Professional Development Institute

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PDI online courses assist teachers with the most compelling issues they face in their classrooms including social-emotional learning, classroom management, bridging the gap, technology integration, reading and math fundamentals, addressing diversity, and teaching students with special needs. All course content is designed to help teachers become more effective in the classroom by providing foundational information along with practical strategies, lessons, and activities that can be implemented in the classroom. PDI courses are convenient, practical, and affordable. Take a moment to explore our current course list below. Click any link for more information including a topical outline and syllabus. Or, go directly to the PDI website for more information.

21st Century Thinking Skills that Promote College and Career Readiness (K-12)
Active and Hands-On Science Instruction (K-6)
Addressing the Needs of Diverse Populations (K-5)
Anti-Bullying Strategies for Primary Grades (K-3)
Applying the Science of Reading Principles in the Content Areas (6-12)
Best Practices for a Successful 4th-6th Grade Classroom (4-6)
Best Practices for a Successful High School Classroom (9-12)
Best Practices for a Successful Middle School Classroom (6-8)
Best Practices for a Successful Primary Classroom (K-3)
Boosting Comprehension for Struggling Readers using Science of Reading (3-6)
Boosting Student Engagement Using Active Learning Strategies (PREK-5)
Bridging the Gap: High-Yield Strategies to Recover from Learning Loss (K-12)
Building Critical Social and Emotional Skills Using Literature (K-12)
Building Empathy and Community in Middle and High School (6-12)
Bullying: Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention (4-8)
Canva: A Guide for Creating Engaging Classroom Content (K-12)
Character Education for the 21st Century (K-12)
Classroom Management Strategies for High School Teachers (9-12)
Classroom Management Survival Course (K-8)
Closing the Gap: Focusing on Critical Literacy and Math Skills (K-5)
Combining SEL and DEIB to Propel Learning Forward (PreK-5)
Comprehension Strategies for Middle and Upper Grades (4-12)
Comprehension: The Key to Successful Reading (K-3)
Connecting Content with Literacy: Dynamic Strategies for Comprehension (6-12)
Conquering the Behavioral Challenges of Special Needs Students (K-2)
Content Area Multi-Sensory Teaching for Students with Special Needs (K-5)
Creating a Dynamic Classroom Through Project-Based Learning (K-5)
Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusivity of Diverse Students (K-12)
The Daily 5 (K-3)
Data-Driven Instruction (K-12)
Designing and Creating a WebQuest (3-12)
Developing Phonemic Awareness in Emergent Readers (PreK-2)
Developmentally Appropriate Content Activities for Early Learners (PreK-2)
Differentiated Instruction: One Size Does Not Fit All (K-6)
Digital Projects that Inspire and Support Student Learning (K-12)
Educating the Whole Student: Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning (K-12)
Educational Technology 101 (K-12)
Effective Strategies for Emergent and Early Writers (PreK-3)
Effective Strategies to Improve Student Writing (4-12)
Effectively Using iPads to Transform Your Classroom (K-12)
ELL Strategies for Mainstreamed Students (6-12)
Embracing Diversity and Equity through Culturally Responsive Teaching (K-12)
Embracing Technology to Empower Students with Special Needs (K-12)
Engaging, Motivating, and Managing Your Students (4-8)
Enhancing Comprehension in Grades 2-5 with Science of Reading (2-5)
An Essential Guide to Formative Assessment (K-5)
The Flipped Classroom: An Interactive Approach to Student Engagement (4-12)
Focus on Phonics (K-3)
Focused Interventions to Improve Executive Function Skills (K-12)
Google as a Classroom Tool for Learning (K-12)
Guided Reading 101 (K-5)
Guiding Emergent and Early Struggling Writers to Success (K-2)
Harnessing the Tools of Empathy and SEL to Prevent Bullying (PreK-5)
Helping Middle Grade Struggling Writers Achieve Success (3-6)
How to Reach and Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PreK-5)
Implementing the Workshop Model in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science (4-8)
Improving Your Students' Test Taking Skills (2-12)
Incorporating SEL Skills into the Content Areas (PreK-5)
Instilling a Growth Mindset in Students (K-12)
Interventions for Middle Grade Struggling Readers (4-6)
Introduction to Microsoft Office 365 Education (K-12)
Learner-Centered Math Instruction Using Manipulatives (3-6)
Leveraging Culturally Responsive Engagement Strategies (6-12)
Making the Most of the Internet in the Classroom (K-12)
Mastering Google Apps for Education (K-12)
Mastering the Text Complexity Challenge in Grades 4-8 (4-8)
Math Manipulatives in the Primary Classroom (K-2)
Math Problem-Solving Strategies for Grades 3-6 (3-6)
Meeting Diverse Learning Needs Through DEIB (K-12)
Middle School Math Problem Solving (6-8)
Motivating and Engaging Middle and High School Students (6-12)
Moving Beyond Remediation to Empower Sustainable Learning
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Students who Challenge Us (K-5)
Multimedia Project Design and Development (K-12)
A New Approach to Spelling Instruction (K-6)
The Next Generation Science Standards (K-12)
Powerful Interventions to Guide Struggling Readers (K-3)
Preparing English Language Learners (ESL/ELL/ENL) for Success (K-6)
Preparing Students with Special Needs to Meet the Standards (K-3)
Reading and Writing Strategies for Students with Special Needs (K-5)/Flex Course
Reading Fluency: The Bridge Between Phonics and Comprehension (K-5)
Reading Foundations for Emergent and Early Readers (PreK-2)
Reading Interventions for Middle School Students (6-8)
Reading to Learn: Developing Strategic Reading Skills (4-12)
Reading Workshop Approach in the Middle Grades (4-8)
Responding to Student’s Mental Health Challenges with SEL (6-12)
Response to Intervention in Reading (K-6)
Responsive Classroom Management in the Primary Grades (K-3)
Science Inquiry Using the 5E Model (K-6)
The Science of Reading (K-5)
Small Group Practices to Reach All Readers and Writers (PreK-5)
Social, Emotional, and Physical Wellness for Students and Teachers (PreK-12)
Solving Core Executive Function Challenges (K-12)
Strengthening Content Comprehension with Science of Reading Principles
Structured Interventions for Specific Learning Disabilities (K-5)
Study Smarter Not Harder: Study Skills for Students (4-12)
Supporting Math Foundational Skills in the Primary Grades (K-3)
Supporting Students Using a MTSS Framework (6-12)
Targeted Instruction and Interventions with Reading Strategy Groups (K-5)
Teaching Critical Social-Emotional (SEL) Skills Using Picture Books (Pre-K-3)
Teaching Primary Grade Math Problem-Solving Skills (K-2)
Teaching STEM and NGSS at the Primary Level (K-2)
Teaching Students with Special Needs in the Mainstream Classroom (K-6)
Teaching Tolerance and Respect: Preventing Bullying in High School (9-12)
Technology Tools to Amplify Learning (K-12)
Transformational Educational Leadership Practices (K-12)
Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies for all Learners (Pre-K-6)
Unleashing the Power of the NGSS and STEM (3-5)
Unlocking Literacy: Science of Reading Strategies for Multilingual Learners
Using Google Classroom for Teaching and Learning (K-12)
Using SEL to Drive Inclusive Practices in High School (9-12)
Using SEL and Intentional Read-Alouds to Promote DEI
Vocabulary-Building Strategies for Students in Grades 4-12 (4-12)
Word Play: Vocabulary Instruction in the Primary Grades (K-3)

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) through the San Diego campus as part of the University of California system. Upon successful completion of PDI coursework, UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies issues a transcript with letter grades to participants who register for credit. UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies operates on the quarter system. For example, a PDI course is worth 5.0 quarter units of credit which is equivalent to three and one-third (3 1/3) semester units of credit. The word “unit” is a descriptor of the type of credit UC San Diego issues to students who have fulfilled all of the requirements of any particular class. The terms "unit" and "credit" can be used interchangeably without altering the accepted institutional meaning of the terms.

If you need a letter of support explaining the unit value and academic level of the courses you completed through PDI/UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, please email your request to a1becker@ucsd.edu and madison@webteaching.com.

It’s easy to enroll in a PDI course! Visit the PDI website to see the entire list of PDI courses. Already know the course you want to take? Enroll now! Do you need to get a PDI course approved by your school district prior to registering? If so, feel free to print our Introduction to PDI Online Courses letter to submit with your approval request.

Still not sure? Read testimonials from teachers just like you who have taken PDI online courses.

Academic Interventions Award of Completion

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established an Academic Interventions Competency Program for teachers of grades K-12. Teachers understand that when a student struggles academically, it is critical that intervention is provided as soon as possible. Through PDI's Academic Interventions Competency Program, if you complete any four courses listed below, you will receive an Academic Interventions Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom, or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.

Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn an Academic Interventions Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Bridging the Gap: High-Yield Strategies to Recover from Learning Loss (K-12)
Closing the Gap: Focusing on Critical Literacy and Math Skills (K-5)
Data-Driven Instruction (K-12)
Focused Interventions to Improve Executive Function Skills (K-12)
Guiding Emergent and Early Struggling Writers to Success (K-2)
Helping Middle Grade Struggling Writers Achieve Success (3-6)
Interventions for Middle Grade Struggling Readers (4-6)
A Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Students who Challenge Us (K-5)
Moving Beyond Remediation to Empower Sustainable Learning (K-12)
Powerful Interventions to Guide Struggling Readers (K-3)
Reading Interventions for Middle School Students (6-8)
Response to Intervention in Reading (K-6)
Supporting Students Using a MTSS Framework (6-12)

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Big Five of Reading Award of Completion 

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies, has established a Big Five of Reading Competency Program for teachers of grades K-12. Teachers understand that reading is the gatekeeper to all subjects. It is imperative that students develop strong phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency skills in order to be successful in school and beyond. Through PDI's Big Five of Reading Competency Program, if you complete any four courses listed below, you will receive a Big Five of Reading Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom, or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.

Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn a Big Five of Reading Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Applying The Science of Reading Principles in the Content Areas (6-12)
Comprehension: The Key to Successful Reading (K-3)
Comprehension Strategies for Middle and Upper Grades (4-12)
Connecting Content with Literacy: Dynamic Strategies for Comprehension (6-12)
The Daily 5 (K-3)
Developing Phonemic Awareness in Emergent Readers (PreK-2)
Focus on Phonics (K-3)
Mastering the Text Complexity Challenge in Grades 4-8 (4-8)
Reading Fluency: The Bridge Between Phonics and Comprehension (K-5)
Reading Foundations for Emergent and Early Readers (PreK-2)
Reading to Learn: Developing Strategic Reading Skills (4-12)
The Science of Reading (K-5)

Small Group Practices to Reach All Readers and Writers (PreK-5)
Vocabulary-Building Strategies for Students in Grades 4-12 (4-12)
Word Play: Vocabulary Instruction in the Primary Grades (K-3)

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Classroom and Behavior Management Award of Completion

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established a Classroom and Behavior Management Competency Program for teachers of grades K-12. Today's classrooms are diverse places filled with students who have a wide range of academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs. Teachers need and desire training to help meet the needs of all their students, address a wide variety of student behaviors, and effectively manage their classrooms. Through PDI's Classroom and Behavior Management Competency Program, if you complete four of the courses listed below, you will receive a Classroom and Behavior Management Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable framing and displaying in your classroom or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.

Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn a Classroom and Behavior Management Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Anti-Bullying Strategies for Primary Grades (K-3)
Behavior Interventions for Students with Special Needs (3-6)
Building Critical Social and Emotional Skills Using Literature (K-12)
Bullying: Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention (4-8)
Character Education for the 21st Century (K-12)
Classroom Management Strategies for High School Teachers (9-12)
Classroom Management Survival Course (K-8)
Conquering the Behavioral Challenges of Special Needs Students (K-2)
Educating the Whole Student: Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning (K-12)
Embracing Diversity and Equity through Culturally Responsive Teaching (K-12)
Engaging, Motivating, and Managing Your Students (4-8)
Leveraging Culturally Responsive Engagement Strategies (6-12)
Motivating and Engaging Middle and High School Students (6-12)
Responsive Classroom Management for the Primary Grades (K-3)
Teaching Tolerance and Respect: Preventing Bullying in High School (9-12)

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award of Completion 

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Competency Program for teachers of grades K-6 (upper grades coming soon). Today's classrooms are diverse. As educators, we need to give our very best to ensure that we are being equitable with, and inclusive of, all students. Through PDI's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Competency Program, if you complete any four courses listed below, you will receive a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom, or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.
 
Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Addressing the Needs of Diverse Populations (K-5)
Building Empathy and Community in Middle and High School (6-12)
Differentiated Instruction (K-6)
ELL Strategies for Mainstreamed Students (6-12)
Embracing Diversity and Equity Through Culturally-Responsive Teaching (K-12)
Preparing English Language Learners for Success (K-6)
Teaching Students with Special Needs in the Mainstream Classroom (K-6)
Using SEL and Intentional Read-Alouds to Promote DEI

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Educational Technology Competency Award of Completion

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established an Educational Technology Competency Program for teachers of grades K-12. Teachers with educational technology skills and expertise are in demand. More and more schools are adopting and funding new technology to be used in classrooms such as interactive whiteboards, laptops, and tablets such as iPads. Do you have the knowledge you need to effectively use technology in your classroom and integrate it with your existing curriculum? Through PDI's Educational Technology Competency Program, if you complete four of the courses listed below, you will receive an Educational Technology Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.
 
Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn an Educational Technology Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Designing and Creating a Webquest (3-12)
Digital Projects that Inspire and Support Student Learning (K-12)
Educational Technology 101 (K-12)
Effectively Using iPads to Transform Your Classroom (K-12)
Embracing Technology to Empower Students with Special Needs (K-12)
The Flipped Classroom: An Interactive Approach to Student Engagement (4-12)
Google as a Classroom Tool for Learning (K-12)
Introduction to Microsoft Office 365 Education (K-12)
Making the Most of the Internet in the Classroom (K-12)
Mastering Google Apps for Education (K-12)
Multimedia Project Design and Development (K-12)
Technology Tools to Amplify Learning (K-12)
Using Google Classroom for Teaching and Learning (K-12)
 

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Social-Emotional Learning Competency Award of Completion

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established a Social-Emotional Learning Competency Program for teachers of grades K-12. Teachers know that today’s students are facing many challenges. The truth is that students are unable to truly learn unless and until their social-emotional needs have been met, as this best practice staves off feelings of stress and anxiety. Thus, it becomes imperative for teachers to address students' social-emotional skills so that effective academic instruction can continue. Through PDI's Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Competency Program, if you complete four of the courses listed below, you will receive a Social-Emotional Learning Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom, or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.
 
Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn a Social-Emotional Learning Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Building Critical Social and Emotional Skills Using Literature (K-12)
Building Empathy and Community in Middle and High School (Grades 6-12)
Educating the Whole Student: Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning (K-12)
Harnessing the Tools of Empathy and SEL to Prevent Bullying (PreK-5)
Incorporating SEL Skills into the Content Areas (PreK-5)
Instilling a Growth Mindset in Students (K-12)
Responding to Student’s Mental Health Challenges with SEL (6-12)
Social, Emotional, and Physical Wellness for Students and Teachers (PreK-12)
Teaching Critical Social-Emotional (SEL) Skills Using Picture Books (PreK-3)
Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies for All Learners (PreK-6)
Using SEL to Drive Inclusive Practices in High School (9-12)
Using SEL and Intentional Read-Alouds to Promote DEI

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STEM Award of Completion

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established a STEM Competency Program for teachers of grades K-12. In our rapidly advancing world, it is clear that student mastery of science, technology, mathematics, and engineering is key to both academic growth as well as professional growth in the future. Through PDI's STEM Competency Program, if you complete any four courses listed below, you will receive a STEM Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom, or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.

Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn a STEM Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
21st Century Thinking Skills that Promote College and Career Readiness (K-12)
Active and Hands-On Science Instruction (K-6)
Creating a Dynamic Classroom Through Project-Based Learning (K-5)
Educational Technology 101 (K-12)
Mastering Google Apps for Education (K-12)
Math Problem-Solving Strategies for Grades 3-6 (3-6)
Middle School Math Problem Solving (6-8)
The Next Generation Science Standards (K-12)
Science Inquiry Using the 5E Model (K-6)
Teaching Primary Grade Math Problem-Solving Skills (K-2)
Teaching STEM and NGSS at the Primary Level (K-2)
Unleashing the Power of NGSS and STEM (3-5)

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Teaching Students with Special Needs Award of Completion 

The Professional Development Institute, in association with UC San Diego’s Division of Extended Studies, has established a Teaching Students with Special Needs Competency Program for teachers of grades K-5 (upper grades coming soon). The classrooms of today are filled with diverse groups of students, many of whom have special needs. Through PDI's Teaching Students with Special Needs Competency Program, if you complete any four courses listed below, you will receive a Teaching Students with Special Needs Competency Award of Completion from the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Upon PDI's verification of satisfactory completion of the requirements, UCSD will mail a certificate to you suitable for framing and displaying in your classroom, or it can be used as evidence of excellence as part of your professional portfolio.

Successfully complete 4 of the courses below in order to earn a Teaching Students with Special Needs Competency Award of Completion from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. Click the links below for more information about the courses that apply toward this Award of Completion. Or, go directly to the PDI website to enroll.
 
Conquering the Behavioral Challenges of Special Needs Students (K-2)
Content Area Multi-Sensory Teaching for Students with Special Needs (K-5)
Educating the Whole Student: Mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning (K-12)
Embracing Technology to Empower Students with Special Needs (K-12)
Focused Interventions to Improve Executive Function Skills (K-12)
How to Reach and Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PreK-5)
Preparing Students with Special Needs to Meet the Standards (K-3)
Reading and Writing Strategies for Students with Special Needs (K-5) Flex Course

Structured Interventions for Specific Learning Disabilities (K-5)
Teaching Students with Special Needs in the Mainstream Classroom (K-6)