Online Courses

Looking for flexible and relevant online courses? Check out the offerings from Boise State’s Partner, Customizable Professional Development. Courses are completely online and you can start at any time and take them at your own pace!
Explore Customizable Professional Development Courses

Need to take the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment? Boise State’s Literacy, Language and Culture offers testing for those who need to take the assessments but are not Boise State students.

Information on how to take the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment.

Lee Pesky Learning Center

Dates:  August 14, 2024- December 6, 2024
Days/Time: Course is asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 4
Cost: $625 ($385 Course Fee and $240 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Lee Pesky Learning Center is a state-approved Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course provider. The content of this course meets the requirements for ICLC and has been updated to include Standards #1, #2, #3 and #4 covering the following areas of literacy instruction: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, writing instruction and assessment. This online course is completely self-paced.

ELA, Literacy

Enroll in Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course

TMT is a 3-credit professional development course on student-centered teaching of mathematics. The course meets the MTI/TMT requirement for State of Idaho teaching (re)certification.

Explore Explore TMT courses offered by the Regional Math Center

Lee Pesky Learning Center

Dates: August 3, 2024 – December 6, 2024
Days/Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $210 ($150 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

This course is designed by Lee Pesky Learning Center, an Idaho based non-profit with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals, families, and educators diagnose, understand, support, and remediate language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia. This 15-hour course meets the requirements for the Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act and teacher recertification. This course can be completed in person or through our online asynchronous course. Course enrollment and credit registration are separate steps. The course provider will share the credit registration link with you once you are enrolled in the course.

ELA, Professional Practices, Assessment

Enroll in Understanding and Supporting Students with Dyslexia

Boise State University

Dates: January 1, 2025 – April 25, 2025
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $180 Credit Fee
Term/Transcript: Spring 2025

Course Description: This asynchronous, 16 week course will focus on the critical role of effective instructional supervision and evaluation in Idaho. Uses a variety of interactive exercises to assist in the development of practical skills for supervision and evaluation, as well as examine current issues and best practices. Participants will recalibrate their competency in Idaho’s Framework for Teacher Evaluations, Charlotte Danielson 2nd Edition. The classroom observation practice will ensure you understand how the components are intertwined and observable in the classroom. Supervision and evaluation strategies, skills, and techniques, as well as requirements under Idaho laws, rules, and policies will be explored. Course meets recertification requirements under Idaho Code IDAPA 08.02.02.120. and is approved by the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education.

Professional Practices

Enroll in Administrator Supervision, Data Literacy and Evaluation using the Idaho Framework

Lee Pesky Learning Center

Dates:  August 14, 2024- December 6, 2024
Days/Time: Course is asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 4
Cost: $625 ($385 Course Fee and $240 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Lee Pesky Learning Center is a state-approved Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course provider. The content of this course meets the requirements for ICLC and has been updated to include Standards #1, #2, #3 and #4 covering the following areas of literacy instruction: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, writing instruction and assessment. This online course is completely self-paced.

State Required Course, Professional Practices

Enroll in Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course

Lee Pesky Learning Center

Dates: August 3, 2024- December 6, 2024
Days/Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $210 ($150 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

This course is designed by Lee Pesky Learning Center, an Idaho based non-profit with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals, families, and educators diagnose, understand, support, and remediate language-based learning disabilities, including dyslexia. This 15-hour course meets the requirements for the Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act and teacher recertification. This course can be completed in person or through our online asynchronous course. Course enrollment and credit registration are separate steps. The course provider will share the credit registration link with you once you are enrolled in the course.

State Required Course, Professional Practices, Assessment

Enroll in Understanding and Supporting Students with Dyslexia

TMT is a 3-credit professional development course on student-centered teaching of mathematics. The course meets the MTI/TMT requirement for State of Idaho teaching (re)certification.

Explore Explore TMT courses offered by the Regional Math Center

Transform Your Classroom

Dates: August 19 – December 9, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $115 ($55 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Truth for Teachers is designed to speak life, encouragement, and truth into the minds and hearts of educators and get you energized. We delve deeply into the topics of mindset, unpacking personal bias, habits for strong mental health, and overall teacher well-being. This course is divided into 3 parts. In Bring Your “A” Game, educators will learn how to prevent burnout, to humanize the classroom, to engage reluctant learners, and to raise expectations. In Play Your Cards Right, educators will learn how to differentiate parent communication, set boundaries, and communicate more effectively. The importance of being your authentic self in the classroom is also explored. In Win Day By Day, educators will learn about The Weekend Effect, debunk 4 myths, and discuss 10 sticky situations in schools. Finally, educators will be reminded to give conscious recognition to all of the good things that are happening.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Truth For Teachers Podcast Exploration

Transform Your Classroom

Dates: August 19 – December 9, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $115 ($55 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

The Educational Duct Tape Podcast focuses on viewing educational technology as a tool used to meet goals, address learning standards, and solve problems in the classroom, much as duct tape is used as a tool that solves a pethora of problems in our lives. Each episode features a different inspiring educator helping the host, Jake Miller, answer teacher questions with awesome ideas for using tech in the classroom. This course is divided into 3 parts. In Focus I: Engage, educators will learn how to use the TPACK and SAMR frameworks and sites like Voxer, EduMatch, and GridPals to connect with other educators as they plan engaging lessons for their students. In Focus II: Influence, educators will discuss culturally responsive practices and insights from brain research. Leveraging choice and agency to hear from all students will also be explored. In Focus III: Create, educators will learn ways to help students make the jump from being content consumers to being content creators. Applications such as Canva, Buncee, Book Creator, and Wakelet will be discussed. Assessment through video and digital portfolios will also be examined.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Educational Duct Tape Podcast Exploration

Transform Your Classroom

Dates: August 19 – December 9, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $115 ($55 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

If you love the Teaching Keating podcast, this course is for you! With more recent episodes, Round Two with Wes & Molly host discussions important to the daily practice of educators. This course is divided into 3 parts. In Focus I: Our Students, educators will listen to discussions about classroom management, underestimating kids, and student motivators & dreams. In Focus II: OurSelves, educators will listen to discussions about authenticity, building resilience, and dealing with burnout. In Focus III: Our Surroundings, educators will listen to discussions about scary things in education, influencing others, and developing a supportive crew. Participants will be asked to analyze and reflect upon their own teaching practice in light of these discussions.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Teaching Keating 2 Podcast Exploration 

Transform Your Classroom

Dates: August 19 – December 9, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $115 ($55 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Teaching strategies, classroom management, education reform, educational technology — if it has something to do with teaching, we’re talking about it. On the Cult of Pedagogy podcast, host Jennifer Gonzalez interviews educators, students, administrators and parents about the psychological and social dynamics of school, trade secrets, and other juicy things you’ll never learn in a textbook. Other episodes feature her on her own, offering advice on ways to make your teaching more effective and more fun. This course will take you on a deep dive into these 3 topics: Classroom Management, Instruction, and Inspiration.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Cult of Pedagogy Podcast Exploration 

Transform Your World

Dates: August 19 – December 9, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $125 ($65 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Do you like the idea of a professional learning experience tailored to your very own professional growth goals? If so, join us chart your own course! Based on principles set forth by Future Ready Schools, this course provides a structure to design your own professional learning and a space to share that learning with your peers. In this course, you’ll focus on what YOU need to be the best educator you can be. You’ll begin by selecting a theme – in what area(s) do you want to grow? Next, you’ll curate academic articles, instructional videos, and podcast episodes that relate to your theme. You’ll then summarize, connect to, and apply each piece to your teaching practice. Through this process, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with others in the course as you share and give feedback on one another’s learning. The primary focus of this workshop is You: your learning, your growth, and your development as a valued educator.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Growth Voyage 1 

Transform Your World

Dates: August 19 – December 9, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $355 ($175 Course Fee and $180 Credit Fee. Paid Separately)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Do you like the idea of a professional learning experience tailored to your very own professional growth goals? If so, join us chart your own course! Based on principles set forth by Future Ready Schools, this course provides a structure to design your own professional learning and a space to share that learning with your peers. In this course, you’ll focus on what YOU need to be the best educator you can be. You’ll begin by selecting a theme – in what area(s) do you want to grow? Next, you’ll curate academic articles, instructional videos, and podcast episodes that relate to your theme. You’ll then summarize, connect to, and apply each piece to your teaching practice. Through this process, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with others in the course as you share and give feedback on one another’s learning. The primary focus of this workshop is You: your learning, your growth, and your development as a valued educator.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Growth Voyage 3 

Transform Your World

Dates: January 13, 2025 – April 25, 2025
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $125 ($65 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

Do you like the idea of a professional learning experience tailored to your very own professional growth goals? If so, join us chart your own course! Based on principles set forth by Future Ready Schools, this course provides a structure to design your own professional learning and a space to share that learning with your peers. In this course, you’ll focus on what YOU need to be the best educator you can be. You’ll begin by selecting a theme – in what area(s) do you want to grow? Next, you’ll curate academic articles, instructional videos, and podcast episodes that relate to your theme. You’ll then summarize, connect to, and apply each piece to your teaching practice. Through this process, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with others in the course as you share and give feedback on one another’s learning. The primary focus of this workshop is You: your learning, your growth, and your development as a valued educator.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Growth Voyage 1 

Transform Your World

Dates: January 13, 2025 – April 25, 2025
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 3
Cost: $355 ($175 Course Fee and $180 Credit Fee. Paid Separately)
Term/Transcript: Spring 2025

Course Description:

Do you like the idea of a professional learning experience tailored to your very own professional growth goals? If so, join us to chart your own course! In this course, you’ll focus on what YOU need to be the best educator you can be. You’ll begin by selecting a theme – in what areas do you want to grow? Next, you’ll curate academic articles, instructional videos, and podcast episodes that relate to your theme. You’ll then summarize, connect to, and apply each piece to your teaching practice. Through this process, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with others in the course as you share and give feedback on one another’s learning. The primary focus of this workshop is You: your learning, your growth, and your development as a valued educator.

Classroom Management, Educational Technology

Enroll in Growth Voyage 3 

Independent Provider

Dates: February 24, 2025 – August 8, 2025
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $60 Credit Fee
Term/Transcript: Summer 2025

Course Description:

Teaching in a prison is one of the best-kept secrets in education. During this one-credit, 15-hour Professional Development online asynchronous course, you’ll be introduced to correctional education “behind the bars.”

Course Goals and Objectives:

Goal #1–Equip in-service teachers with the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether to pursue a position as a Correctional educator. To meet this goal, you’ll complete the learning objectives below.
1.1 Identify at least three differences and three similarities between instruction in a traditional classroom and instruction in a prison classroom.
1.2 List four ways in which working in a prison is different from working in a traditional school.
1.3 List three warning signs of a “setup.”
1.4 List three signals of STG activity in a classroom.

Goal #2–List two “take-aways” from this course that can be applied to your classroom.
Taught by Dr. Mary Ellen Nourse, former Idaho Department of Correction Education Program Manager and Instructor.

Classroom Management

Enroll in The Best-Kept Secret in Education: Teaching in Prisons

Idaho Project Learning Tree

Dates: September 1 – December 6, 2024
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $95 ($35 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Fall 2024

Course Description:

In this virtual self-guided class, you will engage with proven standards-aligned Project Learning Tree hands-on activities that help learners to explore, discover, communicate and build critical thinking skills. Each activity is tailored to specific grade levels and learning objectives. You will select one PLT curriculum as your focus, thus customizing the course to meet your individual needs. The materials provide educators the tools they need to bring the environment into their classrooms — and their students into the environment.

Professional Practices

Enroll in PLT Explorations: Virtual Self-Guided Training

Idaho Project Learning Tree

Dates: February 18, 2025 – April 8, 2025
Days/Time: February 18, 7-8:30 pm MT; March 18, 7-8:30pm MT; April 8, 7-8:30pm MT
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $105 ($45 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Spring 2025

Course Description:

In this interactive virtual class, receive training and award-winning materials from Project WILD, Project WET and Project Learning Tree, with which you will engage upper elementary students in learning about Idaho ecosystems. The class includes three synchronous Zoom sessions (up to 4.5 hours), with most course work done asynchronously. For part of the class you will choose one of the curricula (WILD, WET or PLT) to explore in more depth, and will receive that program’s comprehensive activity guide(s). You will leave the course with plans to use materials from the course with students, whether teaching in the classroom or remotely both indoors and out.

Professional Practices

Enroll in Idaho Ecosystems with WILD, WET, & PLT

Idaho Project Learning Tree

Dates: January 11, 2025 – April 25, 2025
Days/Time: Asynchronous
Location: Online
Professional Development Credit: 1
Cost: $95 ($35 Course Fee and $60 Credit Fee. Paid Separately.)
Term/Transcript: Spring 2025

Course Description:

Unlock the power of nature in your classroom with this dynamic, hands-on professional development course designed specifically for Idaho teachers and nonformal educators. This introductory course will immerse you in Project Learning Tree (PLT), an award-winning environmental education program that empowers educators to teach students about the world around them. Through engaging, real-world activities and lesson plans, you’ll explore how to integrate environmental literacy, sustainability, and outdoor learning into your teaching practice.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this course will equip you with the tools to bring outdoor learning to life, enhance student engagement, and foster a deeper connection to nature. Join us and transform your teaching approach, bringing the world beyond the classroom into your students’ everyday experiences.

This course is ideal for K-12 teachers and nonformal educators in Idaho who are looking to enhance their teaching toolkit with effective, environmental education strategies. No previous experience with outdoor education is required—just a passion for learning and inspiring the next generation of leaders!

Professional Practices

Enroll in PLT Explorations: Environmental Education & Outdoor Teaching