Continuing Education Courses for Teachers

Everyone remembers the teachers who made a difference in their lives.

Maybe it was 3rd grade, or 7th, or high school. Perhaps it was math, or history, or music, or art. The grade or subject area is really irrelevant. What mattered was that the teacher saw you, understood what you needed, and treated you with respect.

Being a teacher is a lifelong pursuit. It is a combination of continuing education courses, reading, passion, creativity, and dedication. You must often deal with classrooms that are overcrowded, budgets that are underfunded, communities that are a little out of touch, or parents who may or may not be engaged. It is a career that requires professional development, networking and personal growth.

Dominican University of California offers countless courses to earn continuing education credits for teachers – and administration – at all levels. A continuing education program has to be flexible, comprehensive, and current, and we pride ourselves on all three. Here are some subject areas that exist in our online course offering:

• Administration:

  A series of classes on teacher evaluation focused on improving both pedagogical skill and student achievement, broken into segments on teacher observation, feedback and growth. 3 courses, 2 credits each.

• Art and music: 

  Many teachers need continuing education courses in music and arts. From Geography Through Art to Music Appreciation, we offer 6 courses, 1 to 3 credits.

• Athletic coaching: 

  Coaching is More Than X’s and O’s – and in fact, that’s the name of one of our courses. Coaches today must be alert to concussion protocol; they must understand nutrition; they must encourage good character among their athletes and must sometimes build programs with diversity. 19 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Classroom management:

  One of our premier subject areas, courses are offered in areas such as inductive learning, strategies for teaching students with ADHD and autism, research methods, creating an inclusive classroom environment, lesson planning, critical thinking, innovation and more. 42 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Educational outreach:

  Specifically geared toward helping Teacher Associate/Union Representatives build an educational outreach program that is more effective in their schools and communities. 3 courses, 1 credit each.

• Educational travel:

  Is there a national treasure in your backyard? Have you thought about designing curriculum around it? With parks, museums, presidential libraries and other possibilities available year-around, this is an ideal course for teachers who travel. 42 courses, from 1 to 6 credits.

• Health and wellness:

  In a profession where hours are long and the effort you put in seemingly never-ending, teacher health and wellness often get ignored. But that’s changing nationally, with more focus on you! 19 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Language Arts and ELL courses:

  An opportunity for teachers across the nation is in the area of language arts: literacy, writing and English language-learning; 17 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Mathematics:

  In a world that values STEM teaching, developing your math teaching skills is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your students; 16 courses, from 1-4 credits.

• Professional reading:

  If you love to read, then this series is for you. From professional reading courses to the Teachers Book Study Club, there are many opportunities to earn multiple credits; 16 courses, 1 credit.

• Science:

  Next-generation science teaching is here; and you can be among those teaching the concepts; 25 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Social studies:

  From ancient Rome to World War II, from the New Deal to the Cold War, from pre-history to the Renaissance, from Native American to Muslim American studies. Our largest subject areas, social studies, offers 57 courses, from 1 to 4 credits.

• Special education:

  Multi-disciplinary approaches in the classroom that cover Asperger’s to autism, from inclusivity to discipline, from emotional and behavioral disorders to UDL readiness in the classroom; 12 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Technology:

  Is there anything that changes faster in our world than technology? It is imperative for teachers to update their skills and their teaching protocol. Learning to use iPads, Google Docs, Twitter, Smartboard, coding and more will enhance your classroom practices; 32 courses, from 1 to 3 credits.

• Trauma Informed Practices:

  Continuing education requirements for teachers vary from state to state and differ in terms of hours, deadlines and standards. Always confirm your state or district’s requirements prior to registering for courses.