Available Classes

Courses available for professional development for current educators. Includes courses in Gifted Education, Special Education, English Language & Literacy, Social Emotional Learning and Adult Learning & Coaching along with coursework for provisionally licensed teachers.

All Classes

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  • EDUC 517U Foundations of Education
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Thursday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Ryan Conway
    John Marshall

    CRN: 30086 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online with class meetings as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduction to the American educational system. Explores the philosophical, sociological, historical, and political roots of schools today. Attention also given to the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organization/culture, and contemporary issues in education. Explores professionalism, ethics, performance standards, and integrity for teachers.

  • EDUC 518U Diverse Learners and Human Growth and Development
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Thursday 7:00 pm - 9:40 pm

    Laura Kuti

    CRN: 30088 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid with class meetings as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduces students to the wide range of diversity that exists in schools today. Explores diverse learning styles and students' needs, and connections to cultures, communities, and family values as well as student support through trauma informed care. Provides theoretical underpinnings and contemporary perspective on critical issues, professional practices, and state and federal laws influencing the teaching of students with diverse learning needs, including specific learning disabilities (SLD) such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory processing disorders. Note: Field experience required.

  • EDUC 524U Reading Foundations for Early Literacy Instruction
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Monday 7:00 pm - 9:40 pm
    Wednesday 7:00 pm - 9:40 pm

    Christina Saunders

    CRN: 30094 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid with in-person sessions on Mondays & remote sessions on Wednesdays. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    In-depth examination of the teaching methods, literacy concepts and development, and materials which are utilized to support and scaffold children's literacy acquisition from birth to the primary grades. Addresses a foundational understanding of the components of reading including phonemic awareness, concepts of print, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Examines early literacy assessment tools and how to implement interventions for diverse learners. Investigates language development, children's literature, and classroom strategies for early literacy instruction. Note: Field experience required.

  • EDUC 527U Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Classrooms
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 5-week I (V1)
    Monday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm
    Wednesday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Paula Jones

    CRN: 30165 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online with class sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Examines the elementary curriculum and introduces strategies for instruction and assessment to help diverse learners develop knowledge and basic skills, sustain intellectual curiosity, and problem-solve. Focus on strategies and procedures to enhance classroom instruction and support all learners in the achievement of the Virginia Standards of Learning. Explores curriculum integration, subject-specific instruction, online teaching, and student and family engagement.

  • EDUC 543U Assessment and Evaluation in Education
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)

    Laura Kuti

    CRN: 30098 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduction to testing, measurement, and evaluation related to instruction, the construction and use of teacher-made tests, a survey of standardized tests, test interpretation, and basic statistical procedures.

    Prerequisites

    EDUC 542U

  • EDUC 550U Content Area Literacy
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Tuesday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Allison Brenning

    CRN: 30099 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid with class meetings as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Examination of reading, writing and critical thinking in secondary content areas. Specific techniques for teaching and assessing comprehensions, vocabulary knowledge, and study skills will be addressed. The effects of text organization and relationship between reading and writing are investigated. The course integrates theory with practice and is designed to help content area instructors learn how to integrate literacy principles into subject matter instruction. A strong emphasis will be placed on the elements of effective comprehension instruction. Literacy techniques designed to support the needs of diverse learners will be studied. Participants will learn strategies to foster motivation and appreciation of a variety of types of literature utilized for independent and collaborative reading. Note: Field experience required.

  • EDUC 558U Classroom and Behavior Management
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Monday, May 20, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Wednesday, May 29, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, June 3, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, June 10, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Wednesday, June 12, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, June 17, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, June 24, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Monday, July 1, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Wednesday, July 10, 2024: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    William Hall
    Beverly Allen-Hardy

    CRN: 30096 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid with in-person sessions as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Effective classroom and behavior management skills to build individual responsibility and self-discipline, promote self-regulation, and maintain a positive learning environment. Research-based classroom and behavior management techniques, classroom community building, positive behavior supports, and individual interventions. Note: Field experience required.

    Prerequisites

    EDUC 507U or EDUC 542U

  • EDUC 563U Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted Student
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 5-week I (V1)

    Matthew Edinger

    CRN: 30078 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    This course examines the social, emotional, and psychological aspects of gifted children, adolescents, and adults. The course reviews current literature on affective growth and potential adjustment issues such as self-concept, self-acceptance and understanding, peer relations, and perfectionism. Family relations and potential sources of problems such as underachievement and career and college planning are also included. Classroom adjustments to facilitate development will also be reviewed.

  • EDUC 570U Foundations of Gifted Education
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 5-week II (V2)
    Monday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm
    Wednesday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Joseph Douglas

    CRN: 30079 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online with class meetings as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    This course provides information on the history of exceptional students in relation to education, current law, and accepted methods for referral, assessment, and identification. It covers major program models and methods of differentiating instruction to meet the rate and level of learning of those students identified. The course gives the learner an understanding of ways to meet the affective needs of the gifted and talented student in the regular classroom and lists resources for teachers and parents who would like more information about the talented and gifted.

  • EDUC 574U Understanding and Implementing the IEP
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Wednesday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Allison Brenning

    CRN: 30080 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    This course provides students with critical information and hands-on practice regarding the developmentvand implementation of the Individual Education Program (IEP), the federally required document that describes all the components of special education services and safeguards for students with disabilities. Participants will learn regulatory background, essential components, procedural requirements, implementation practices, and monitoring strategies that support effective IEP implementation and lead to positive student outcomes. Participants will analyze and evaluate IEPs, gaining expertise in IEP development and implementation.

  • EDUC 619U Strategies for Teaching Writing
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 5-week II (V2)

    Tammy Milby

    CRN: 30077 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Online. One remote orientation via Zoom on June 20, 4-5:30 p.m. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Reflect on the best practices and research related to teaching writing effectively. The course includes an in-depth look at writing workshops and considers teaching strategies focusing on the steps of the writing process and different forms of writing (narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, and informational). Class sessions focus on discovering inspiring teaching strategies for classroom practice. Participants will also explore the connection between reading and writing instruction and learn how to include writing across the content areas.

  • EDUC 620U Advanced Children's Literature
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 5-week I (V1)
    Thursday, June 13, 2024: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
    Tuesday, June 18, 2024: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
    Thursday, June 20, 2024: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

    Tammy Milby

    CRN: 30076 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    In-person/online hybrid with in-person meetings as scheduled. Additional remote sessions TBA. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    The course provides a survey of children's literature with emphasis on recent trends and evaluative criteria used in selecting books based on school and recreational needs and interests of young readers. Course participants will explore multiple genres, including historical fiction, realistic fiction, fantasy, traditional literature, nonfiction, and multicultural, and ways of integrating these books into curricula.

  • EDUC 651U Assessment and Accountability
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 5-week I (V1)
    Thursday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Lisa Micou

    CRN: 30104 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Study of testing, measurement, and evaluation related to instruction, the construction and use of teacher-made tests, a survey of standardized tests, test interpretation, and basic statistical procedures are included in this course. An improvement process will be applied to bridge the understanding of assessment theory, alterable variables, and data-based decision-making for student growth. Students will gain an understanding of how the classroom learning environment, as well as instruction, impact ESSA indicators and the school improvement process.

  • EDUC 652U Differentiated Instruction
    Course Offerings

    Summer Term: 8-Week (8)
    Thursday 4:20 pm - 6:50 pm

    Mark Allan

    CRN: 30081 (section: pd01)
    Semester hours: 3
    Fee: $800

    Remote online as scheduled. Educators seeking professional development only.

    Description

    Introduction to differentiated instruction and examination of why it is appropriate for all learners, how to plan for it, and how to become comfortable enough with student differences to make school comfortable for every learner in the classroom.