Empowering Educators & Advanced Pedagogical Approaches is designed to equip educators with innovative tools, actionable strategies, and reflective practices to foster dynamic, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. With a strong emphasis on practical application, this course enables teachers to address diverse student needs, establish effective classroom norms, and manage stress using evidence-based approaches.
Participants will explore strategies for setting SMART goals, enhancing student engagement, and implementing effective checks for understanding. Through hands-on activities and guided reflections, educators will deepen their expertise in scaffolding techniques, the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) framework, and critical thinking skill development to elevate lesson design and improve student outcomes.
Summative assessments, including a Learning Style Self-Assessment and an Educator Pedagogical Self-Assessment, provide opportunities to measure growth and effectively integrate new approaches. By the end of the course, participants will gain actionable insights, tailored strategies, and the confidence to create impactful learning experiences that drive student success.
Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for Study Smart Tutors Participants.
University of San Diego – Academic Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level academic units/credit. To receive units, participants must first register and complete coursework through the external program provider.
Courses offered through the USD's Credit Validation Program are accepted by many school districts and universities throughout the United States. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify district and/or university policies regarding transcript requirements, deadlines, and the applicability of units/credits.
The units provided are graduate-level professional development semester units intended solely for purposes such as salary advancement and credential renewal. These units are not applicable toward a master’s degree or higher degree program at the University of San Diego.
Participants who intend to apply these units toward a degree program at another institution are responsible for confirming that institution’s acceptance of the units prior to enrollment.
Directions to Enroll for Credit
1. Enroll in this course with Study Smart Tutors (studysmarttutors.com) by contacting [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] for more information
2. Complete all course work with Study Smart Tutors
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
3. Click “Add to Cart” located on the right of this page to purchase units. If this course displays “Request Information,” it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment or has already closed for enrollment.
4. Submit your Certificate of Completion by email to [email protected] after enrolling for credit and completing the course.
Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.
Audience: College Advisors, College Mentors, Student Success Coaches, Teachers, Tutors, Facilitators, Paraprofessionals
Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days.
Enrollment Open Through: December 31, 2025 (11:59pm PT)
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.
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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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.
The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.
Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.
Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.
Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.
Learn practical skills from expert instructors to boost your resume or succeed in your current role.