Today, teachers have many roles beyond teaching in a brick-and-mortar classroom. Teachers are mentors, councilors, curriculum designers, technology integrators, examination experts, and more— all in a bid to support students’ holistic development.
The education industry is ever-changing. To meet the diverse needs of students and navigate through the challenges of modern education systems, teachers must embrace professional development( PD).
Professional development courses for teachers are a path for you to continually refine your skills, adapt to emerging trends, and provide a superior learning experience for your students. You remain current with the evolving educational methods, technology, and pedagogical research.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best professional development for educators to empower you at every stage of your teaching career.
What Are Professional Development Courses?
Professional development (PD) courses are structured learning experiences designed to enhance your teaching proficiency. PD courses go beyond traditional academic training and focus on practical skills, pedagogical strategies, and innovative approaches that you can directly apply in the classroom.
Professional development can take various forms, such as:
- Workshops: You get practical experience by participating in activities that help you develop skills in your area of interest.
- Seminars: You join discussions led by experts who give you knowledge and understanding of the topic of discussion.
- Online courses: You can learn new skills or advance your knowledge at your own pace, anytime and anywhere, through flexible virtual platforms.
- Conferences: You attend presentations, network with other professionals, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in your field.
- Mentorship programs: You work one-on-one with a mentor who guides, supports, and advises to help you grow and succeed in your career.
You can take a PD course online, enroll in an in-school program, study while you work, or even take a break from the classroom and advance your education with a course.
Taking a professional development course offers you benefits even beyond your teaching career. These include:
- You enhance your teaching skills and become more effective in the classroom, leading to better student outcomes.
- You become more adaptable to new technologies and more innovative.
- PD gives you personal and professional growth, giving you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
- You can network and collaborate with your peers, gaining better insights, resources, and best practices in education.
- You get career advancement opportunities within the field of education.
Professional development requirements can vary from one state or school district to another. What is a valid PD activity in one region may not carry the same weight in another. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your preferred state’s requirements for professional development.
Also, completing professional development courses differs from certification. Research the licensure and certification requirements for your state career goals and local conditions to ensure you’re on the right path toward achieving your professional aspirations.
Find out how long you’ll need for a certain course or how many courses you need to take, and continuously check the changes in your school district that may involve PD courses.
Best Professional Development Courses
Selecting the right professional development course can be a daunting task, given the abundance of options available. To ease your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of highly recommended professional development courses for teachers.
Here are the best professional development courses for teachers:
1. Simple K12
Simple K12 is a leading provider of online professional development skills for educators. The institution offers a diverse range of courses covering topics such as technology integration, classroom management, and differentiated instruction.
Here’s what makes Simple K12 stand as a preferred provider for PD courses for educators:
- It is conveniently accessible for PD courses that are available online.
- You get a certificate on completion.
- It specializes in education technology, which is crucial in today’s digital age.
- It has a wide range of topics to cater to different levels of expertise and subject areas.
- It has experienced instructors and experts in the field of education, ensuring the quality and relevance of their courses.
- It has interactive learning experiences such as webinars, forums, and discussions.
- It offers a great community for networking, sharing ideas, and collaborating with peers.
Simple K12 offers over 1,500 on-demand training courses across various topics, K-12 grade levels, and subject areas. Their training options include virtual workshops, on-demand training sessions, virtual sessions, and other learning resources.
At Simple K12, you learn engagingly and interactively and collaborate with your peers across the world.
Examples of courses offered by Simple K12 include classroom management, Gamification & game-based learning, Career and Technical Education, etc.
2. 40-Hour Teacher Workweek
The 40-Hour TeacherWorkweek was created by Angela Watson, a former classroom teacher. The program focuses on time management and productivity strategies for educators.
The 40-Hour Teacher Workweek courses provide practical solutions to reclaim your work-life balance, reduce stress, and increase your effectiveness in the classroom.
Here’s what makes the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek program standout:
- It’s a teacher-centric approach that addresses the challenges faced by teachers today.
- It focuses on work-life balance, which is a critical issue in the teaching profession.
- It has proven strategies since the creator of the program is an experienced educator.
- It offers community support to educators who share their experiences.
The 40-Hour Teacher Workweek offers training in PDF and audio formats. You can read or listen to their course content. You also get a library of resources in printable material and templates to help you with your learning.
Examples of skills you can learn with this course include time-blocking for teachers, stress-reduction strategies for educators, and classroom organization.
3. EdWeb
EdWeb offers a vibrant online community and professional learning network for educators. The platform hosts webinars, discussions, and courses on diverse educational topics.
EdWeb offers training in different options such as webinars, courses, workshops, and professional learning communities. You can get live and on-demand webinars and collaborate with their online community of educators.
Here’s what makes EdWeb stand out:
- It is a collaborative learning environment for educators where you can connect with peers from around the world, share insights, and gain valuable perspectives from a global community of educators.
- It offers flexible EdWebinars in the form of live streaming and recorded videos, which you can access anytime, anywhere.
Some notable courses on EdWeb include Creating a Positive School Culture and Innovative Strategies for Student Engagement.
4. Negotiating Learner Differences
This course, offered by Dr. William Cope of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focuses on inclusive teaching strategies to address diverse learning needs in the classroom.
The course equips educators with practical tools and techniques to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Here’s what makes the Negotiating learner differences stand out:
- It only takes 15 hours, enabling you to complete it fast.
- The course is available online and can be taken conveniently at your own pace.
- A certificate is offered after completion.
The Negotiating Learner Differences is offered through Coursera, and the format is online.
5. Teaching Practical Science in Secondary/High School
If you’re a science teacher, Teaching Practical Science is a valuable resource for enhancing the delivery of practical science lessons. Participating in this course gives you the expertise to create engaging and memorable science lessons.
This course is very practical compared to other approaches, which are heavy on theory and light on practice. Teaching Practical Science in Secondary/High School course stands out against its competition because it offers:
- It focuses on practical science, helping you enhance student’s understanding of scientific concepts.
- It helps improve student engagement with practical experiments and other strategies to boost participation.
- The course is aligned with the global STEM skills gap.
- The course offers a peer-to-peer learning environment where teachers can share insights, advice, and best practices with fellow professionals.
The course covers effective lab management, hands-on experiments, and strategies to foster a love for science among secondary/high school students.
6. Becoming a Better Teacher
Becoming a Better Teacher is offered by the British Council. The course is designed to empower educators with comprehensive teaching skills. It will take you about 6 weeks to complete this course. You’ll also get a certificate.
Here’s what makes the Becoming a Better Teacher Exploring Professional Development course stand out:
- The course is designed to be flexible and can be taken online, making it easily accessible.
- The course emphasizes community building, allowing educators to connect with other professionals in the field of education, share experiences, and engage in discussions.
- Collaboration with the British Council and UCL Institute of Education, which are reputable institutions.
The course focuses on helping teachers develop reflective practice, which is essential for continuous improvement in teaching. It is offered in written and video format and covers pedagogical techniques, classroom management strategies, and innovative approaches to instruction.
7. Teaching in University Science Laboratories
Teaching in University Science Laboratories is a specialized course that focuses on improving science laboratory teaching in higher education.
This course is for educators in university-level science education. Teaching in the University Science Laboratories professional development course equips you with skills in effectively managing laboratory sessions, facilitating hands-on experiments, and promoting a safe learning environment.
Here’s what makes the course stand out:
- The course offers a comprehensive content of 7 modules that cover various aspects of improving laboratory classes in higher education.
- Provides practical strategies to enhance student engagement and probe their understanding of laboratory practices.
- It emphasizes professional development and was developed by ECTN (European Chemistry Thematic Network, making it highly relevant for educators in the field.
Teaching in University Science Laboratories is offered through Coursera in different formats like video content and reading material.
8. Class Central
Class Central has many online courses from various providers, including renowned universities and educational organizations. You can explore courses on subjects ranging from STEM education to language instruction.
Here’s what makes Class Central unique in professional development courses for teachers:
- It has diverse courses, allowing you to tailor your professional development to your specific interests and areas of expertise.
- The platform provides personalized course recommendations based on your interests and previous course enrollments.
- You can track the progress of multiple courses from different providers on a single platform, making it convenient to manage your online learning journey.
- The content here is aggregated, giving you a rich source of information from authentic sources.
Class Central offers its courses in video format, accompanied by explainer written content to help you learn conveniently.
Some PD courses for teachers on the platform include Uncommon Sense Teaching, Bridging Distance and In-School Learning – Blended Learning, and much more.
9. Ed2Go
Ed2Go is an online education platform offering a diverse online course catalog for educators seeking to expand their skill sets.
From instructional design to classroom technology integration, Ed2Go provides a comprehensive selection of professional development options. With flexible schedules and expert-led instruction, teachers can enhance their teaching practices at their own pace.
Some key features that set Ed2Go apart include:
- It has instructor-led courses, giving guidance and expertise to the learners.
- It has a wide course selection
- It offers interactive learning with quizzes, assignments, and discussions.
Ed2Go offers training in an online, self-paced format, which includes videos and other formats.
Some noteworthy courses from Ed2Go include Effective Classroom Management Strategies and Integrating Technology in the Classroom for Beginners.
10. The Foundation of Teaching for Learning
This course is suitable for educators at all stages of their careers. It looks into the principles of effective teaching, covering topics such as lesson planning, assessment strategies, and student engagement techniques.
The Foundation of Teaching for Learning PD course is available on Coursera, and you can log in to the platform to access the pre-recorded content.
This course helps you master the core elements of teaching and can create a positive and impactful learning experience for your students.
11. Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform with over 250,000 online video courses with new additions published every month. You can easily find professional development courses that meet your needs. If you’re new to Udemy, you qualify to start a course at only $13.99.
Here’s what makes Udemy differences stand out:
- You can take Udemy courses anytime, anywhere. This means you can learn at your own pace and fit the courses into your busy schedule.
- Udemy offers discounts and sales, making it affordable.
- Courses are taught by professionals and experts in education, giving you access to high-quality instruction.
- Once you purchase a course, you have lifetime access to the materials. You can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.
When you take a professional development course on Udemy you learn effective teaching techniques to engage students and make learning more interactive and fun.
You also discover how to use digital tools like Google Classroom, Zoom, and other tech platforms to make your teaching more efficient and engaging.
Some of the common Udemy Professional Development Courses for Teachers are Google Classroom for Teachers and The Complete Leadership Mastery Course.
12. Alison
Alison is a free online learning platform offering a wide variety of professional development courses for teachers. Alison’s course helps you improve your teaching strategies, gain new skills, and stay updated on the latest trends in education.
Alison provides both free courses and paid certification options, making it an accessible choice for teachers worldwide.
Here’s why Allison’s courses stand out:
- Most courses on Alison are free. You can choose to purchase a certificate or diploma to show proof of completion, which you can use for career growth.
- Alison offers a variety of courses, from basic teaching skills to more specialized topics like special education, educational psychology, and classroom management.
- You can complete courses at your own pace, making it easy to fit learning around your teaching schedule.
At Allison, you’ll learn innovative teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and how to engage students in new ways.
Alison’s courses keep you informed on the latest trends in education, such as inclusive education, technology integration, and leadership development.
Examples of Alison Professional Development Courses for Teachers are Diploma in Educational Psychology, Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language, Special Education Needs (SEN) Teaching Strategies, etc.
13. Model Teaching
Model Teaching is a professional development platform offering courses that focus on improving instructional strategies, classroom management, and overall teaching effectiveness.
The platform provides detailed, research-based courses that help you meet the teaching standards. Most of the courses are aligned with state requirements for continuing education credits.
Model Teaching stands out against its competition because it offers:
- Courses that are directly applicable to classroom practices target classroom teachers like you.
- Model Teaching courses qualify for professional development credits so you can use them to renew teaching certificates and advance your teaching career.
- The courses are well-organized with step-by-step guides, downloadable materials, and actionable strategies that teachers can immediately implement in the classroom.
When you complete a course on Model Teaching, you learn effective teaching strategies that can help you better engage students, differentiate instruction, and improve student outcomes.
Examples of Model Teaching Professional Development Courses for Teachers are Differentiated Instruction, Classroom Management and Discipline Strategies, Data-Driven Instruction, and Project-Based Learning in the Classroom.
14. Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform that offers a variety of professional development courses for teachers. Coursera partners with top universities and institutions worldwide, and offers courses that expand your teaching skills.
Coursera professional development courses have the option to earn certification so you can learn new teaching methods, and stay updated on the latest educational trends while advancing your career.
Here’s why you should take Coursera Professional development courses:
- Coursera collaborates with prestigious universities like Stanford, Harvard, and the University of London, giving you access to world-class instruction from education experts.
- Many Coursera courses offer certificates upon completion, which you can use to enhance your teaching credentials.
- Coursera’s courses are self-paced. You can learn on your own time.
Coursera offers advanced courses in subjects like educational psychology, curriculum design, and child development, helping you refine your expertise in these areas.
Some common Coursera Professional Development Courses for Teachers include Foundations of Teaching for Learning, The Teacher and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and Learning to Teach Online.
15. The Open University
The Open University is known for its flexible, high-quality education. It has free and paid courses to help you develop your skills and advance your career. These courses are online, so you can study at your own pace while attending other commitments.
Some key features of The Open University include:
- Flexible and accessible–courses fully online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world at your own pace.
- The Open University has many, so you can find courses that suit your professional needs.
- Many courses are available for free on their OpenLearn platform, providing you with an affordable way to access high-quality education.
When you take a professional development course at The Open University, you improve your ability to excel in administrative roles.
Examples of The Open University Professional Development Courses for Teachers include Inclusive Education: Knowing What We Mean, Education for All: Disability, Diversity, and Inclusion and Developing Leadership in Education” –
How to Choose the Right Professional Development Course
Professional development is a continuous process that helps you refine your skills, adapt to new educational paradigms, and, ultimately, make a lasting impact on your students. You should actively look out for PD courses to stay up-to-date and relevant in your field.
Professional development can include training courses, degree programs, certifications, or even connecting with a mentor who can help you navigate your teaching career.
Here are tips on how you can choose the right professional development course for you:
- Identify your professional goals to help you narrow down to the most relevant courses and programs.
- Consider your teaching context. Consider factors such as grade level, subject area, and any unique challenges you face in your teaching environment.
- Look out for reviews and recommendations.
- Examine the course content and format to ensure it resonates with your learning preferences. Do you prefer online lessons, hands-on workshops, or instructor-led lessons?
- Verify accreditation and certification by your state’s board of education.
- Evaluate the expertise of the instructors and consider courses led by knowledgeable educators or subject matter experts with a track record of success in their education.
- Consider accessibility and flexibility to avoid disrupting your day-to-day schedule. Also, check if the course materials and resources are easily accessible and user-friendly.
- Compare the cost of the course with the value you expect. How comprehensive is the content, and what level of expertise does it offer?
With professional development courses, you improve your teaching skills, remain updated with emerging trends in education, and improve your job satisfaction.
Improve Your Teaching Career With Teachers of Tomorrow
As an educator, investing in your professional development demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and a dedication to giving your students the best possible learning experiences.
For the last 18 years, we’ve helped thousands of individuals become teachers with alternative teacher certification. If you don’t have a teaching degree, you can become a teacher with the alternative route within a shorter duration.
We can also help you enhance your teaching skills, meet the set regulatory requirements, and adapt your skillset to diverse needs. For example, you’ll learn topics like inclusion, cultural competency, differentiated instructions, and much more.
Join Teachers of Tomorrow now, get your certification, and also network with your peers and our alumni to share resources and exchange and improve your job satisfaction.
