USD Professional & Continuing Education: Educators Programs

Wondering why your school’s improvement plan isn’t, well, improving anything? It could be time to rethink the entire SIP process.

Our latest blog post explores how SIPs can reflect real challenges and opportunities present in today’s schools, and how school leaders can harness their visionary side to rethink the process: https://tinyurl.com/22f4jzvq

Creating a School Improvement Plan in 2026 Creating a school improvement plan is a chance for innovation. Find best practices for school improvement planning here.

Are your lessons hitting the mark, or just filling the day?

Step back from daily teaching and learn how to design a curriculum that sparks curiosity, aligns with learning goals, and drives real student growth. A curriculum design course gives you practical skills and a portfolio of work you can use immediately.

Learn more about this type of course and how it can advance your career:

Benefits of Taking a Curriculum Design Course Learn why a curriculum design course is a smart investment for your teaching career, student outcomes, and professional growth.

Did you know adult learners retain information better when they help shape *what* and *how* they learn? In our latest blog post, discover how pedagogy and andragogy influence learning design for both K–12 students and working professionals.

Pedagogy vs. Andragogy Compare pedagogy vs. andragogy to design effective learning for adults and professional development programs.

Some children and teens carry invisible burdens that affect how they learn, engage, and trust adults, including their teachers. Trauma-informed teaching gives educators the tools to notice these signs and respond in ways that protect impacted students while improving the learning experience for all.

Read our latest blog post for actionable strategies to support students, and to learn how USD’s Human Trafficking Training for Education Professionals can prepare you to respond confidently. https://tinyurl.com/2xk6yn4d

Trauma-informed Teaching Practices Learn trauma-informed teaching strategies and best practices to support students affected by trauma or exploitation.

Are your students at risk of human trafficking? It’s a terrifying prospect, but one all teachers need to be prepared for.

Under AB 1227, all educators in California are required to complete training to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking in students. Our latest blog post breaks down what the law means, who it applies to, and what educators will learn in their training.

Read the post now:

How to Meet California’s AB 1227 Requirement Searching for California AB 1227 training for teachers? USD’s 1-credit course equips teachers to identify warning signs and protect students.

Thinking about moving from K–12 teaching to leading adult education or professional development? Our latest blog post breaks down the key differences, common challenges, and practical strategies to make the transition successful.

Learn how your teaching skills can shine in adult learning environments:

Transitioning from K–12 to Adult Education If you want to become an adult education teacher, you’ll need to build the right skills. Learn about transitioning from K–12 to adult education here.

Professional development works best when it reflects how adults learn. Our new blog post breaks down the core principles of andragogy, from self-direction to practical application, and explains how they can be applied in real-world learning environments:

What Is Andragogy? Andragogy is the theory and practice of teaching adult learners. Understanding andragogy principles can help educators deliver lessons that resonate.

Human trafficking of minors can happen anywhere, and sometimes K-12 educators are the first line of defense. Learn the red flags, risk factors, and trauma-informed strategies to support students safely.

Signs of Human Trafficking in Schools Human trafficking in schools: what educators need to know about warning signs, reporting, and trauma-informed approaches.

A well-designed curriculum map can bring clarity to instruction, strengthen alignment across grade levels, and support meaningful collaboration among educators. In our latest blog post, we break down what curriculum mapping is, why it’s essential, and how to build one that enhances teaching and learning.

Read the full post now: https://tinyurl.com/ytf3ejpf

Curriculum Mapping: Why It Matters in Education Understand what a curriculum map is, why it matters, and how to create effective maps that improve alignment and support student learning outcomes.

Did you know that students with strong mental health are more likely to succeed academically and socially? Our latest guide explores why mental health is important for students and how educators can support their well-being.

An Educators’ Guide to Mental Health in Schools Why is mental health important for students? It impacts everything from personal to academic success. Read our blog post to get all the details.