Improving Schools: Strategies for Teacher and Educational Leaders is an innovative, self-paced course designed for emerging school leaders transitioning from classroom teaching to roles that shape professional learning across their schools or districts. It is also valuable for current school leaders seeking a fresh perspective and new strategies to drive meaningful improvement in their organizations. Based on principles of adult learning, this course challenges participants to move beyond traditional training models by exploring reflective questions that guide the design and development of impactful, learner-centered professional development. Through a combination of journal reflections and action plan assignments in each module, participants will examine their leadership context, rethink how educators learn best, and generate bold, practical strategies for school improvement that go beyond conventional boundaries.
Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.
Who Should Attend: Teacher leaders, such as teachers in a department chair role, school improvement role, or anyone who is responsible for level training within a school. Also school leaders such as principals, assistant/vice principals or aspiring school leaders, district leaders and anyone with a role in curriculum leadership, superintendent, school or district improvement.
Course Materials: Text, Improving Schools: Simple Approaches and Understandings to Realize Growth by Kevin Popadines, available at Barnes & Noble, Bloomsbury or at Amazon.com.
Technical Requirements
This 3-unit online self-paced course is designed for emerging school leaders transitioning from classroom teaching to roles that shape professional learning across their schools or districts.
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.
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 goals.
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.
You will learn to apply adult learning theory, analyze leadership contexts, develop school improvement strategies, leverage local resources, and create actionable plans to improve professional learning and school culture.
No. While the course is ideal for emerging and current school leaders, no prior leadership experience is required.
There are no formal prerequisites.
The course is designed for emerging and current school leaders who are transitioning from classroom teaching to leadership roles or who are responsible for professional learning and school improvement initiatives. This includes:
Assignments include journal reflections, action plans, written projects, and a final project designed to integrate course learning into practical strategies for school improvement.
This is a 3-unit graduate-level extension credit course, which documents professional learning but does not automatically count toward a USD master’s degree.
You can register by purchasing the course on this page. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot in the course.
There are no application deadlines. Once enrolled, you have 180 days to complete the course at your own pace.
This is a three-unit self-paced course. You may complete it anytime within 180 days from enrollment. Completion time will vary based on your schedule and pace.
Yes. Your instructor provides written feedback on assignments and final projects, and you can reach out to them any time with questions.
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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.
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