workshops are each approximately 90 minutes long and scheduled after school hours for teachers with a busy workday.

ShareMyLesson

ShareMyLesson offers a wide variety of short professional development sessions geared toward teachers, administrators, and parents. You can watch these sessions on your own time and receive one hour of continuing education credit for each, provided they meet your specific licensure requirements.

Through KQED Teach , you can take courses on digital media to help you get the most out of educational technology in your classroom. Whether you want to learn how to make a teacher blog, detect online misinformation, or even try your hand at video production, you’re sure to find a course that fits your interests.

EdWeek Special Education Webinars

For special education teachers, EdWeek offers live and recorded webinars for professional learning in education. After watching a webinar, you can receive a certificate verifying one hour of professional development. Recent webinar topics include:

• Equity, Care and Connection: New SEL Tools and Practices to Support Students and Adults
• A Seat at the Table: Strategies & Tips for Complex Decision-Making
• Making Digital Literacy a Priority: An Administrator’s Perspective

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20+ Free Teacher Training Courses and Resources

November 11, 2023

If you have been in the education field for a while, you can not underestimate the significance of using practical teaching skills to boost student achievement. Continually improving your skills helps you master new knowledge and develop new proficiency, which helps improve your students’ learning processes. 

You stay up-to-date with evolving teaching methodologies and create better learning experiences for your students. You also create a more dynamic and inclusive classroom that caters to diverse student needs preparing your learners to succeed in different social, cultural, and economic aspects of our society.

Professional development will also be crucial in your career since many school districts require you to enroll in Continuing Education courses. The teaching skills you acquire in these teacher training courses help you transform learners into active creators of knowledge, preparing them for lifelong learning. 

This guide is a curation of over 20 free teacher training courses and resources that are relevant to the modern classroom. Let’s get started:

1- SimpleK12

SimpleK12 is a leading provider of premium professional development resources for teachers. They provide user-friendly, live, and on-demand training. The institution’s goal is to enhance teacher knowledge and skills, inspiring them to engage better with their learners, perfect their skills, and share their educator experiences. 

SimpleK12 has an extensive community of more than 84,000 K-12 educators who have benefitted from their professional courses, making it stand out as a preferred choice. The community includes paraprofessionals, teachers, assistant teachers, substitute teachers, school counselors, administrators, and curriculum coaches. 

SimpleK12 also boasts a large community of tutors, consultants, and homeschool parents who contribute valuable expertise to the community. 

Here are some of the courses and resources you can find on the SimpleK12 website :

• Partnering with Parents Planning Template : This resource is significant in helping you build effective partnerships with your learner’s parents and caregivers. It gives you a framework to discover innovative ways to enhance parental participation and establish opportunities for their involvement. This template helps you master the art of family-school teamwork by nurturing parental support through establishing communication and volunteer initiatives. 
• Summer Learning Planning Tool : This SimpleK12 tool, created by Lauren Boucher helps you realize self-improvement and professional growth. It guides you through a realm of educational possibilities with endless options, from exploring new subjects to growing your expertise. This valuable tool helps you realize the transformative power of summer learning, where you explore the depths of knowledge and unlock your full potential of optimizing learner outcomes through free teacher training resources. 
• Virtual Field Trip Planning Tool : Today, we can take tours all over the world within the confines of our classroom. Using apps such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and other resources, this tool helps you create a virtual field excursion. You can create an agenda plan for pre-, during, and post-activities. You also learn how to create and use manipulatives of things like artifacts to recreate a virtual experience of an actual field trip.
• 7 Tips for Working with Multilingual Learners : This teacher training resource guides you into becoming a more culturally responsive tutor in light of today’s increasing diversity. This resource equips you with seven tips and strategies for working with multilingual learners whose numbers in our classrooms continue to rise. The course, by Matt Bergman guides you on different strategies and tools for interactively to effectively instruct linguistically diverse learners. 
• Math Discussion Prompts : This SimpleK12 resource guides you into asking questions to prompt critical thinking in the classroom. Learners who think critically can have more meaningful, rich discussions with their classmates– highlighting proper understanding of mathematics. You help your students uncover math misconceptions and excel in STEM.
• Nonfiction Reading Discussion Questions : Nonfiction text is essential in introducing your students to unfamiliar vocabulary and new experiences, sparking a world of curiosity. With this resource, you understand the significance of nonfiction text to your learners and contextual cues to increase comprehension with graphs, diagrams, tables, and charts to promote your learners’ critical thinking skills. 
• CER STEM Posters for Students : The Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning teacher training resource will guide you into nurturing your learners’ critical thinking skills to get them thinking like scientists. You get practical and interactive skills to train your learners to develop reasoning and deductive skills. 
• End-of-Year Reflection : This teacher training resource will guide you into nurturing the reflective skills of your learners. It helps you guide your learners through evaluating their achievements in a year and helps them appreciate their highlights, insights, and experiences and how they impact their next school year. 
• 6 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself as a New Teacher: This is a free training resource to help you establish your goals for the year, manage your expectations, and track your success as an educator. You can download the guide and get help interrogating your teaching style for better results. It also lists all the essential procedures you should consider before school starts. 
• Demonstrate Your Mastery Of Each Standard With This Tic Tac Toe Choice Board : Simplek12 provides this free teacher training resource to help you show mastery in a collection of standards. This choice board guides you into ensuring your learners have access to the tools and resources they require for knowledge of a particular skill as directed by the curriculum. 
• Create Universal Lesson Plans with a POP : This is another free teacher resource that guides you into creating lesson plans that accommodate the diversity in your classroom. The Predict, Overcome, and Plan lesson plan design lets you predict the highly probable challenges and create flexible options to address them. You can plan how to assess your students by providing flexibility and structure to your lesson.  

MERLOT stands for Multimedia Education Resource for Learning and Online Teaching. This resource website was created by California State University as a repository for online teacher training resources. 

By capitalizing on its diversity, MERLOT provides free educational content for online, hybrid, and physical class content. The institution provides various materials to build your course or supplement a textbook. 

MERLOT’s most significant advantage is their Open Textbook Project, which hosts one of the world’s largest collections of open texts. Some of the courses and resources you find in MERLOT include: 

• Arts Education K-6 lesson plans
• Multilingual learning toolkit
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Caring for our children
• Games for learning English

3- Teacher Training Videos

Teacher training videos are a free resource that offers a step-by-step guide to incorporating technology into classroom teaching. The organization also provides face-to-face and online training to companies and individuals. 

What makes Teacher Training Videos unique as a teacher training resource is their expertise in providing educational content through visually appealing guides.

Some of the free teacher training video resources they offer include::

• Hybrid Teaching ideas for teachers
• Feedback technology to use part 1
• Complete training, online and in-class
• 3 tools to encourage student collaboration
• Teaching Online introduction

4- OpenLearn: Education Technology

OpenLearn is a teacher training platform that offers free resources such as interactives, courses, and videos. OpenLearn’s technology stands out with their wide variety of free teacher training resources and a flexible schedule for participation.

Their website provides over 1,000 free courses that are readily available. You can access the material at your convenience and study at your own pace. 

Some of the teacher training courses available on OpenLearn include:

• Assessment in secondary music
• Basic science: understanding experiments
• Childhood in the digital era
• Approaches to software development
• Aquatic mammals

5- FutureLearn: Teaching for Home Learning

FutureLearn is a professional teacher training course designed to guide teachers of science tutoring learners aged between 11-19 years at home. FutureLearn uses design, technology, and partnerships to create attractive, flexible, and credible short online courses for its users. 

What makes FutureLearn stand out is the design of their courses. Every course is designed according to the dimensions of effective learning.

Some of the courses you can access at FutureLearn’s website include:

• How to use Classroom 200
• Improve Student Assessment with Microsoft forms
• Blended Learning Essentials: Getting Started
• Teaching Digital Literacy: Video games in Education
• Genomics for Educators

6- edX: Instructional Design Models 

The edX teacher training courses are designed as an infusion of interactive digital tools, digital media, and collaborative projects to help you enhance learner engagement. 

What’s unique with edx courses is that they are planned by subject matter experts. You can learn areas such as effective curriculum design, collaboration, and interrogating techniques in creating your outlines for online courses. 

They also cover how to apply instructional design models to create efficient online learning experiences and how you can collaborate with subject matter experts. 

Some of the courses edx offers include:

• Learning Design Evolution
• Addie Design Model
• Dick and Carey Design Model
• Understanding by Design (UbD)
• Rapid eLearning Design

7- EdTechTeacher

EdTechTeacher is a professional teacher training resources provider that focuses on helping teachers thrive in the current learning environments. They offer onsite, virtual, and self-paced training.

The institution is actively engaged in strengthening relationships between educators, schools, organizations, and businesses. EdTechTeacher’s competitive advantage is their online course development services that are tailored to meet the specific learning needs of children and adults from diverse backgrounds. 

Some of the courses offered in EdTechTeacher include:

• Professional Learning partnerships
• Research and Case Studies
• Learning Module Development
• Training for Instructional Coaches
• EdTech Needs Analysis

8- EdTech Leaders Online

EdTech Leader Online (ETLO) provides a series of online teacher training workshops for K-12 educators and administrators. Their training content is focused on specific subject areas and grade levels. 

Their competitive advantage is their trainers, who are experts in educational technology. 

EdTech Online Leaders Online resources are tailored to the specific needs of children and adult users. Their resources can help you transform your existing educational content into suitable content for online and blended models of instruction.  

Some of the resources available on the EdTech Online Leaders website include:

• Professional Development
• Virtual Schools
• Online Workshops

9- Intel Teach Elements

Intel Teach Elements offers teacher professional development courses that can be accessed remotely. This teacher training resource will help you engage learners with digital learning processes, including Web 2.0, digital content, and social networking in all subject areas. 

Intel Teach Elements stands out because it provides guides for teachers that help integrate technology into their existing curriculum. They also focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. 

Some courses offered under Intel Teach Elements include:

• Moving into Mobile Learning
• Creativity in the Mobile Classroom
• Designing Blended Learning
• Inquiry in the Science Classroom
• Collaboration in the Digital Classroom

10- The U.S. Department of Education: Office of Educational Technology

The U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Technology (OET) creates national policy on educational technology. It presents the significance of technology in transforming teaching and learning. 

Their resources guide you through the possibilities of making learning available everywhere for early learners through K12, higher education, and adult education. 

Some of the resources available through this resource provider include: 

• Games for Learning
• Future Ready Schools: Professional Learning Toolkit

11- Free Technology for Teachers

Free Technology for Teachers is a teacher training resource that teachers can use to create interactive curriculum content. You can use their platform to transform your Google slides, PDF documents, and documents into rich media like videos and other interactive teaching resources. 

This is a free teacher training resource provider that helps you create interactive curriculum content as it is rich with rich media, such as a rich collection of videos. They also offer a great teacher resource for online assignment creation. 

The teacher professional development website allows you to transform your existing paper or PDF assignments into digital worksheets such as Google Slides and Docs into interactive activities while also enjoying the auto-grading features of the website.

This teacher training provider stands out with their ability to integrate with major LMS platforms such as Schoology, Canvas, and Google Classroom, giving you a wide variety of digital media to work with.

Some of the significant resources TeacherMade integrates with include:

• Microsoft Teams
• Google Classroom

12- Microsoft Corporate Citizenship: Training

As part of its corporate social responsibility, Microsoft participates in the training roles of different groups in society. It seeks out community needs and tailors its training to address them.

On their website, you can acquire valuable knowledge to guide your teaching processes through free training resources. You can also share the knowledge gained with your community. 

Microsoft Corporate Citizenship training stands out as a valuable free online digital literacy curriculum that provides knowledge for embracing technology in the classroom.

Some resources you can access on this platform include:

• Optimizing your Work with Microsoft 365
• Microsoft Teams 101 for Nonprofits
• Excel for Nonprofits
• Getting Started with Microsoft Teams

13- Class Central

Class Central is a free listing for online courses. The website aggregates courses from many providers, making it easy to find training programs on any subject. 

Its competitive advantage is that it focuses on free or free-to-audit courses from over 1200 universities, over 80 providers, and 1000+ institutions. 

Some of the courses on this free online course provider include:

• Global Education for Teachers
• Learning and Memory in the Brain: A guide for teachers
• Child Protection for Teachers
• Teaching with Technology and Inquiry: An open course for teachers
• Autism Strategies for Teachers

14- Edudemic

Edudemic is a free online teacher training website that publishes articles and tips based on teaching and learning tools. It also analyzes the current technological changes and how they shape our education. 

The site stands out as a source of information on the most significant ed-tech tools and tips, reviewing innovative products for educators, and how-to articles on education apps. 

Some of their resources include:  

•  Citelighter Is Growing (And Giving Away A Premium Tool To 50 Teachers
•  Using Mother’s Day As A Chance To Connect With Students’ Parents
•  5 Studies On Why Education And Health Are Critical To Improvement
•  Here comes another tech bubble — in education

15- Russell Stannard: Teacher Training Videos  

This free teacher training resource was created by Russell Stannard. The website provides short, clear, and practical videos meant to help teachers and students effectively incorporate technology in their teaching and learning. 

The competitive advantage is that the founder, Russell, is a master in the craft, and his website has previously received awards from The Times Higher Newspaper and the British Council. 

Some of the videos on the website include:

• Using a flipped classroom when teaching online
• Developing student’s fluency in language learning- A simple idea
• Using YouTube in language learning
• Websites for developing speaking skills in languages

16- MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare offers on-demand courses that are suitable for independent study. 

What makes them stand out is their high-quality educational materials and resources, such as syllabi, videos, and lecture notes. You can also download all the course material. 

OpenCourseWare is also suitable for higher education to help improve course content, and it also acts as a platform to share courses. 

Some of the courses and resources suitable for teachers include:

• Teaching college-level science and engineering
• Advice for educators
• Educators thumb
• Linear Algebra-Communications Intensive
• Introduction to numerical methods

17- ClassTechTips

This free teacher development resource by Dr. Monica Burns helps educators use technology to design meaningful formative assessments and inspire every learner. 

The website has teacher development resources like podcasts, books, and blogs. 

Run by a former teacher, the website develops practical teacher resources.

Some of the available resources include:

• Podcasts: How student-driven play shapes creative minds with Kim Zajac
• Books: EdTech Essentials, 40 ways to inject creativity into your classroom
• Blogs: High-dosage tutoring for K-12 schools, 24 ChatGPT prompts for science teachers

18- Mimio Educator Blog

The Mimio Educator teacher development resources focus on developing comprehensive, user-friendly educational experiences. 

Mimio provides feature-rich interactive displays and valuable audio systems that advance STEM study and high-quality professional development. 

Some of the resources on this teacher development website include: 

• Empowering Education: Interactive Assessments and Innovative Tools
• Leveraging Tech to Enhance Campus Safety: A Guide for Schools
• Selecting Classroom Audio Tools for Inclusive Learning
• Sharing Notes: Enhancing Learning After Every Lesson

Alison is a free online educational website with videos, class materials, and lectures on various topics. You can sign up for several courses and enhance your professional development as an educator. 

What makes Alison different is that they offer certificates on completion, which are recognized by institutions across the United States. Each course outlines the materials provided, the instructor’s credentials, the syllabus, and how long it will take you to complete the course. 

Here are some of the website’s suitable courses for educators:

• Teaching Assistant Fundamentals
• Physical Education- Coaching Styles and Techniques
• Introduction of Forest Schooling
• Phonics Teaching Guide

20- Edpuzzle

Edpuzzle is a web-based educational application that allows you to select and customize videos by cropping, adding quizzes, or recording your own. 

Through this platform, your learners can learn basic lessons independently, giving you adequate time to work on other activities that reinforce learner understanding. You can also track your learners’ progress and grade their engagement with the videos created. 

Here are some of the courses available through this free online professional development website:

• Project-Based learning
• Edpuzzle beginner with canvas
• Edpuzzle beginner with Schoology
• Gamification in class
• Diversion and Inclusion

Sophia Learning is an educational website that provides high-quality online courses for your career development. The platform offers free online tools and resources to create, share, and develop classroom groups for learners’ discussions. It also allows you to monitor analytics and learner progress. 

Here are some of the courses available on Sophia learning:

• Introduction to Statistics
• Introduction to Nutrition
• Approaches to Studying Religions

KQED is a free teacher professional development website that helps you polish your media-making skills and guides you into incorporating media literacy in your teaching. It is focused on educators in grades K-12, all subject areas and roles. 

KQED offers a variety of resources, including podcasts, blogs, and courses, all of which are valuable in your development as a teacher. 

Here are some of the resources available on the website:

• How Nutrients Move Through Watersheds | Interactive Lesson
• What Are Perfect Squares
• Supporting Dual Language Learners | PBS KIDS Self-Paced Learning

23- Edutopia

Edutopia is an online educational resource that focuses on transforming pre-K-12 education so that all learners can acquire and efficiently apply appropriate skills and attitudes essential to thriving in education.

Edutopia is significant in inspiring change-makers in education. It guides educators in enhancing the learning process and enabling them to find, share, and transition to what is working in advancing educational experiences.

Here are some of the resources for educators available on the website:

• Teaching Young Learners to Connect With Nature
• How to Nurture Your Joy in Teaching
• 4 Strategies to Help ELLs in the Mainstream Classroom
• How Storytelling Inspires Children to Learn English

24- TeachThought

TeachThought Teacher Training Resource is a website that equips teachers with knowledge on K-12 education. It uses resource curation, collaboration, curriculum development, podcasts, and thought leadership to facilitate its teacher professional development role. 

The platform’s main selling point is their ability to provide industry-leading professional development to educators. 

Some of the resources on this website include:

• What is Vygotsky’s sociocultural Learning Theory?
• A visual summary: 32 learning theories every teacher should know 
• What does the research say about learning through play

25- Shake Up Learning

Shake Up Learning is an online planning resource that can help you make the most of technology at all levels of educational instruction. 

The platform provides empowering educational resources, workshops, and publications to develop educators for enhanced learning outcomes. 

Some of the courses available on this website include:

• Google Classroom Masterclass
• The Blended Learning with Google Workshop
• The Dynamic Learning Workshop
• 10+ Classroom Management Classroom Management Tips to Keep Kids Focused

Improving Your Teaching Knowledge and Skills

As a teacher, your role is significant in inspiring, nurturing, and pushing the limits of learners’ young minds to realize their optimal educational and adult potential. As the world of education continues to evolve, continuous professional development will help you remain well-informed, effective, and relevant.

You also become a better teacher in technological integration, organization, and learner assessment. 

SimpleK12 is an industry leader in offering tailor-made professional courses that enhance inclusion, promote life-long learning, and provide actionable career information and insights. 

Take your preferred teacher training course now and improve your awareness of emerging issues in education, create more interactive and engaging learner activities using technology, and become a great teacher. 

How to Become a Teacher In Georgia in 2023

November 11, 2023 by alfred

Texas Teachers Certification Areas

Texas teachers currently offers 50+ certification areas:.

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272)
• American Sign Language (ASL) (184)
• Art EC–12 (178)
• Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
• Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)
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• Core Subjects EC-6 (291)
• Core Subjects 4–8 (211)
• Dance 6–12 (279)
• English as a Second Language Supplemental (154)
• English Language Arts and Reading 4–8 (117)
• English Language Arts and Reading 7–12 (231)
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• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Arabic EC–12 (600 & 605)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French EC–12 (610)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin EC–12 (612)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Japanese EC–12 (602 & 607)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Mandarin Chinese EC–12 (601 & 606)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Russian EC–12 (603 & 608)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish EC–12 (613)
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20 Free Continuing Education Courses for Teachers

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 28, 2024 , Reading time: 9 minutes

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Like any other professional, a teacher can keep a thriving career by improving their teaching skills and expanding their knowledge through continuing education courses.

The LOWDOWN: For teachers’ professional development, a CE course is crucial for their career, which explains why most school districts across the US will require teachers to enroll in CE courses, and many of them are free and self paced! Apart from subject-specific classes, professional development courses also focus on universal areas for all teachers. Ideal for K12 to college instructors, these courses allow teachers to improve their skills, develop innovative methods of teaching students, and deepen their knowledge.

Critical issues in urban education.

University of Chicago (via Coursera)

Professional development courses like these are perfect introductory courses to Urban Education Issues. This professional development class focuses on the critical issues surrounding the education reform space in the US, specifically on issues that have summoned polarized views and controversy.

Best Features:

• Shareable Certificate
• 100% online and free
• Flexible deadlines
• Gives you a meaningful insight into the “ no child left behind” concept 

Powerful Tools for Teaching and Learning: Digital Storytelling

University of Houston (via Coursera)

This 5-week, 14-hour free online course introduces teachers to digital storytelling and how you can use digital stories to enhance your student’s learning experiences.

• Very powerful system with lots of guidelines for teachers’ online professional development

Caring for Others (Specialization)

University of Colorado Boulder (via Coursera)

This four-month professional development course studies how society cares for the at-risk members and the caregivers in the field. Does it aim to find answers to questions like how much misery is in the world these days? Will digital media play a role in sensitizing/desensitizing the grief of others? What are the types of paid care work? How do caregivers manage their emotions?

• Flexible Schedule
• Suitable for Beginners (no previous background knowledge is required)

Compassionate Leadership Through Service Learning – Jane Goodall & Roots & Shoots

This is an easy-to-understand ten-hour CE course for teachers that equips you with the relevant teacher resources so you can unveil the differences between community service and service-learning. You will apply the Roots and Shoots model in helping the youth have their voices heard in addressing the needs in their community. 

• Suitable for beginners
• Uses the Roots and Shoots program model

Teacher SEL: Programs, Possibilities & Contexts

University of Colorado Boulder, via Coursera

SEL, or social and emotional learning, are a type of student program that continues to rise in many schools. This professional development CE course, handled by Dan Liston and Randy Testa, examines the clear and solid teacher SEL programs and other alternatives to enhance teaching skills.

• Thought-provoking but easy to follow
• Ideal for the advanced learners

Copyright for Educators and Librarians

Duke University (via Coursera)

This very informative five-week, fourteen-hour professional development CE course presented by some of the most knowledgeable instructors in the industry will give you a greater appreciation for the pros and cons of copyright.

• Flexible Deadlines 
• Numerous tools to address practical problems in the library

Blended Language Learning: Designs and Practice for Teachers

The University of Colorado Boulder, via Coursera

This free professional development online course is designed for language teachers who want to learn to build and teach a blended language course. Upon completing the course, you will earn 1.5 Graduate Teacher Education credits (GRTE) that are used for professional teacher enhancement and re-licensure and school district salary advancement

• Flexible deadline
• The course is broken down into several chunks. 

TESOL Professional Certificate

Arizona State University (via Coursera)

Through this TESOL professional certificate, you will learn how to write lesson plans, record yourself while teaching, or make a professional teaching portfolio that will surely impress your employer. In the final Capstone course, you get to have the chance to submit your teaching portfolio for an expert review.

• Ideal for beginners
• Flexible schedule

Teach English Now! Teaching Language Online

For those interested in teaching ESL, this online professional development course will teach you everything you need to learn about online teaching. The course featuring teaching methods is fun because of its interesting “International Travel” theme that entertainingly delivers the contents and lectures.

• Informative and enjoyable videos

Teaching Tips for Tricky English Grammar

University of California, Irvine (via Coursera)

This easy-to-learn professional development course is part of the Teach English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. Ideal, especially for ESL teachers or those interested in learning how to teach the English language, the course focuses on the problems many students face when learning intermediate grammar.

Virtual Teacher Specialization

At two hours per week, this 7-month professional development specialization course teaches you the best practices for online teaching, virtual community building, student engagement, effective ways of using synchronous and asynchronous technologies, social media, data analysis techniques, and so much more. 

• Self-paced learning option

Resilient Teaching Through Times of Crisis & Change

The University of Michigan (via Coursera)

This free online course is a perfect introduction to the practices and principles of resilient teaching and is designed with higher education lecturers, faculty, and graduate student instructors in mind across various instructional environments. 

• The course helps you adapt to the unpredictable times in education.

Foundations of Virtual Instruction

This professional development CE course for teachers helps professionals learn the pitfalls of online learning and overcome them by focusing on the basics that truly impact student learning in a class environment.

• 100$ online and free
• Flexible Deadlines
• The lessons are interconnected throughout the course.

Advanced Instructional Strategies in the Virtual Classroom

This is an outstanding course designed to help you use methods of virtual instruction, especially in critical areas of K-12 education.

You learn and study the pitfalls that most new teachers come across and how you can overcome these issues by focusing on the essentials that have the best impact on student learning in a blended environment. 

• Helps develop advanced-level techniques in an online class

Journey Conversations: Weaving Knowledge & Action

Yale University (via Coursera)

This free CE course for teachers discusses evolutionary sciences and humanities like religion, philosophy, art, and history. It is a professional development class that is part of the Journey of the Universe: A Story of Our Time specialization , a 20-series interview with environmentalists and scientists.

• Presented in a format that encourages learning and participation

Performance Assessment in the Virtual Classroom

The University of California, Irvine (via Coursera)

This free CE course for teachers is designed to help teachers effectively assess each student’s virtual performance, including feedback models, compliance issues, data analysis, and online grade book functions.

• Flexible Deadline
• Excellent information presented, high-quality presentations, and resources 

Improving Classroom Management with Class Dojo

Coursera Project Network

This short but helpful professional development CE course will help you set up your Class Dojo , a school communication platform that teachers, students, and families use every day to build close-knit communities.

• Takes one hour
• Effective in explaining how the platform works and efficiently teaching enrollees how to manage classroom activities. 

e-Learning Ecologies (Innovative Approaches to Teaching & Learning for the Digital Age)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (via Coursera)

This thought-provoking professional development, online continuing education course explores the seven different affordances of e-learning ecologies that open up real potentials for New Learning- transformative, 21 st -century learning.

Best Features: 

• Presents a variety of examples of learning technologies

Multimodal Literacies – Communication & Learning in the Era of Digital Media

Based on the book Literacies by Mary Kalantzis, this professional development CE course for teachers explores future directions for a career. It is also ideal for individuals seeking a profession in education and workplace leaders who believe their mission is “educative.”

• The course is important for educators of all subjects.
• The contents are supported with clear explanations in videos and reading lists.

Assessment for Learning

This free online professional development CE course outlines the present debates and analysis of the weaknesses and strengths of learning assessment methods and technologies, including in the areas of computer diagnostic and adaptive testing.

• Provides many approaches for assessments using different modes of technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions

As a teacher, why is it important to continue your education?

Teachers have to be abreast of the best and most recent instructional practices to meet the needs of the students!

Professional development goals are achieved by enrolling in MOOCs with live webinars, free webinars, and self-paced learning tools.

Instruction today has become complex and multifaceted. It is the teacher’s responsibility to improve a student’s outcome using the best instructional methods to lessen achievement gaps–which an online continuing education course addresses.

What are the requirements for continuing education for teachers?

The requirements for a formal or online professional development or continuing education course vary depending on your state and specialization.

Check first with your school and state teaching board for the specific guidelines for getting Continuing Education Units or CEUs through online courses and reaching those professional development goals.

Most schools and states require teachers to earn a minimum number of CEUs or CECs (continuing education credits) every five years before one can renew a teaching license.

Key Takeaways

Online professional development courses for continuing education are indeed very important to teachers in so many ways! Enroll in free online courses today and enjoy these benefits:

• Qualify for promotion and higher salary
• Ease the transition to a better or new education career for professional growth
• Boost job security and marketability
• Encouraging proper time management skills for optimal performance
• Get more opportunities for professional networking

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Differentiated Teaching

March 16, 2021 ·

Free Professional Learning for Teachers

Writing & Language Arts

A few years ago I created a list of free professional development opportunities for teachers , and I’ve heard from so many of you with more great options. That’s why I decided to create a new post to highlight 10 more amazing ways to continue your professional learning.

This time I didn’t break the options down quite so much, so you’ll find this list includes online courses, live webinars, and pre-recorded options. Regardless of the format, every single option on this list is absolutely free because, as teachers, we already pay enough out-of-pocket.

10+ More Free Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers

I’ve made sure to indicate the ideal grade range and focus of each site to help you quickly narrow down whether one of these options is the right professional learning opportunity for you.

Before you start, make a list of what you’re hoping to learn or get out of your online learning experience. Then you’ll be able to go into this process ready to make the best choices for your needs. However, if you aren’t quite sure what you want to learn about, don’t stress! There are a ton of great options to support your professional growth .

1. ShareMyLesson

Ideal for: Upper Elementary – Middle School Teachers

Website :  https://sharemylesson.com/

• Free virtual conference designed to be implementation focused
• Over 30 webinar options available
• Easy to get credit hours for completing the professional learning for teachers
• Culturally relevant topics designed to increase inclusivity in schools

What you’ll find:

• Developing Empathy through Indigenous Cultures & Stories
• Differentiating Instruction without Lowering Rigor
• Essential Techniques for PBL Success
• How to Successfully Work with Defiant Students

2. Inspire Teaching

Ideal for: Aspiring Counselors, Teachers building SEL skills

Website :  https://www.inspireteaching.org/

• Regularly updated to address changing educational landscape
• Courses are 30-60 minutes
• Offers certificates of completion
• Professional learning is accessible on mobile

• Social-Emotional Learning & Trauma-Informed Practices
• Neuroscience of Stress
• Supporting Diverse Learners with Digital Instruction

3. EDweb.net

Ideal for: Upper Elementary & Middle School Teachers

Website :  https://home.edweb.net/

• Free to join for access to hundreds of webinars
• Take quizzes for continuing education credits
• Interesting and relevant topics for professional learning for teachers

• The Science of Literacy Instruction
• Teaching Problem Solving in Math
• Teaching with the News in a Time of Challenge and Change
• Integrating SEL into Remote and Hybrid Learning

4. Scientific Learning

Ideal for: Teachers interested in brain-based learning

Website :  https://www.scilearn.com/webinars/

• Certificates available
• Webinars focused on high-risk groups
• 60-minute research-based professional learning sessions
• Developing Executive Function in K-12
• 5 Secrets to Jumpstart Learning in Students of Poverty
• Teaching with the Brain in Mind
• How to Rewire the Brains of Struggling Readers

5. ASCD Professional Webinars

Ideal for: Teachers & Instructional Coaches

Website :  http://www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinar

• Great professional learning options for teachers & instructional coaches
• Lots of options from the past few years
• Special members only training opportunities for ASCD members
• Solving Academic and Behavior Problems in the Remote Environment
• Just-in-Time Strategies for Ensuring Equity
• Rise to the Challenge: Designing Rigorous Learning that Maximizes Student Success
• How to Integrate SEL into Learning

6. APA Professional Development for PreK-12 Teachers

Ideal for: Teachers wanting support for Classroom Management & Behavior

Website :  https://www.apa.org/education/k12/professional-development

• All options are approved by APA for CE credit hours
• Relevant topics related to psychology & learning
• Includes great options for counselors, school psychologists
• Classroom Disruption Interventions
• Developing Responsible & Autonomous Learners
• Practical Classroom Management
• Using Classroom Data to Give Systematic Feedback to Students to Improve Learning

7. Future Learn

Ideal for: Middle – High School STEM Teachers

Website : https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/teaching-courses

• Offers free 7-day trial (with lots of courses you can finish in that time)
• Options for online degrees, micro-credentials, expert tracks, and short courses
• Micro-credential available for online teaching
• Teaching Coding
• Linking Curriculum Learning to STEM Careers
• Interdisciplinary Learning
• Digital Learning – Resources for Successful Online Learning

8. Sesame Street in Communities

Ideal for: PK-Kinder

Website : https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/professional-development/

• Offers training videos, webinars, and courses
• Designed to support early learning
• SEL & academic options for parents and childcare providers
• Spanish options available
• Make Believe with Math
• Brave, Strong, Resiliant
• Helping Families Thrive Through COVID-19
• Learning Through Play

9. Teaching Strategies

Ideal for: Teachers PK-12

Website: https://teachingstrategies.com/blog/webinars/

• Offers options related to virtual and in-person teaching
• Offerings related to early childhood and elementary
• Includes PD related to home-school engagement
• Harnessing the Power of How to Promote Deep, Reflective Thinking
• Working with Trauma-Impacted Young Children
• Making Distance Learning Work: Virtual Classroom Setup as a Teaching Strategy
• Using the Cultural Wealth of Families to Create Meaningful Learning Contexts for Children

10. WNET Education: Concept to Classroom

Ideal for: Upper Elementary or Multi-subject Teachers

Website: https://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/

• Free monthly webinar that offers an upgrade option for $5 to get PD certificate
• A simple, easy-to-navigate site
• Options across a variety of different areas of education
• The multimedia format includes video and reading w/ focus on implementation
• Regularly adding new courses
• Option to get continuing education credits

11. Model Teaching

Ideal for: Taste-testing a return to graduate school; teachers looking for credit hours or grad credits

• Options for grad credit & state recertification (paid)
• Differentiation
• Assessment & Data Collection
• Technology in the Classroom
• All core subjects

Take the next steps with your professional learning

Whether you’re just hoping to grab a few PD credits from the comfort of your couch or you’re seeking an online graduate degree in education , there are so many options available today. Although you’ll need to do a little research and find a few spare hours, you can find almost anything you need.

Many of us have been thrown for a loop due to Covid restrictions. However, one positive has been the rapid expansion of online professional development options. These courses don’t require travel or hours in a hot, stuffy conference room. This makes them a definite win!

Last but not least, if you know of other sites that offer free, online professional learning for teachers, let me know in the comments below.

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300+ Graduate Level CE Courses for Teachers.

Teaching channel is a one-stop shop for teacher learning and development,.

from Learners Edge graduate-level courses and professional development programs, to our innovative video platform for self-reflection, coaching and calibration. We also offer loads of free resources for teachers in our new K12 Hub.

Continuing Education

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Solutions for Schools & Institutions

Welcome to the new teaching channel, learners edge, insight advance and teaching channel have joined forces under the teaching channel umbrella..

Previously, our three divisions were sister companies with separate operations. Today, we have come together as one team to better serve K12 teachers and school leaders, as well as College of Education deans, faculty and librarians.

We craft all our learning resources with the goal of empowering teachers to thrive and be at their best in the classroom, so their students can too. More than ever, teachers like you need and deserve the very best support to advance your skills, your salary and your career through ongoing learning.

Teaching Channel is Here to Be Your Education Ally

Schools and institutions.

Gain insights and new perspectives from lifelong educators who know what it takes to succeed in the classroom. Our continuing education graduate-level courses by help you reach a range of goals: advance your salary, renew your license and develop deep expertise on topics that matter most to you. Or explore our professional development resources if you simply need to meet your hours requirements.

Provide your pre-service and licensed teachers with tools and resources that will boost their skills and confidence. With 300+ courses, a best-in-class video calibration, coaching and mentoring platform and over 1,600 exemplar videos, Teaching Channel offers solutions to your greatest teacher development challenges.

What Teachers and School Leaders Have to Say

Explore K12 Hub

Additional free resources are waiting for you at K12 Hub—from blogs to webinars to downloadable classroom aids and more.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Chat with an advisor or visit our FAQ section .

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We Believe Everyone Deserves an Empowered Educator

Education is our most effective tool, and we strive to bring the best to teachers every day. Through thought-provoking content, professional development with personalized feedback, continuing education courses and empathetic guidance, we help teachers thrive and be their best in the classroom so their students can too.

K12 Coalition: Mission Driven

K12 Coalition is a group of like-minded professionals on a mission to transform K-12 education. We build learning experiences that enable educators to thrive and perform at their best—and we know there’s more than one way to be an amazing educator who empowers students. From alternative certification to continuing education and professional development to curriculum, summer school programs, leadership academies, equity services and consulting, we believe in teaching for the greater good.

We believe that everyone deserves an empowered educator.

Education is our most effective tool, and we strive to bring the best to teachers every day. Through thought-provoking content, professional development with personalized feedback, continuing education courses and empathetic guidance, we help teachers thrive and be their best in the classroom so their students can, too.

Free Online Course for Teachers

Registration opens 8/7/23 – Don’t miss your chance to register!

Earn Credit for Free

The University of San Diego is excited to offer a free online continuing education course for teachers! This free online course will allow you to explore the University of San Diego’s online platform for teachers and see if our 500+ online educator courses are right for you and your professional development.

This free course has been created from one of the University of San Diego’s most popular online courses, Be on My SIDE: Educating for Social Justice, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity. Students who enroll will be able to explore the first half of this popular course while earning a graduate-level extension credit for free.

Registration for the free course opens August 7th, 2023, and is limited to the first two hundred registrants. Don’t miss your chance to explore our offerings while earning credit!

Restrictions may apply*

Registration is now open!

USD’s free online educator course is now open for registration! Click the button below to visit the course page and register. Registration closes August 13, 2023 and will be capped at 200 students. Don’t miss your chance to take one of USD’s online educator courses for free!

Course Overview

Be on My SIDE: Educating for Social Justice, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity  will address the role of educators as allies, advocates and catalysts for positive change.  Educators will examine their personal biases, reflect upon the research, listen to and understand perspectives and strategies of experts in the field, and develop an action plan to address challenges related to race, ability, mental health, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and other issues pertaining to social justice, inclusivity, diversity and equity in education. This course has been split in half to allow participants to explore this topic and the University of San Diego’s continuing education program for free.

The free portion of this course allows students to gain a deeper understanding of issues related to social justice, inclusivity, diversity and equity (SIDE) in education. You will share your personal journey as a student and your philosophy as an educator. You will also examine and fine tune the strategies you have in place for creating a welcoming environment, and contemplate your role as a leader in fostering a culture of belonging.

In the second part of the course, which can be enrolled in while taking the free portion, you will earn one extra unit by exploring and analyzing ethical scenarios in  Case Studies on Diversity and Social Justice Education  by Paul Gorski and Seema G. Pothini. You will apply concrete steps in resolving conflict, addressing bias and restoring justice in your educational setting. You will also create a sustainable action plan that incorporates resources, activities and strategies in educating for SIDE.

Key Benefits of Educator Courses

A world of choices.

With hundreds of courses across a range of education-related topics, there’s a strong chance we have the ideal class for you!

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world educators are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.

I love the continuing education classes at USD because unlike classes I’ve taken at other universities, I feel like the material is really applicable and I’m actually learning something. The courses push my learning without being too challenging/time consuming to complete while working full time. The professors also really seem interested in your growth rather than just checking off that you completed the requirements.

*Registration opens 8/7/23 and will close at 200 registrants or midnight 8/13/23, whichever comes first. Registration will be offered on a first come first serve basis. If you experience issues during registration, please contact us on our about page. Participants who complete the free portion of the course will earn one unit of graduate-level extension credit. Transcripts are not provided for free. Students requiring a transcript for verification of completion and credit earned may order one here.

• Google Classroom
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Learn to transform new and existing content into engaging and interactive assignments via Practice Sets course.

Explore practice sets course., empowering educators and supporting lifelong learning with free of charge, online training for the classroom.

Learn basic and advanced skills across Google Workspace for Education tools

Explore ideas and tips designed to help educators make the most of Google’s classroom technology.

Help your institution collaborate easily, streamline instruction, and keep the learning environment secure

We've designed a collection of training and resources for you to help your institution be better connected, safer and a digitally empowered place to be.

Learn the basics of Google Workspace for Education with quick videos sent to your inbox

Leverage Google Classroom to manage, measure, and enrich learning experiences

Whether you’re just starting out with Google Classroom or exploring advanced functions, this course covers features that help simplify class management, accelerate grading, and more.

Practice Sets

In this course, you will learn how to create a practice set, assign it to your students in Classroom, and analyze student performance to inform further instruction. You can use practice sets to create interactive assignments, provide students with built-in hints and resources, and automate grading. Practice sets will engage your students in learning while saving you time.

Google Tools for In-Person Learning

In this course, you will learn practical strategies using technology that supports in-person learning and classroom management. You will add value to your students’ learning experience by integrating high-impact uses of Google Workspace for Education in your classroom.

Chromebooks for Educators

By the time you finish this course you will be able to use Chromebook’s essential tools, tips and tricks. This knowledge will enable you to design and deliver powerful instructional experiences for your students.

Explore additional trainings to support your work in the classroom and beyond

Digital citizenship and safety course.

Help students stay safe online and become responsible digital citizens

DISTANCE LEARNING FOR EDUCATORS

Learn how to use Google tools to keep students engaged while teaching remotely

Accessibility Tools Training

Make learning accessible for all students with Chromebook

Support English Language Learners

Support students learning English with Google Translate tools

INSPIRE CREATIVITY THROUGH LEARNER ENGAGEMENT

Engage and deepen learning opportunities through creative distance learning.

Get up and running with Google tools for education

Bring technology to life in the classroom with tips, training, and resources to help educators get the most out of Google tools.

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1. Start Each Lesson with a Personal Check-In

2. use real-world examples to explain concepts, 3. optimize content for online learning, 4. leverage multimedia tools, 5. incorporate game-based learning, 6. track student progress with technology, 7. utilize formative assessments, 8. personalize your teaching, 9. foster a strong classroom community, 10. offer flexible learning paths.

Have you ever thought about how to make your online teaching better? As more classes move to virtual spaces, it’s important to learn some online teaching tips . In this blog, we’ll look at practical ways to improve your teaching skills in the digital world. Let’s dive in and discover how to excel in online teaching!

SplashLearn: Most Comprehensive Learning Program for PreK-5

SplashLearn inspires lifelong curiosity with its game-based PreK-5 learning program loved by over 40 million children. With over 4,000 fun games and activities, it’s the perfect balance of learning and play for your little one.

13 Online Teaching Tips for Educators

When you’re figuring out how to teach online, one of the best online teaching tips is to kick off every session with a quick personal check-in. Ask your students how they’re doing or if they have anything interesting to share. 

This not only warms up the virtual classroom but also strengthens the bond between you and your students, creating a supportive and connected learning environment . It’s a simple yet effective tip for online teaching that makes students feel valued and ready to engage.

One of the top tips for online teaching is to anchor your lessons in the real world. By weaving real-world examples into your teaching, you make complex or abstract ideas more tangible and easier for students to grasp. 

This method not only aids understanding but also shows students the relevance of what they’re learning, making the educational experience more meaningful. Whether it’s math, science, or literature, showing how concepts apply in real life can significantly enhance students’ comprehension and interest.

It’s crucial to tailor your course material specifically for digital platforms. This means breaking down your lectures into shorter, more digestible pieces that fit the online medium perfectly. 

Such structuring not only makes the learning process more manageable for students but also boosts their engagement and retention rates. This approach is one of the best online teaching tips for creating an interactive and engaging online course.

By integrating various types of content, such as instructional videos, podcasts , and interactive simulations, you cater to different learning styles and preferences. This diversity in teaching materials not only keeps the course interesting but also helps in conveying complex concepts more clearly, ensuring that your students remain hooked and learn effectively.

Game-based learning is a powerful strategy to boost student engagement and motivation. Platforms like SplashLearn take this to the next level by transforming math and reading lessons into interactive games. This method not only makes learning more enjoyable but also allows students to understand and apply complex concepts in a fun, engaging environment. SplashLearn’s curriculum-aligned games ensure that while students are having fun, they’re also receiving a quality educational experience.

In today’s digital age, tracking student progress has become more straightforward and efficient with technology. SplashLearn offers a robust platform where educators can monitor their students’ progress in real-time. This feature is incredibly beneficial for identifying students who may be struggling with certain topics, allowing educators to provide targeted support promptly. 

Additionally, the platform facilitates the provision of timely feedback, enabling educators to quickly address students’ questions and assignments, further enhancing the learning experience. SplashLearn’s detailed reports and analytics make it easier to customize teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring that every learner receives the attention and guidance they need to succeed.

Regularly integrating formative assessments like quizzes, reflection journals, or discussion prompts is crucial. These tools offer immediate feedback to students , helping you identify areas where they might be struggling. Early intervention can then be made to address these issues. It’s one of the most impactful online teaching tips and techniques, ensuring that the learning process is continuous and adaptive to student needs.

Leveraging data and analytics from your Learning Management System (LMS) is among the top online teaching tips for tailoring your approach to each student’s unique learning journey. By understanding each student’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, you can adjust your teaching methods to meet their individual needs, making teaching online a more personalized and impactful experience.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive online environment is crucial for building a strong classroom community. Start with ice-breaker activities, encourage ongoing group discussions, and facilitate peer feedback sessions. These strategies not only make students feel more connected but also enhance their learning experience.

One of the best ways to teach online classes is by offering flexible learning options. Allow students to dive deeper into subjects with additional resources, choose their assignment topics, or participate in optional discussions. This approach empowers students to take charge of their learning, making education more relevant and engaging for them.

11. Stay Updated on Online Teaching Practices

Continuously seeking professional development and staying abreast of the latest online teaching tools , trends, and methodologies are vital online teaching tips for educators. By dedicating yourself to lifelong learning, you ensure that your teaching strategies remain effective and innovative, providing your students with the highest quality online education possible.

12. Use Student Feedback to Adjust Teaching Methods

A crucial tip for teaching online classes is to actively seek and use student feedback. Asking your students how they feel about the teaching methods and materials gives you invaluable insights. Be ready to adapt and change your strategies based on what they tell you. This approach ensures that the learning experience is continuously improving, making it more engaging and productive for your students.

13. Promote a Growth Mindset

Encouraging a growth mindset is fundamental in teaching online effectively. Motivate your students to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Remind them that effort leads to improvement and mastery over time. Celebrating their progress and efforts, instead of focusing solely on the outcomes, helps build resilience and a love for learning . This strategy is not just a tip for teaching online classes; it’s a powerful approach to education that empowers students to become lifelong learners.

Pros and Cons of Online Teaching 

Conclusion .

Embracing these teaching tips for online teaching can make a significant difference in your digital classroom. By incorporating student feedback, fostering a growth mindset, and adapting your teaching methods, you’re not just teaching online effectively; you’re also creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the biggest challenge in online teaching.

The biggest challenge in online teaching is maintaining student engagement and motivation in a virtual environment, where physical cues and in-person interaction are limited. Overcoming this requires creative teaching strategies and effective use of digital tools.

Is online teaching stressful?

Yes, online teaching can be stressful, especially when adapting to new technologies, managing student engagement remotely, and balancing the demands of online lesson planning . However, with proper support and resources, this stress can be managed effectively.

Why online teaching for teachers?

Online teaching offers teachers flexibility in scheduling, the ability to reach a broader audience, and opportunities to utilize innovative teaching tools and techniques. It also challenges educators to continually adapt and improve their teaching methods, enhancing their professional growth.

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