Curriculum by Design: Inspire Learning in Every Grade

3 Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Revise or Create New Curriculum with this Convenient Online Self-Paced Course

This course empowers educators to become intentional designers of learning experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and support student success across all grade levels. Whether you're refining existing curriculum or building new curriculum from scratch, this course gives you the freedom to create new strategies, and inspiration to form curriculum that truly resonates with students—no matter the grade or subject. Participants will have the opportunity to craft curriculum that is both standard-aligned and authentically engaging.

Participants first assignment will be to create a coursework plan that needs to be approved by the instructor. After approval participants will be free to create their new or revised curriculum while checking in with their instructor and receiving instructor feedback as they build their curriculum. Participants will work towards a culminating project that details their planning and preparation including a final portfolio that brings it all together. Participants will complete the course with our Online Self-Paced format. You have six months from the day you enroll to complete the course. You can complete earlier than the six months but please pace yourself so that you do not exceed the six month deadline. Completion date on your transcript will be the date you submit your final project.

Enrollment for this 3-unit course is available January 1 through December 31, 2026.

Enroll in the section that corresponds to one of the instructors below:

  • 001- Lauren Wilensky
  • 002- Erin Wyatt

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for PK-14 educators interested in planning customized curriculum ahead of the next school year.

Course Format: Online Self-Paced

Course Materials: None

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price

What You Will Learn

  • Develop new or revise your current elements, projects and lessons 
  • Introduce new textbooks, assessments and standards with clear learning goals for your grade level
  • Inspire a positive and engaging learning environment through the development of structured and intentional curriculum
  • Prepare for the next school year ahead of time

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.

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+

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In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Online Self-Paced

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:

  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.
  • No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
  • Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
  • No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.

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:

  • Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
  • Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

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.

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.