Coursework 

This "Coursework" page houses opportunities for BCPS staff to take college/university coursework to earn an additional endorsement, broaden their knowledge, and to earn recertification points. This page does not list all of the coursework that a staff member may choose to enroll in, but advertises a sampling of courses that we have been notified about. The newest additions are at the top of the page.

Tuition Assistance

If you want to take college coursework or need to take a required assessment, please access the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) APPLICATION so that Bedford County Public Schools can help cover up to $1000 of the associated costs. Procedures to follow are listed below.

Tuition Assistance Procedures

JMU: Coursework for Provisionally Licensed SPED Teachers

SPRING 2025 COURSE OFFERINGS

University of Phoenix Classes for Provisionally Licensed Teachers

Virginia Teachers with Provisional Licensure:

University of Phoenix, continuing education coursework are online single courses that are offered monthly. Take a 3 credit/ 4 week class to fulfill your requirements.  View the Fall 2024 schedule  

Next step: email, Nicole Berkebile to inquire about University of Phoenix courses or degree offerings, and to receive 10% off tuition cost.


Elementary and Secondary Provisional 

Continuing Education Courses, 3 credit/ 4week online, $157.50 per credit with tuition discount:


Special Education (General K-12) 

Special Education Courses: 


Schedule for Content area coursework  ( Science, Math, Economics) 


Educator Preparation Programs that lead to licensure

 These programs are for those that want to earn teacher licensure and hold a bachelor degree or higher.  We offer both Master's degree or fast-track Certificate programs that are financial aid eligible. 


Master of Arts in Education

MAEd/ Elementary (grades K- 6) 

MAEd/ Secondary  (single subject, grades grades 7-12) 

MAEd/ Special Education  (grades K-12)


Fast-track teacher Certificate

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Special Education       *(27 credits /9 courses)   

                                                                        *3 credits may be waived with completion of SPE/513 course.                       

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Elementary Education   (27 credits /9 courses )

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Secondary Education     (24 credits/ 8 courses) 

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at UVA

UVA Coursework

Fully online and asynchronous M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program supports new and experienced teachers interested in learning more about teaching, learning, and best practices for developing effective instructional programs, through a top-ranked program, in an interactive and flexible online experience.


Area of Emphasis Highlight: Literacy

As it relates to professional goals, the Literacy area of emphasis...


The program also offers a NEW customized coursework option where teachers can choose four courses from the areas of emphasis: Educational Innovation, English as a Second Language, Gifted Education, Instructional Technology, Literacy, Professional Studies, Social Emotional Learning, and Social Foundations. 

Accepting Spring 2025 Applications Now!

We invite you to join us for an information session this fall! Please select a date below to register:


Virtual Information Session

October 17, 2024

8:00 PM

Register



Application deadline is Nov. 1 to start spring 2025.


Did you know that current Virginia preK-12 educators may be eligible for a discounted tuition rate? In addition to the reduced educator rate, UVA is able to offer school division partners an additional 5-10% discount on tuition. For more information about tuition or partnering with UVA, please reach out to me with any questions.

ODU Math Specialist Program

PK-8 Mathematics Specialist Program

Old Dominion University is recruiting for the online PK-8 Mathematics Specialist Program. 

Candidates are licensed teachers with three or more years of successful mathematics teaching interested in deepening their math understanding. 

There are two options: MSED option (30 credits); or a Post B.A. Endorsement non-degree option (21 credits). 

Space is limited so apply today.  

VCU Center for Education Resources and Courses

The VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center’s Autism Center for Education, or ACE, offers a wide variety of online training opportunities and resources for professionals, families, individuals with ASD, and the community across the Commonwealth. All of our resources are FREE and easily accessible, so you can find what options are right for you and your school division! 

The best way to know about upcoming events and new resources from ACE is to: „ 

Sign up for MyACE! This individualized dashboard tracks ACE professional development activities making it easier for you to keep record of Recertification Points and Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Factsheets

ACE Factsheets are a site favorite! Download, print, and share these short visuals that provide a snapshot of specific strategies or practices and provide additional resources if you would like to know more. 

Microlearning 

Small bites of learning on hot topics focused around foundational knowledge and easyto-implement skills and strategies. 

Videos

Are you a visual learner? Videos are great for individuals as well as group viewing and discussion! Our video library offers a variety of formats, such as how-to’s for implementing evidencebased strategies, snapshots from real classrooms, quick tips from subject matter experts, and comprehensive information on a variety of topics.  

Webcasts

Presentations delivered by national and state experts in the field of ASD. Hear up-to-date research and detailed information about strategies right from the leading voices in the field and right in the comfort of your home or workplace! Webcasts are archived so you can watch again and again or share with a colleague or friend! 

Online Courses

Self-paced courses allow participants to go at their own pace and have recorded presentations from various experts in ASD and video examples. Facilitated courses have recorded presentations, video examples, quizzes, and interactive discussion boards hosted by a course instructor 

Self-Paced 

Facilitated 

Longwood’s Hybrid Master’s Degree Focused on Educational Leadership

Longwood’s Hybrid Master’s Degree Focused on Educational Leadership

Earn Your Master's in the Arts of Teaching

Chowan University

Earn Your Gifted Education Add-On Endorsement with University of Lynchburg



There is a practicum, but that can be waived if the teacher meets certain criteria. 

Informational Flyer

Contact Dr. Holly Gould for more information: gould_h@lynchburg.edu 

University of Phoenix: Earn Your Teaching Certificate

University of Phoenix, Teaching Certificate (leads to licensure)  - Now enrolling for MAY 7th online cohort! 


This is a Post-Bachelor Teaching Certificate and requires a Bachelor degree for admission.


Contact me first for 10% off tuition cost. Email:  Nicole.Berkebile@phoenix.edu  

University of Phoenix, Certificate programs provide a shorter track into teaching for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree outside of education and on Provisional Licensure. 


Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Special Education    Credits: 27  (K- 12 grade General Curriculum) 

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Secondary Education    Credits: 24   ( 6-12 grade, single subject) 

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Elementary Education    Credits: 27    (K -8 grade)


Program starts on MAY 7th 2024

Deadline to enroll by MAY 1st 


Benefits:

To view all Teacher Certification programs: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-education-degrees.html


For more information contact, Nicole Berkebile

Email: Nicole.Berkebile@phoenix.edu or Phone: 480.290.4328 

Mary Baldwin University Coursework

FLYER WITH ENDORSEMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS AVAILABLE

Supported Employment Course

Course dates: March 25 - May 6, 2024

It’s more than just earning a paycheck, paid work during high school is a key predictor of success after graduation.

So, how do we support students in securing jobs with fair pay in inclusive environments? This course will show you how. Our free Supported Employment in High School course is:

In just 6 weeks, this course will show you how to match your students’ strengths with appropriate work experiences, find employment opportunities for your students, and facilitate the support students need for success. You'll get a chance to meet other special educators and transition professionals and explore new strategies, resources, and success stories from specialists in the field.

Lesson 1: Values and Philosophy of Supported Employment

Before diving into the best practices and strategies for supported employment, it's important to understand the foundational elements of this practice. In this lesson, you will be introduced to the practice of supported employment by reviewing the historical and legal events that shaped it as well as the key ingredients for designing a successful supported employment program for students with disabilities.

Lesson 2: Employment Profile and Discovery

In order to develop the right opportunities for supported employment in the community, assessments are used as a tool to get to know the job seeker. In this lesson, you will learn about the role of assessments, the Discovery process of getting to know a job seeker, and the essential components of a student profile.

Lesson 3: Marketing and Job Development

Once you've collected information through the Discovery process, it's time to begin developing those job opportunities. In this lesson, you will learn about the elements of marketing, job matching, and supporting students as they find an employment opportunity that's right for them.

Lesson 4: Customized Employment

For many job seekers with disabilities, there may not be an existing job that completely fits their profile. In this lesson, you will learn about how customized employment fills that gap and creates tailored job opportunities that fit the needs of both the employer and employee.

Lesson 5: Job Site Support

After a student has secured a job, it's time to begin job site support. In this lesson, we walk you through the process of identifying support needs, developing effective training and instruction techniques, and promoting greater independence in students on the job.

Lesson 6: Follow-Along Services and Social Security

The final step in the supported employment process is the use of follow-along services to promote job satisfaction and retention for employees with disabilities. In this final lesson of the course, you will learn about the purpose of follow-along services, understand roles and responsibilities, and discover some of the key programs and organizations that offer support and resources in this process.

REGISTER TODAY

Classes for Provisionally Licensed SPED and General Education Teachers at VCU

Interested in learning more?​​​​

Submit an inquiry form and select "Graduate Certificate" and "Certificate in Special Education K-12 Teaching" to receive additional information, one-on-one transcript review support, and to learn more about the program. 

Transition University: Students with Disabilities

Winter 2024 - Transition University (Online & Self-Paced) PEATC, Available Feb. 12 - Apr. 8, 2024

Description:

Registration for Winter 2024- Transition University - Life is full of transitions.  For families of children with disabilities thinking about the future can bring mixed emotions. Some families are just trying to make it through day-to-day challenges and might not feel they have the energy to think about what happens after high school. Others may want to plan for that transition but are confused by unfamiliar language, complex steps, and the many agencies that may be involved in adult services.

Join us for this FREE 5-session SELF-PACED online course that focuses on providing parent-friendly transition information to help make transition planning easier. This course is designed for parents/caregivers of elementary, middle, or high school students that receive special education services, and the professionals that support them. The goal is to share factual information on transition services and to help make the transition from school services to the adult services world less confusing. Participants who complete the full course will receive a certificate of completion showing 7.5 hours.

Topics covered in this course will include:

Each week a new session of the course will open each week and will then remain open for the rest of the course time.

The course begins February 12, 2024 and will be open through April 8, 2024.

Sessions contain video content, written content, discussion opportunities, and resources.

Date(s):

2/12/2024 8:00 AM - 4/8/2024 11:45 AM

Classes for CTE Teachers at Old Dominion University

University of Phoenix Coursework

The University of Phoenix is pleased to offer coursework for your Provisional Licensed Educators and courses for School Social Workers


Virginia Teachers with Provisional Licensure:

University of Phoenix, continuing education coursework are online single courses that are offered monthly. Take a 3 credit/ 4 week class to fulfill your requirements.  View the SPRING 2024 schedule   (download to save or contact me for PDF)

Next step: email, Nicole Berkebile   to inquire about University of Phoenix courses or degree offerings, and to receive 10% off tuition cost.


Elementary and Secondary 

Continuing Education Courses, 3 cr/ 4week online:


Special Education (General K-12) 

Special Education Courses: 

Foundations course for Special Education:  SPE/513 Orientation to the Exceptional Child* next class starts on: March 12th 2024


Schedule for Content area coursework


Educator Preparation Programs.

 These programs are for those that want to earn teacher licensure and hold a bachelor degree or higher.  We offer both Master's degree or fast-track Certificate programs that are financial aid eligible. 


Master of Arts in Education

MAEd/ Elementary (grades K- 6) 

MAEd/ Secondary  (single subject, grades grades 7-12) 

MAEd/ Special Education  (grades K-12)


Fast-track teacher Certificate

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Special Education       *(27 credits /9 courses)   

                                                                                                 *3 credits may be waived with completion of SPE/513 course.                       

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Elementary Education   (27 credits /9 courses )

Graduate Initial Teacher Certificate/ Secondary Education     (24 credits/ 8 courses)

Radford University: ECSE Endorsement


LEARN MORE TODAY!

University of Lynchburg MEd and EDd in School Administration

Masters of Education (MEd) in School Administration and Supervision

Virtual Information Sessions

The University of Lynchburg Masters of Education in PreK-12 School Administration and

Supervision (MEd) prepares students for certification as a Virginia school leader. Through a

focus on innovation and inclusivity, students gain a full understanding of how schools and

school districts operate today and how leaders can collaborate to meet the needs of the

future.

Program highlights:

● Cohort model with 2 classes per semester (fall, spring, and summer)

● Virtual, synchronous schedule

● 36 credit program including 6 credits for the culminating internship

● Internship experiences beginning in the first semester

● Interaction with leaders around the state on key topics

● More information about the program can be found at this link.

Join us for an information session with the program director and a current student on any

of the following dates:

● Thursday, February 1, 2024, 4:30 pm (Meeting Link)

● Tuesday, February 20, 7:00 pm (Meeting Link)

● Tuesday, February 27, 8:00 am (Meeting Link)

Questions? Contact Program Director Mac Duis at duis_m@lynchburg.edu or

434-544-8284.


Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership Studies

Virtual Information Sessions

The University of Lynchburg Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (EdD) is an

interdisciplinary doctoral program that prepares candidates for a wide range of leadership

roles. Graduates include leaders in the K-12 and higher education, non-profit, mental

health, medical, and business sectors. The rigorous coursework, practical experiences, and

dissertation research blend principles and theory of leadership with practice. Students in

the program develop a close-knit network of support that lasts well into the future.

Program highlights:

● Cohort model with 2 classes per semester (fall, spring, and summer)

● Virtual, synchronous schedule

● 14 leadership courses and 12 credits for dissertation research

● More can be found about the program at this link.

Join us for an information session with the program director and a current student on any

of the following dates:

● Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 4:30 pm (Meeting Link)

● Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 7:00 pm (Meeting Link)

● Thursday, February 29, 2024, 8:00 am (Meeting Link)

Questions? Contact Program Director Mac Duis at duis_m@lynchburg.edu or

434-544-8284.

Creative and Critical Thinking with Art

This a self-paced, innovative and free online course was developed through a partnership of Virtual Virginia and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Virtual Virginia (VVA) and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) are pleased to announce a partnership to support Virginia public educators through professional learning.


Creative and Critical Thinking with Art: This course will use VMFA collections to explore creative and critical thinking across different content areas. During this course participants will explore how inquiry-based engagement with art objects might serve as a laboratory for honing the creative and critical thinking skills crucial to the discipline they teach.

Participants in this self-paced course will be able to:

Participants who successfully complete this course earn a certificate worth twelve hours of professional learning.  

ENROLL NOW

Self-Paced Courses for SPED Teachers

We have a selection of self-paced, free courses that you can take to refresh your knowledge of best practices in transition and earn PD points. 

Check out our courses on: 

Provisionally Licensed SPED Teachers: Earn Full Licensure with VCU Coursework

NEW VCU School of Education special education resources and the 20% Educator Tuition Discount for our fully online certificate program built for current and future provisionally licensed, special education general education teachers.!

Complete SEDP 630: Trends in Special Education in Two Weeks

We're offering an intensive online SEDP 630 - Trends in Special Education course from 12/27-1/9. This is the approved prerequisite for professionals interested in becoming provisionally licensed, special education, general education teachers. See this Winter Session course registration page for next steps. 

A program uilt for provisionally licensed teachers

The Certificate in Special Education K-12 Teaching is designed to meet the requirements for Virginia special education, general education licensure in as few as 18 months.

Interested in learning more?​​​​

Submit an inquiry form and select "Graduate Certificate" and "Certificate in Special Education K-12 Teaching" to receive additional information, one-on-one transcript review support, and to learn more about the program.  

Want to be a SPED Teacher? Take VCU Classes!

Complete SEDP 630: Trends in Special Education in Two Weeks

We're offering an intensive online SEDP 630 - Trends in Special Education course from 12/27-1/9. This is the approved prerequisite for professionals interested in becoming provisionally licensed, special education, general education teachers. See this Winter Session course registration page for next steps. 

A program uilt for provisionally licensed teachers

The Certificate in Special Education K-12 Teaching is designed to meet the requirements for Virginia special education, general education licensure in as few as 18 months.

Interested in learning more?​​​​

Submit an inquiry form and select "Graduate Certificate" and "Certificate in Special Education K-12 Teaching" to receive additional information, one-on-one transcript review support, and to learn more about the program.  

NEW VCU School of Education special education resources and the 20% Educator Tuition Discount for our fully online certificate program built for current and future provisionally licensed, special education general education teachers.

University of Lynchburg Advanced Coursework

The University of Lynchburg has a long history of preparing leaders to take on the important challenges we face, both in schools and our communities.


The University of Lynchburg Masters of Education in PreK-12 Administration and Supervision (MEd) prepares students for certification as a Virginia school leader. 


The University of Lynchburg Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies (EdD) is an interdisciplinary EdD program that prepares candidates for a wide range of leadership roles. 

Moving from a Paraprofessional to a Classroom Teacher with JMU

JMU offers a number of online teacher education programs geared for paraprofessionals in schools. 

Please see this FLIER to learn more about the programs offered at JMU.

You can start your coursework for a teaching degree at a local community college and then finish your classes fully online at JMU.

If you are interested in learning more about options for paraprofessionals who are interested in teaching, please reach out to Melanie Simmons at msimmons@bedford.k12.va.us 

Provisionally Licensed SPED Teachers: Earn Your License with JMU

Averett University Endorsements

VASCD Micro Credentials

Micro-credentials provide a direct link between a change in practice and student learning outcomes. They are self-directed and self-paced, personalized, authentic and job-embedded, and verified by an assessor.

Learn more about the 21 micro-credentials available HERE

ENROLL HERE 

School Social Workers Coursework: University of Phoenix 

University of Phoenix online courses for School Social Workers

Contact  Nicole.Berkebile@phoenix.edu to provide the code for 10% off tuition cost.

Dates on this chart indicate the first day of class. 

Deadline to enroll is 1 week prior to the start of class.

Available courses: 

Total cost per class: $547.50  (tuition + resource fee)

Classes are 100% online asynchronous  

Earn Your Doctorate at UVA

Prospective students are invited to attend a virtual information session for the Ed.D. in Administration & Supervision program. 


Program faculty, staff, and a former student will be available to give an overview of the program and answer questions about the student experience and admission process. 

 

Please register for one of these events by clicking on the links below or in the flyer. 

LEARN MORE NOW

 Literacy M.Ed. Cohort at JMU

Master of Arts in Teaching from Chowan University


Course Offerings:

Fall (Elementary):

Fall (Secondary):

 Spring (Elementary):

Spring (Secondary):

Summer (Elementary):

Summer (Secondary):


JMU Ed Leadership Program

 Roanoke Higher Education Center will be holding an Open House on Thursday, November 2 from 4-6 pm at the RHEC in downtown Roanoke right next to the Hotel Roanoke. 

Over the last 5 years the program has filled 64 administrative positions in our area with completers from our JMU program.  In addition 100% of our completers have passed the SLLA exam required to become a school administrator.  The RHEC offers unique supports along with their own scholarships available to students who take classes at the RHEC. 

Flyer for November 2 Open House

Flyer for Ed Leadership Program

University of Lynchburg Graduate Coursework

Mary Baldwin University Reading Endorsement

Radford University Education Information Sessions

Free Virtual Modules for Science Teachers

Deeper Learning: Supporting Effective Science Instruction - Applications are being accepted for four courses offered through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to support effective science instruction for all students and include additional resources for English learners. These free courses will be held virtually and participants are expected to apply what they are learning in each session into their classroom instruction. A computer with a camera is required in order to participate. Participants can earn 30 recertification points for completing all coursework and assignments. Spaces are limited for this fall, and these courses will be repeated in the spring.

The course descriptions and dates are:

To apply, complete the Application for Supporting Effective Science Instruction Professional Learning before the deadline of September 13, 2023. Applicants will receive notification on the status of their application by September 15th.

Coursework at Ferrum College



Serving as A Mentor Self-Paced Course

Free, Asynchronous, Self-Paced Professional Learning Course

Mentoring Virginia: Essentials Training 2023-2024

Mentoring Virginia is a statewide mentoring initiative to prepare exceptional school-based teacher educators for work in a variety of mentoring roles, including working with

... across partnerships, communities, states, and international contexts, myriad terms describe school-based teacher educators serving in these roles.

For this training, the term "mentor teacher" will refer broadly to ANY school-based teacher educators who are mentoring teacher candidates and new teachers.

A certificate worth 10 hours of professional learning is awarded upon successful completion of this course.  

Register now for the course (link opens in a new tab/window). 

Coursework at Liberty University


Virginia Career Courses for Counselors

Virginia Career VIEW (Vital Information for Education and Work) has partnered with Virtual Virginia to offer three new FREE asynchronous professional learning courses. 

These courses are of particular interest to school counselors and will introduce educators to career resources and activities that they can use with their students.

For more information/to enroll, click on one or more of the following links: 

Upon successful completion of any of the New to View courses a certificate will be awarded worth five hours of professional learning. 

Questions? Please contact Steven Sproles, Virtual Virginia Professional Learning Coordinator, at steven.sproles@virtualva.org

Educational Leadership Endorsement at Longwood University

Program at a Glance:

Virtual Virginia Free Online courses

Digging Deeper

Observing with Your Sketchbook

The Perfect Blend

Participants can view sessions under the following categories:

Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University: M.S.Ed., Ed.S., & Ph.D. Cohorts

Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University: M.S.Ed., Ed.S., & Ph.D. Cohorts

Apply here to start your educational leadership journey.

Cohort Details

Driver Education Endorsement Courses

 William & Mary: Earn Your Reading Specialist Certificate

Master of Science in Counselor Education: Longwood University

Earn Your Teaching Degree with JMU

Coaching Life Skills Through Sport

SPED Licensure at Radford University

Graduate Level Courses for Recertification or Towards an Endorsement through University of Phoenix

Become a Newsela Certified Educator: Online Course

Non-Credit Courses with Longwood University

Our non-credit classes can be used for recertification, professional development, or personal enrichment.  Here are four reasons you may want to enroll in an online class: 

Please visit  https://lancerlearning.com/non-credit-classes/ for more information on upcoming classes.  We're available at professionalstudies@longwood.edu or 434.395.2140 if you have questions.

Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder Modules 

Administrators Guide to Students with Autism: VCU Course

VARC Autism Training Course

Register: vcuautismcenter.org 

Self-paced course- registration is always open

Earn Badges in Autism Topics Through VCU

Register: vcuautismcenter.org 


Earn Badges you can complete at your own pace to use for recertification points 

 

Prompting

Prompting is the system of supporting students as they learn and gain independence with new skills.

 

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is a fundamental strategy for promoting skill acquisition for learners with ASD in all settings.


Overview of ASD

Overview of ASD introduces basic characteristics and strategies for the classroom. 5 Total Hours

 

CAPS

CAPS is a framework to help implement a comprehensive instructional program for students with ASD. 5 total hours

 

Communication

This module covers why supporting communication for students with ASD is important and strategies for the classroom. 5 Hours

 

Behavior

This module contains strategies and information for supporting positive behavior. 5 total hours

 

Transportation

“Safety for All” - Learn important information about autism and managing challenging behavior relevant for transportation staff.

 

Visual Supports

Visual Supports are an important for students with ASD to promote independence and let them know expectations.

 

Environmental Structure

Setting up an environment that works for everyone is an important part of teaching.

 

Basics of Supporting Adults

Learn how persons with autism perceive their world, strategies for support, and how to assist an adult person with autism.

 

Basics of Employment

Learn about supported employment models, the benefits of work in integrated settings, and how to assist in career exploration.

  

Basics of Postsecondary Education

This badge provides examples of and information on young adults with autism who transitioned in postsecondary environments.

 

 Basics of Personal Independence

This badge reviews topics such as community integration, health, and sexuality for persons with autism.

 

General Education Collaboration

A collection of training materials to help inclusion in the classroom. 5 hours 

 

Introduction to Teaching Social Skills

This training contains instructional strategies for promoting social skills for students with ASD of varying ages and contexts.

Improving Goal Mastery through Data-Based Decision-Making for Students with Autism

VCU Coursework to Support Young Children with ASD