Online teaching courses
Explore course options for teachers and school staff that want to elevate their classroom skills, from lesson planning and instructional design to teaching with technology.
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Register for teaching courses online
Teachers are at the core of inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning for all. Quality educators can change students’ lives and the trajectory of their communities.
Globally, 44 million additional teachers are needed to meet universal primary and secondary education by 2030. About 34% of these educators are needed in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, according to UNESCO.1
Recruiting and keeping good teachers is a challenge that requires effort at all levels to overcome — from evaluating teacher training and improving working conditions to providing opportunities for professional development.
If you are interested in learning more about teaching, online courses offer a flexible, collaborative environment to build actionable skills that you can immediately bring into the classroom.
What topics are covered in online teaching courses?
From pedagogical approaches and instructional design to teaching in the digital age, educators can encounter a wide range of topics in an online teaching course. Online programs can be a great opportunity for teachers to engage in continuous learning and professional development tailored specifically to their subject area or students’ needs.
Some examples of the types of content participants can study include:
- Educational technology: Explore how the digital age and new tools impact learning and can be successfully integrated into the classroom. Participants could learn about different pedagogical theories surrounding technology, frameworks for change, and how to create actionable lesson plans at various school levels.
- Lesson planning: Perfect the craft of instructional design and learn to create effective and engaging training materials and classroom lesson plans in courses that focus on this topic. Participants could learn about different learning styles, design styles, and the teaching strategies.
- Engaging students: Building a rapport with students built on trust and mutual respect is a skill that can be built and enhanced. In courses that cover this topic, participants could learn about the traits of a positive learning environment, tailored and inclusive teaching strategies, and active learning techniques.
Types of teaching careers
There are a variety of careers related to teaching and educating. Some are more focused on traditional classroom teaching, but it takes an entire staff to foster positive school environments. Examples of careers related to teaching include:
- Teacher: Contributes to the academic and social development of children through classroom education.2 These professionals are the primary sources of core subject education for students in primary and secondary schools. You’ll develop lesson plans, administer curriculum, engage with students, and provide feedback.
- Principal: Manages day-to-day operations of primary and secondary schools, including ensuring accountability, overseeing school staff, and advocating for extra-mural activities.3
- Curriculum developer: Creates curriculum processes and procedures, and helps establish teaching standards for school systems.4 These professionals might work for the public or private school systems, or a private company that develops curriculum on behalf of the department of education
- School counselor: Designs and delivers school counseling programs that maximize student outcomes, promote access and equity, and support students emotionally. These professionals may engage in academic planning, one-on-one or group counseling, and student advocacy activities.5
Educators are also needed outside of the traditional school setting. Corporate workshop facilitators, leadership coaches, and personal trainers are just some examples of careers where teaching skills are vital.
Why should I enroll in online teaching courses?
If you are interested in becoming or already are a teacher, courses online can be a vital part of your initial and continuing education. When educators participate in ongoing learning and development throughout their careers, it can improve both student and educator outcomes. For example, OECD research shows that CPD activities boost teachers’ sense of confidence and job satisfaction.6
Some of the characteristics of effective professional development, according to teachers in the research, include:7
- Delivered with a coherent structure
- Takes place over an extended period of time
- Provides opportunities for active and collaborative learning
Online teaching courses can provide an engaging, collaborative environment for teachers to learn from experts and one another.
Continuous learning is also often a requirement for teachers to maintain active credentials. In South Africa, continuing professional teacher development (CPTD) as it relates to teacher licensure is managed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE).8
Likewise, professional development hours are usually required for teaching license renewal in the United States. Specific requirements vary by state and teachers should consult with their state’s department of education for details.
Sources
1(2023). ‘The teachers we need for the education we want’. Retrieved from UNESCO.
2(Nd). ‘Information for educators’. Retrieved from Department of Basic Education, Republic of South Africa. Accessed on March 7, 2025.
3(Nd). ‘Importance of principals’. Retrieved from Department of Basic Education, Republic of South Africa. Accessed on March 7, 2025.
4(Mar, 2025). ‘How to become a curriculum developer (with tips)’. Retrieved from Indeed.
5(2023). ‘The role of the school counselor’. Retrieved from American School Counselor Association.
6(Jun, 2019). ‘TALIS 2018 results (volume I)’. Retrieved from OECD.
7(Jun, 2019). ‘TALIS 2018 results (volume I)’. Retrieved from OECD.
8(Nd). ‘About PD and research’. Retrieved from South African Council for Educators. Accessed on March 10, 2025.
Register for teaching courses online
Teachers are at the core of inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning for all. Quality educators can change students’ lives and the trajectory of their communities.
Globally, 44 million additional teachers are needed to meet universal primary and secondary education by 2030. About 34% of these educators are needed in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, according to UNESCO.1
Recruiting and keeping good teachers is a challenge that requires effort at all levels to overcome — from evaluating teacher training and improving working conditions to providing opportunities for professional development.
If you are interested in learning more about teaching, online courses offer a flexible, collaborative environment to build actionable skills that you can immediately bring into the classroom.
What topics are covered in online teaching courses?
From pedagogical approaches and instructional design to teaching in the digital age, educators can encounter a wide range of topics in an online teaching course. Online programs can be a great opportunity for teachers to engage in continuous learning and professional development tailored specifically to their subject area or students’ needs.
Some examples of the types of content participants can study include:
- Educational technology: Explore how the digital age and new tools impact learning and can be successfully integrated into the classroom. Participants could learn about different pedagogical theories surrounding technology, frameworks for change, and how to create actionable lesson plans at various school levels.
- Lesson planning: Perfect the craft of instructional design and learn to create effective and engaging training materials and classroom lesson plans in courses that focus on this topic. Participants could learn about different learning styles, design styles, and the teaching strategies.
- Engaging students: Building a rapport with students built on trust and mutual respect is a skill that can be built and enhanced. In courses that cover this topic, participants could learn about the traits of a positive learning environment, tailored and inclusive teaching strategies, and active learning techniques.
Types of teaching careers
There are a variety of careers related to teaching and educating. Some are more focused on traditional classroom teaching, but it takes an entire staff to foster positive school environments. Examples of careers related to teaching include:
- Teacher: Contributes to the academic and social development of children through classroom education.2 These professionals are the primary sources of core subject education for students in primary and secondary schools. You’ll develop lesson plans, administer curriculum, engage with students, and provide feedback.
- Principal: Manages day-to-day operations of primary and secondary schools, including ensuring accountability, overseeing school staff, and advocating for extra-mural activities.3
- Curriculum developer: Creates curriculum processes and procedures, and helps establish teaching standards for school systems.4 These professionals might work for the public or private school systems, or a private company that develops curriculum on behalf of the department of education
- School counselor: Designs and delivers school counseling programs that maximize student outcomes, promote access and equity, and support students emotionally. These professionals may engage in academic planning, one-on-one or group counseling, and student advocacy activities.5
Educators are also needed outside of the traditional school setting. Corporate workshop facilitators, leadership coaches, and personal trainers are just some examples of careers where teaching skills are vital.
Why should I enroll in online teaching courses?
If you are interested in becoming or already are a teacher, courses online can be a vital part of your initial and continuing education. When educators participate in ongoing learning and development throughout their careers, it can improve both student and educator outcomes. For example, OECD research shows that CPD activities boost teachers’ sense of confidence and job satisfaction.6
Some of the characteristics of effective professional development, according to teachers in the research, include:7
- Delivered with a coherent structure
- Takes place over an extended period of time
- Provides opportunities for active and collaborative learning
Online teaching courses can provide an engaging, collaborative environment for teachers to learn from experts and one another.
Continuous learning is also often a requirement for teachers to maintain active credentials. In South Africa, continuing professional teacher development (CPTD) as it relates to teacher licensure is managed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE).8
Likewise, professional development hours are usually required for teaching license renewal in the United States. Specific requirements vary by state and teachers should consult with their state’s department of education for details.
Sources
1(2023). ‘The teachers we need for the education we want’. Retrieved from UNESCO.
2(Nd). ‘Information for educators’. Retrieved from Department of Basic Education, Republic of South Africa. Accessed on March 7, 2025.
3(Nd). ‘Importance of principals’. Retrieved from Department of Basic Education, Republic of South Africa. Accessed on March 7, 2025.
4(Mar, 2025). ‘How to become a curriculum developer (with tips)’. Retrieved from Indeed.
5(2023). ‘The role of the school counselor’. Retrieved from American School Counselor Association.
6(Jun, 2019). ‘TALIS 2018 results (volume I)’. Retrieved from OECD.
7(Jun, 2019). ‘TALIS 2018 results (volume I)’. Retrieved from OECD.
8(Nd). ‘About PD and research’. Retrieved from South African Council for Educators. Accessed on March 10, 2025.
