Short Course Description
Duration: Self-paced - to be completed within a 6-month time frame. Instructor support included.
Credits: Professional Development Education: 45 hours or 4.5 IACET CEUs.
Purpose: The purpose of this course is to guide aspiring and current educators on a transformative journey toward mastering the art and science of teaching. This course provides a solid foundation for effective classroom instruction across grade levels and subjects, with special emphasis on developing a reflective teaching practice, fostering inclusive learning environments, and aligning instructional strategies with research-based principles. Participants will explore strategies for managing diverse classrooms, planning lessons aligned with standards, and assessing student learning effectively. Emphasis will also be placed on responsive teaching methods that meet the needs of learners from different linguistic, cultural, and academic backgrounds.
This course integrates the latest educational policies, professional standards, and teaching frameworks to ensure educators are well-equipped to create student-centered, equitable classrooms. By the end of this course, participants will have the tools to become master teachers who inspire and empower their students to achieve academic success.
Course Overview:
This course focuses on providing participants with practical tools, skills, and insights they can implement immediately. Topics include the foundations of effective teaching, understanding student diversity, classroom management, instructional planning, assessing student progress, and professional ethics. Participants will engage in self-reflection, case studies, and teaching simulations to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Course Objectives:
- Develop a reflective teaching practice to continuously improve instructional effectiveness.
- Create inclusive classrooms that address the needs of all students, including those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Design and implement lesson plans aligned with professional standards and student learning goals.
- Apply research-based teaching strategies and methods to foster student engagement and achievement.
- Assess student learning using formative and summative assessment tools while ensuring fairness and validity.
- Navigate professional responsibilities, including ethical decision-making and collaboration within school communities.
Key Content Areas:
- Foundations of Reflective Teaching:Understanding the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of effective teachers.
Building a reflective teaching practice to evaluate and enhance instructional approaches. - Understanding and Managing Student Diversity:Cultural and linguistic diversity in the classroom.
Strategies for building meaningful relationships with students from diverse backgrounds. - Classroom Management and Creating Responsive Environments:Establishing rules and procedures to support student engagement.
Building a positive, inclusive classroom culture. - Instructional Planning and Delivery:Aligning lesson plans with professional standards and learning objectives.
Differentiating instruction to address the needs of diverse learners. - Assessing Student Learning:Developing and implementing formative and summative assessments.
Analyzing assessment data to inform teaching decisions. - Professional Responsibilities and Ethical Practice:Navigating legal and ethical challenges in education.
Engaging in lifelong professional development and contributing to school communities.
Course Features:
- Self-paced format with instructor support for guidance and feedback.
- Practical, research-based strategies and tools applicable to real-world teaching scenarios.
- Opportunities to reflect on teaching practices and set personal professional goals.
- Interactive activities, case studies, and simulations to deepen understanding.
Certification:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion listing the course title and 45 professional development hours.
Additional Notes:
This course is ideal for those seeking professional development for salary advancement, recertification, or personal growth. ADRA offers flexible, convenient courses tailored to educators' unique needs. Be sure to confirm eligibility with your district or state for recertification purposes.