The Literacy Toolbox Series is designed for all K-12 educators who want practical instructional tools and new creative teaching ideas to improve student literacy. This series introduces new teachers to literacy tools and ways to develop student literacy skills. K-12 educators explore a number of ways that literacy tools can be used. It also gives veteran teachers an opportunity to re-examine and/or diversify the literacy tools they currently use.
See each course for required materials.
Learn how the Science of Reading can impact your students’ 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 New Student Orientation and your online course.
This course is a professional growth course for teachers that instruct reading, which focuses on blending two reading approaches–Phonics-based Reading and the Whole Language approach for a best reading strategy for 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.
Online course for K-12 educators who want to enhance student reading skills by adding real-world connections and technology to classroom activities.
Teaching for Concrete Comprehension K-12 is a three-unit independent study course designed for educators
Once you have enrolled in this course, you may access Course Instructions upon logging into your account.
This course provides teachers with the creative use of scavenger hunts to build literacy skills with their students
This independent study 3-unit course will focus on these five parts of speech: nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs and prepositions by using specific children’s books to creatively enhance teaching skills for Grades 1-5 teachers.
This 3-unit independent study professional growth course for K-6 teachers focuses on creative ways to teach English Language Arts skills by using children’s literature.
Online Three-Unit Course focused on Teaching Informational Text and Nonfiction for Grades 1-6 Classroom
This 3-unit professional growth course for Grades 1-6 teachers focuses on building vocabulary strategies creatively with students.
This course provides professional growth for K-6 teachers that focuses on creative strategies to teach writing, including incorporating mindfulness into the curriculum to improve student writing skills.
learning with literature course designed to help educators create meaningful lessons using children’s books
literacy toolbox course designed to help K-12 educators utilize literacy tools to promote student learning
Dynamic Vocabulary Instruction course designed to help K-12 educators examine literacy tools to promote learning and improve academic success
Engaging Students with Socratic Seminar is designed to help K-12 educators use Socratic seminar as a literacy tool to promote student learning
Inspiring Active Reading with Literature Circles is designed to help K-12 educators use literature circles as a literacy tool to promote student learning
Independent Study Self-Paced: Independent study courses offer you flexibility and the ability to complete a course faster or slower than you would a traditional live course. In this online format, you may register at any time and you will have a set time period (typically 9 months) from the time of registration to complete your course. This convenient format is often helpful for:
Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.
Key differences from traditional classroom methods:
Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:
The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.
Enroll in an individual course, or choose multiple courses in this series that fit your professional growth needs.
You can expect the following from the Independent Study Self-Paced course in this series:
You can expect the following from the Online Self-Paced courses in this series:
These courses are designed for Grade K-12 teachers that want to develop strategies to significantly improve the literacy skills of their students.
I have taken four courses through USD’s PCE program. My favorite was a 6-unit Curriculum Design class where I built a curriculum unit from the ground-up. I had feedback from the professor along the way and she helped me understand the design process.
I have also taken 3 courses in the Literacy Toolbox series, and enjoyed the all-online, self-paced aspect of the classes. The professor was quick to answer any questions and give feedback. These courses are ideal for educators who are already teaching full time!
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.
Employment opportunities in the education field 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, schools are going to have to compete heavily to attract and retain the most talented educators.
This makes furthering your education and diversifying your business skillset all the more important. With expertise in a wide variety of business concepts, you will not only be well suited for many job roles, you will also be in demand by the employer of your choosing.
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Requirements for completing a certificate can be found on the certificate page.
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.
You have five years to complete the certificate.
Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies
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.
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.
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The education industry is always changing and evolving, perhaps now more than ever. Learn how you can be prepared by downloading our eBook.
Elevate your classroom teaching with technology enhanced curriculum.
This series is to enhance anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and social justice in the classroom providing K-12 educators with the skills and knowledge on how to incorporate strategies into their teaching.
Character Education remains an essential but often overlooked discipline in today’s schools. This online Certificate program is designed to enhance your understanding and facilitation of teaching character to your students.