Why take teacher CE courses online?

For teachers, educational requirements don’t always stop at obtaining a license, and it can help when teachers are able to fit continuing education (CE) into their schedules. Read on to learn how pursuing continuing education credits for teachers online can help educators meet state requirements.

Taking teacher CE courses online can be a convenient way to earn continuing education units (CEUs) that can be applied toward renewing a teaching license, depending on the specific rules of the state a teacher works in. When a teacher completes a CE course, they can seek credit approval or preapproval from their state’s education department.

Teachers may take CE courses in classroom improvement processes, school law or finance, personnel administration, leadership, special education or other relevant subjects. Some online CE courses can help teachers learn about establishing classroom expectations, routines, engagement, positive relationships, and individual behavior support plans using a trauma-informed approach.

For anyone seeking or maintaining a career in education, CE courses can help them stay up to date on the latest teaching resources, diverse student needs and evolving curriculum. CE courses may include:

• More agile and inclusive learning models
• Improved instructional design
• Effective classroom engagement methods
• Contextual integration
• Formative feedback (e.g., mentoring, active learning and peer collaboration)
• The chance to apply these methods in the classroom

Online CE courses can be helpful for teachers in ways that go beyond simply moving a traditional class onto a screen. Here’s how formats for CE courses online can make learning more practical and sustainable for busy educators.

Online courses give teachers access to instructional materials anywhere and at any time. Teachers can take courses from home or during time away from work and even save time by cutting out the evening or weekend commute to a university. 

Continuing education for teachers was once confined to traditional, in-person workshops and seminars, but now there are more dynamic and flexible online systems. Teacher CE courses online can offer personalized learning experiences, mobile apps, discussion communities and open educational resources.  

Through virtual discussions and shared learning spaces, teachers can establish a common language for discussing instruction, clarify what effective teaching looks like, and connect on shared beliefs and practices. These connections can extend across classrooms, schools, districts and even states.

Online course instructors provide participants with digital tools for an interactive learning experience, which includes access to videoconferencing programs, learning management systems, instructional software and easy sign-on technology. 

When teachers enroll in online CE courses, they can expect a learning experience that differs from traditional, in-person classroom settings. However, virtual formats can still meet state and district CE requirements while offering flexibility. 

Online CE courses for teachers are structured as differentiated and sequenced learning experiences.

The courses weave together multiple modalities, including video, audio, visual materials and text. The lessons are content-focused, active and collaborative. Participants can expect expert support, coaching, feedback and reflection during the learning process.

The time to complete a CE course depends on how many CEUs it has. One CEU typically represents 10 contact hours of learning. A contact hour is typically defined as one hour of required participation in course activities, which includes reading assigned materials, watching instructional videos and completing coursework. 

Course assessments involve methods that are carefully selected and aligned with the overall learning objectives, individual learner needs and competencies. Assessments might evaluate learners’ theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills.

Without the verbal cues and body language of face-to-face instructor-student interactions, receiving feedback online is very different from an in-person learning environment. Teachers enrolled in CE courses online can still receive encouragement, praise, recognition and constructive criticism for their coursework and participation. This type of feedback is typically delivered through comments written on assignments rather than in-class interactions, of course. And not all feedback is delivered by the instructor. It may also come in the form of peer collaboration through discussion boards and collaborative writing programs. 

Depending on a teacher’s state requirements and the CE program they enroll in, they may have the option to seek credits through hands-on and collaborative means.

One approach is to keep a simple collaboration log that documents when, where and how they engaged with peers or in the classroom, along with a short reflection on what they learned and how they applied it. Another option is to put together a portfolio that includes project plans and evidence of classroom impact. 

Taking online CE courses can help teachers build relationships with fellow educators and school leaders. The connections create chances to discuss ideas, compare experiences and better understand one another’s roles. 

Not all online CE courses for teachers offer the same value. Before enrolling, educators should understand their state’s CE requirements, the course quality and delivery, accreditation and resources.

Teachers may need to meet certain CE requirements, depending on which state they’re licensed in. Some states, such as Louisiana and Texas, require 150 hours of CE (or equivalent units) every five years. Other states require fewer hours. Teachers should also consult with their state, local bureau or department of education before enrolling in CE courses to make sure they’re approved for credit.

Some states allow preapproval, so teachers can confidently enroll in courses knowing they’ll count toward license renewal. In this case, teachers will likely complete a form provided by their state’s department of education.

Teachers can evaluate the quality and value of CE courses online by reviewing:

• Course eligibility: Does the course fulfill the right requirements and are you eligible to take it?
• Learning outcomes: Are the learning outcomes clearly stated and defined, and are they reasonable when considering the length of the program?
• Presenter qualifications: Does the presenter’s qualifications and background match the expertise they provide in the course?
• Presenter disclosures: Do any of the course presenters provide disclosures about financial and personal connections that could influence the course content? Do they have any potential biases toward practices, services or products related to the course?
• Teaching approach: Are the teaching methods effective for your style of learning?
• Credits: How many CEUs does each course offer, and what criteria does each course require?

Teachers should look closely at online CE courses to ensure they are structured for easy navigation, access and readability.

Courses should be designed to allow all participants to access the same content, complete activities and engage in assessments within a comparable time frame and without barriers. 

Looking to complete CE courses online? The teacher CE courses at University of Phoenix are four to six weeks and cover a range of topics, including teaching strategies, curriculum and instruction, and elementary and secondary education.

To learn more about these and other courses, reach out to UOPX and request information.