TRAINING FOR NEW TEACHERS BASED ON BEST PRACTICES

No matter where you are in your teaching career, you know that educators never stop learning. There is so much to know about educational theory and practice; it’s essential that teachers build a strong foundation of best practices early in their careers that they can continue to build upon, becoming more effective educators by the day. 

This series of flexible, online, self-paced courses was created by teachers for teachers, based on the latest approaches to the art and practice of teaching. Whether you are new or fairly new to classroom teaching or you’re a conscientious educator who wants to focus on a specific content area, new teacher training courses such as Introduction to Restorative Practices and Teaching Strategies for English Language Learners will provide the skills and resources you need to create a successful, equitable learning environment in your classroom.

Schedule & Fees

Courses – Enroll in One or More

Course Date Units Price
Creating a Culturally-Conscious Learning Environment [EDU-X764P] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504

Spring Break Educator Programs Sale – Enroll March 4 – 17, 2024 and receive 25% of educator courses. 

Some restrictions apply.  Offer valid only during sale dates. Not all courses apply.
**Only one discount can be applied per course.**

Online Self-Paced
Lara DeHaven

This 3-Unit online professional development course for educators focuses on how to create a culturally-responsive classroom to celebrate cultural differences, in turn to create equity and increase student success and well-being.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Building Classroom Community for Student Success [EDU-X763T] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504

Spring Break Educator Programs Sale – Enroll March 4 – 17, 2024 and receive 25% of educator courses. 

Some restrictions apply.  Offer valid only during sale dates. Not all courses apply.
**Only one discount can be applied per course.**

Online Self-Paced
Veronica Reyes

This is a 3-Unit online professional development course for educators that focuses on building/creating classroom community to increase well-being and academic success.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Student Choice for Engagement and Academic Success [EDU-X740P] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Veronica Reyes

Online two-unit professional growth course for K-12 educators that focuses on the integration of student choice into curriculum to boost student engagement and achievement.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Utilizing EdTech Tools and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to Enhance Lessons in the Classroom/2 (prev#: EDU-X745P) [EDU-X745P2] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317

Spring Break Educator Programs Sale – Enroll March 4 – 17, 2024 and receive 25% of educator courses. 

Some restrictions apply.  Offer valid only during sale dates. Not all courses apply.
**Only one discount can be applied per course.**

Online Self-Paced
Joshua DuCharme

Online course for K-12 educators and administrators on how to connect to students with SEL and technology in the learning environment

This is a 2.0-unit course. If you are wanting to enroll in the 3.0-unit version, go to course page for EDU-X745P3 instead.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Utilizing EdTech Tools and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to Enhance Lessons in the Classroom/3 (prev#: EDU-X745P) [EDU-X745P3] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504

Spring Break Educator Programs Sale – Enroll March 4 – 17, 2024 and receive 25% of educator courses. 

Some restrictions apply.  Offer valid only during sale dates. Not all courses apply.
**Only one discount can be applied per course.**

Online Self-Paced
Joshua DuCharme

Online 3-unit course for K-12 educators and administrators on how to connect to students with SEL and technology in the learning environment.

This is a 3.0-unit course. If you are wanting to enroll in the 2.0-unit version, go to course page for EDU-X745P2 instead.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Reset: Resiliency, Compassion and Innovation for Transformative Teaching [EDU-X772L] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Paula Intravaia

Three-Unit online course for K-12 teachers preparing for new school year which may be returning for the first time from teaching remotely due to COVID-19 which includes social emotional learning, trauma-informed instruction and how to advance and improve student learning with an innovator’s mindset.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Transitioning to a Blended Learning Environment [EDU-X713P] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Jenifer Fazy

This online course for educators, K-12 and Higher Education faculty, allows for one to strategize using technology on how to easily move to and from remote learning.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Teaching for Joy and Equity in the K-12 Classroom [EDU-X714S] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Lauren Wilensky

This is a flexible and convenient online self-paced course that provides professional growth for educators, available for three units and focuses on designing curriculum to enhance student learning.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Atomic Habits: Develop Habits to Increase Learning, Efficiency and Joy in the Classroom and Beyond [EDU-X750R] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Amanda Dolphin

This online self-paced professional growth course gives educators the background of how we form habits, how to create better habits to increase efficiency, learning and joy in the classroom.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online course.

Introduction to Restorative Practices [EDU-X735R] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Shannon Perez

This is an online 3-unit course for educators that focuses on restorative practices, an alternative to traditional discipline and classroom management to cultivate a better classroom management, create positive peer mediation practices and to build community.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Engagement: Connecting Students to Content [EDU-X793Q] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Ronalee Johnson

Online course for educators that promotes deeper learning/thinking of concept-based curriculum allowing for students to connect to content.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Expanding Your Professional Learning Network through Social Media [EDU-X748R] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Jennifer Hair

This online self-paced course provides K-12 educators with the tools of how to expand their professional learning network through the use of social media platforms.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

The Feedback Loop: Using Classroom Evidence to Improve Learning [EDU-X788Q] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Mishelle Scragg

This online course allows for K-12 teachers to develop a reflective assessment process that engages the learner in acts of self-evaluation, as well as, allows one to analyze classroom data to give feedback that reduces the gap between where a student is and where they are meant to be.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Supporting the Homeschooled Student [EDU-X715P] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Shannon Carpenter

This online course gives you best practices on how to support and teach the homeschooled and independent study student, and includes how to teach remotely/virtually for those that have transitioned to remote teaching.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Groupwork–Accountable Talk in the Classroom [EDU-X794O] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Mishelle Scragg

This course is an online professional growth course for educators on how to make student groupwork an effective and measurable learning experience in the classroom

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Introduction to Instructional Design for Educators [EDU-X782L] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

Introduction to Instructional Design for Educators is a two-unit online self-paced course for K-12 teachers

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Classroom Management (prev #: EDU-508ZB) [EDU-X776] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Mishelle Scragg

Classroom Management course helps teachers create a student friendly learning environment with clear expectations, stimulating and accessible materials, and appropriate teaching methods

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Families as Partners (prev #: EDU-508ZC) [EDU-X777] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Mishelle Scragg

Families as partners course helps families explore the idea of schools as communities and theoretical models of family-school relations

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Teaching Strategies for ELLs (prev #: EDU-508ZR) [EDU-X781] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Kacey Weiss

Teaching Strategies for ELL’s course focuses on the needs of English Language Learners and ways to integrate language acquisition and academic content learning

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Learning Method Information

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are similar to online fixed-date courses, but are designed to give you a six-month period from time of enrollment to complete all assignments. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

How is the self-paced course structured? Like fixed-date courses, online self-paced courses are asynchronous meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime; the difference being there are no assigned due dates in self-paced courses. The content is divided into learning modules. Each module will cover one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

  • Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, websites, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
  • Assignments (which may include: written assignments, quizzes, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
  • Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

SERIES CURRICULUM

Enroll in one or more courses to earn graduate-level extension credits. We recommend that you take them sequentially as they build upon each other. You can expect the following from Online Self-Paced courses:

What You Will Learn

USD’s courses for new teachers address fundamentals such as classroom management and instructional design, as well as highly valuable strategies for improving classroom equity, practicing resiliency, and establishing a culturally-conscious learning environment. 

Throughout your beginning teacher program, you will: 

Who Should Attend

These courses are designed for K–12 teachers who are new to the teaching profession and current educators who want to sharpen their skills in one or more content areas.

BENEFITS OF USD’S NEW TEACHER TRAINING SERIES

Our courses for new teachers are designed to help educators identify ways to promote educational equity and make their school a better place. Whether you complete all or part of the series, you can expect to: 

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Careers Outlook

Employment opportunities in the education field — including adult education — are expected to grow by almost 1 million new jobs by 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With so many new and emerging opportunities, adult learning institutions and programs are going to have to compete heavily to attract and retain the most talented educators.

This makes furthering your education and diversifying your teaching skill set all the more important. By growing your expertise in a wide variety of educational concepts, you will broaden your career prospects and become a valuable asset in any learning environment.

Industry Insights

10 %

Job growth

$57,220

Median salary


Career Opportunities

District Level Professional Development Provider
Instructional Coach
Academic Director
Conference Speaker
Workplace Trainer
Continuing Education Instructor
Anyone interested in leading other adults through trainings, workshops, or presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for completing a certificate program?

Requirements for completing a certificate can be found on the certificate page.

Are the continuing education courses transferable to a master degree program?

Professional and Continuing Education courses that are transferrable to a USD master degree will be stated on the course or certificate page. If you wish to transfer credit, it is your responsibility to confer with the receiving institution before enrolling, as each
individual academic institution decides whether or not to accept USD Professional and Continuing Education credit.

How long do I have to complete the Certificate?

You have five years to complete the certificate.

What are your registration/drop/refund policies?

Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies

What if I can’t get into a course because it is full?

Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

High-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

Career advancing certificates

5 REASONS WHY CONTINUING EDUCATION MATTERS FOR EDUCATORS

The education industry is always changing and evolving, perhaps now more than ever. Learn how you can be prepared by downloading our eBook.