Prepare for the next school year ahead of time, This dynamic course empowers educators to design impactful, learner-centered curricula. Participants will have the ability to bridges the gap between educational theory and classroom application. Whether you're a new teacher, instructional designer, or seasoned educator seeking to refresh your approach, you'll finally have the time to explore different models and frameworks of curriculum development to transform them into actionable strategies tailored to your teaching context. By refining your approach, you'll gain the skills to build engaging, standard-aligned curricula that meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.
Participants will work closely with an instructor in order to promote effective teaching for the current or upcoming school year. Participants will use the feedback provided to them by the instructor in order to create goals for the course and ultimately an implementation plan for their new curriculum. Educators have the option to refresh existing lessons and curriculum or they can use this course to build brand new content. You have the option to incorporate resources into your plan that will help to coordinate your curriculum plans for your classroom. Participants first assignment will be to This course does not limit participants to a specific subject matter – students are free to choose the area of curriculum that they feel would benefit from a redesign. Participants can focus on the need for new resources, textbooks, lesson plans or modify their curriculum in order to align to new standards.
Final submission for all sections is due on or before April 19, 2026. Transcripts will be mailed out 7 days after this date for all participants.
Number or Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for TK-14 educators interested in planning customized curriculum and/or lesson plans.
Course Format: Online Self-Paced, within given dates*. The course starts Monday, January 26, 2026 and should be completed on or before Sunday, April 19, 2026
*Online Self-Paced within given dates courses are a perfect blend of accessibility, convenience and flexibility for you to control your learning pace. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your submissions and final project. Grades are based on assignments and completed projects within the given dates of the course. Course opens for student participation on Monday January 26, 2026, you have until Sunday, April 19, 2026 or sooner to complete the course. Please pace yourself to allow for instructor responses before moving on to the next module. Course completion date will reflect April 19, 2026 on the transcript for all participants that successfully meet the completed course work and due date. Transcripts will be mailed out 7 days after April 19, 2026 for all participants.
Technical Requirements
Instructors: Choice of two experienced and qualified TK-12 educators. See individual course sections
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.
Enrollment and Course Dates: Enrollment is open now through March 16, 2026, or until section is full, whichever happens first. Course opens for student participation starting on January 26, 2026. Deadline to complete the course is April 19, 2026. Course completion date will reflect April 19, 2026 on the transcript for all participants that successfully meet the completed course work and due date.
Course Format: Online Self-Paced (within given dates)
Refund Policy: To receive a refund* (minus processing fee), students registered prior to the first day of the course, which is January 26, 2026 must drop the course through your student portal at pce.sandiego.edu before midnight on the third day of the course (January 28, 2026). Students enrolling between January 27 – March 16, 2026, who wish to receive a refund (minus processing fee), must drop the course through your student portal at pce.sandiego.edu before midnight on the third day following your enrollment.
*All refunds of the course tuition will be returned less a processing fee of $50.00. No refunds will be issued after applicable deadline for any reason.
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.
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.
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