The Acacia University Professional Development courses focus on one or two proven, research-based strategies, taught in a way that makes classroom implementation easy and effective. When these strategies are used consistently in the classroom, learning becomes more effective and fun for the students. The strategies encourage higher level thinking skills and can be used in any subject area.
*All Acacia professional development opportunities support AdvancED, NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI school improvement journeys.
Acacia University Professional Development Mini-Courses
- Each mini-course includes reading material, a video presentation, and assignments/assessments
- Each mini-course is go-at-your-own-pace but must be completed within 4 weeks of enrollment
- Available on computers or mobile devices
- New topics available each month
- Mini-courses may be conducted by administrators or teacher-leaders in a workshop format or completed individually
Each mini-course awards
- After submission of the course work and survey, a completion certificate of 15 clock hours of professional development will be awarded
- One Continuing Education Unit graduate credit on an official Acacia transcript
- An opportunity to transfer mini-courses taken on one topic into a graduate program (course work will be reviewed at that time)
Prerequisites for graduate credit
- Bachelor’s degree
- Working in and/or associated with an educational institution
Cost $75.00 per course
Mini-Courses Next Steps
To see detailed descriptions of each mini-course in the program, click here.
To start the enrollment process, click here.
If you have explored the website and have other questions, simply click on the "Contact Us" link on every page.
Professional Learning Communities in Schools
All of Acacia University professional development opportunities support AdvancED, NWAC, and SACS CASI school improvement standards and actions that align with current research and best practices promoted by ASCD.
Acacia University is excited to present a new professional development program for international schools. Schools will subscribe for this opportunity on a 12-month basis. Register anytime throughout the school year for this special school opportunity. The cost is $5,400 for a one year subscription, payable in either one payment of $5400 or twelve (12) payments of $450 per month for a professional learning community of up to 12 teachers. The Acacia professional development program is an opportunity for international schools to provide ongoing professional development to educators working in their school to earn the Acacia International Teaching Certificate. In support of AdvancED’s standard to provide ongoing professional development and continuous school improvement, this opportunity is open to all schools involved in school improvement and/or accreditation. The certificate is only recognized by international schools accredited by AdvancED.
Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are provided in a hybrid format - a combination of online and onsite activities supported by Acacia University professional educators.
Through a series of eight (three-credit) courses, schools will appoint a Professional Learning Community Leader to lead a team of as many as 12 teachers through eight-week courses. One or two courses are provided each eight weeks as teachers work toward the Acacia University International Teaching Certification. Each course focuses on research-based strategies aligned with ASCD current research and contains fieldwork and training through onsite discussions and application, taught in a way that makes classroom implementation easy and effective. The program focuses on active student learning and achievement.
At the end of 12 months and/or the PLC completion of four courses, the subscribing school will earn a Certificate of Support for Professional Learning Communities. After the PLC completion of all required courses, each participant will earn their Acacia University International Teaching Certificate and the school will be presented with an Acacia University certificate for supporting ongoing professional development through PLC.
Eight Professional Development courses result in a total of 24 professional development credits. Courses include:
- Four courses in effective teaching strategies aligned with ASCD research practices
- Instructional Organizers
- Progress Monitoring
- Active Learning Strategies
- Critical Thinking Strategies
- Classroom Management
- Developmental Strategies
- Curriculum and Standards
- Differentiated Learning Strategies
Additional optional services for schools may be purchased:
- One or two-day workshops provided at your school by Acacia professional development mentors
- Onsite mentoring or advising, classroom observations, teacher assistance
- Weekly online mentoring/consulting with an Acacia University mentor (two hours per week)
- Two hour webinar or interactive seminar sessions to assist teachers
I would like more information on the Optional Services
Professional Learning Communities Next Steps
To see detailed descriptions of each course in the PLC program click here.
To see where this certificate is recognized click here.
To start the subscription process using the monthly payment plan, a payment every month for twelve months, click here.
To start the subscription process using the twice yearly payment plan, payment now and again after six months, click here.
To start the subscription process using the yearly payment plan, one payment now, click here.
If you have explored the website and have other questions, simply click on the "Contact Us" link on every page.
We look forward to you joining Acacia Professional Development!