Teachers strive to excel in their profession, recognizing that education is an ongoing journey. However, fulfilling professional development requirements can sometimes feel burdensome rather than enriching. While districts provide various professional development (PD) opportunities, these may not always align with personal interests or areas of need. Thus, finding professional development resources that genuinely enhance your skills is essential.
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Tips for Finding the Best Professional Development for Teachers
Utilize these resources, recommended by fellow educators, to discover PD opportunities on a multitude of topics, both in-person and online. Here are some helpful tips:
- Understand that each state and/or school district has unique PD requirements; one may accept a PD activity that another does not. Always confirm what you need.
- Keep in mind that grants may be available to help cover any associated costs.
- If you require continuing education credits (CECs or CEUs), ensure that the program you choose offers them and that your district or state recognizes these credits. Similarly, if you need a certificate to document your completion, inquire about it beforehand.
Free Professional Development for Teachers
Explore these resources offering free PD courses on diverse topics. While some may charge a small fee for printing a certificate of completion, the costs are generally minimal. If you’re budget-conscious, these platforms are a great starting point!
Alison
All courses on this career development platform are free, though they are ad-supported. You only need to pay if you wish to download a digital or printed certificate of completion ($22 to $31). Alternatively, you can use an online learning record to validate your completion, which may suffice for your needs. Access a variety of teaching-related courses online or via their app.
Annenberg Learner
Annenberg offers a vast selection of professional development resources for teachers, including podcasts and video workshops. You can utilize video workshops with larger groups using facilitator guides and other materials. All resources are free for K-12 educators, while colleges and universities must purchase a license for course materials.
Coursera
This extensive online learning platform provides numerous courses specifically for teacher professional development, taught by expert educators from various institutions worldwide. Most courses are free, but fees may apply if you want a certificate for credit, which varies by course.
edWeb
Teachers in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group highly recommend edWeb! It stands out as a top choice for valuable free teacher PD on a wide range of subjects. “There are many helpful webinars available, and printable certificates are given after viewing (the lists indicate which ones offer PD certificates),” shares Molly K.
Facing History & Ourselves
This timely initiative provides educators with the tools to address challenging topics in the classroom, including social, political, and cultural issues. They offer both in-person seminars and online courses/webinars, with opportunities to earn continuing education credits. PD courses from Facing History are either free or low-cost and include ongoing support after course completion.
Friday Institute
The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at North Carolina State University provides a range of free online courses and webinars. These self-directed, self-paced courses grant certificates and potential CEC/CEU credits.
Modern Classrooms Project
This free online course, developed by two public school teachers, assists educators interested in implementing mastery-based learning in their classrooms. The course is self-paced, allowing you to earn a certificate for completing 5 to 10 hours of PD. You can read our review of this course here.
NEA Teacher Professional Growth Programs
The NEA (National Education Association) offers various tools for educators, including an array of professional development programs. Some are tailored for aspiring or new teachers, while others focus on education paraprofessionals. The micro-credentials programs provide straightforward ways to earn CEUs or CECs, regardless of where you are in your career. These are free for NEA members, with a fee for non-members.
Next Gen Personal Finance
NGPF is committed to educating students on personal finance management, an essential skill often overlooked in school curricula. They provide free online courses and videos, along with teaching materials to help educators guide their students toward financial literacy.
TeachersFirst
By participating in OK2Ask live virtual workshops, teachers can earn professional development credits. You can also access recorded workshops, though official credit is only available for live sessions. These workshops are free and focus on effectively integrating educational technology into your classroom. Register for live workshops and view recordings on their site.
Paid Teacher Professional Development Resources
While these courses come with a cost, they are highly endorsed by fellow educators who believe the investment is worthwhile. Be sure to investigate potential funding options from your district or other sources to minimize out-of-pocket expenses!
Angela Watson’s 40 Hour Teacher Workweek
The 40 Hour Teacher Workweek is a yearlong program designed to help educators streamline their teaching practices, focusing on one area at a time. This professional development initiative aims to boost productivity and foster a more efficient mindset, no matter your teaching subject. Completion of the course provides a professional development certificate for up to 104 credit hours. Check out our review of this innovative PD opportunity for teachers.
Bureau of Education & Research
BER offers live online events and in-person classes across the country, as well as recorded events and online courses. You’ll receive PD hours for each session, and some may qualify for CEC/CEU hours based on your state. Prices vary by event or course, with discounts available for group registrations.
Conscious Discipline
Explore courses, webinars, and various resources on this site dedicated to social-emotional learning and classroom management PD. You can earn CEUs and certificates of completion as you progress through the course sessions. While free resources are available, a premium membership ($180/year) grants access to all their PD content.
ed2go
Select between instructor-led and self-paced courses that range from six weeks to an entire year. Topics include child development, classroom technology, math and science, and reading and writing. Six-week courses start at $170 and provide 24 course hours, while shorter courses begin at $59.
Grassroots Workshops
Complete online PD workshops at your convenience, allowing 16 weeks from enrollment to finish. Choose from preferred instructors and topics that will genuinely improve your teaching skills. You’ll earn PD hours and may also qualify for graduate-level credits. Costs vary by workshop, starting as low as $45.
The Heritage Institute
If you’re interested in in-depth courses that thoroughly explore educational topics, consider the Heritage Institute. You’ll earn both PD hours and CEU/CEC credits. Courses are self-paced, with a six-month completion window. Prices vary, and different courses are discounted monthly, so check back regularly for potential savings on subjects that interest you.
Learning for Justice
For those looking to enhance their understanding of diversity, inclusion, equity, and empathy, this site offers a range of resources for educators. Access learning modules, shareable presentations, and hands-on workshops led by expert trainers. Participate in virtual workshops for a minimal fee, utilize self-guided learning modules, or join a six-month Learning for Justice Virtual Professional Learning Cohort.
Moreland University
Moreland University, a fully accredited institution, focuses on equipping teachers with the skills necessary to thrive in contemporary classrooms. Alongside 100% online teacher certification and master’s degree programs, they provide affordable on-demand professional development courses on relevant, impactful subjects, as well as a variety of free resources to help teachers advance their careers.
National Geographic’s Online Courses for Educators
National Geographic offers free online courses designed to inspire your students to ask profound questions and think like explorers. Educators learn how to create engaging lesson plans that empower students to become scientific storytellers who connect with diverse researchers and tackle global challenges. Many courses provide opportunities for graduate credit through partnerships with universities. Check out our overview of these courses for more details.
Professional Learning Board
PLB offers comprehensive self-paced online PD courses and can assist you in earning the credits needed for renewing your teaching license. Their site provides state-specific information to ensure you acquire the necessary certificates or transcripts. Course prices vary, but you can take a free class on Keeping Kids Safe to evaluate if PLB meets your needs.
SimpleK12
For a fee (currently $29.99/month or $199/year), educators gain access to professional development created by teachers, for teachers. You can attend one free live class per month, but to unlock full content and earn certificates, the modest monthly fee is worthwhile. Participate in live trainings or access recordings on topics that genuinely interest you, delivered by fellow educators.
Teaching Channel
At Teaching Channel, educators can access online videos and courses that may contribute hours toward required teacher professional development. Fees range from $25 for a 3-hour course to over $100 for longer courses. Teaching Channel also offers graduate-level courses for credit for those pursuing advanced degrees.
Udemy
On Udemy, you pay for each course individually, with prices starting around $10. Alternatively, a monthly subscription (beginning at $20) grants unlimited access to all available courses. This platform is particularly suitable for those looking to refine their subject matter expertise, although it does feature a decent selection of Teacher Training options as well.
Don’t forget your free Education Conference Bingo Challenge printable!
Are you attending a conference or PD session? Be sure to download your Education Conference Bingo Challenge printable to help you engage, learn, and connect with fellow educators.
Looking for more professional development for teachers? Check out our list of the best education conferences!
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