Welcome to the Heritage Institute, a leader in educator professional development since 1975. Our self-paced distance courses may be started at any time and have six months to complete. Tuition for credit courses includes continuing education quarter credit from Antioch University, Seattle, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Credits may be used for salary enhancement and teaching certificate renewal. Assignments for courses with an envelope symbol are sent by email whereas those with a computer symbol are done in our customized online learning environment.
Questions? Read our FAQs or Contact Us.
Welcome to the Heritage Institute, a leader in educator professional development since 1975. Our self-paced distance courses may be started at any time and have six months to complete. Tuition for credit courses include continuing education quarter credit from Antioch University, Seattle, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Credits may be used for salary enhancement and teaching certificate renewal. Assignments for courses with an envelope symbol are sent by email whereas those with a computer symbol are done in our customized online learning environment.
92% of teachers say that our courses helped them to improve their student’s performance. Below are our newest course offerings that will invigorate your teaching and deliver real results.
Questions? Read our FAQs or Contact Us.
Welcome to the Heritage Institute, a leader in educator professional development since 1975. Our self-paced distance courses may be started at any time and have six months to complete. Tuition for credit courses include continuing education quarter credit from Antioch University, Seattle, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Credits may be used for salary enhancement and teaching certificate renewal. Assignments for courses with an envelope symbol are sent by email whereas those with a computer symbol are done in our customized online learning environment.
Please enjoy a special discount on this month's featured course. Read more about this course in our blog.
Questions? Read our FAQs or Contact Us.
THI President Mike Seymour says, "Learning is about finding a way to light the spark, it is not rote." Our workshops, field studies and travel courses get you out of the house and into the world to refuel your passion for teaching. All courses award your choice of credit, clock hours, PDU's, or CEUs except travel courses. Travel courses may be taken for Washington State Clock Hours, Oregon State PDU's or THI CEUs only.
Tuition for credit courses include continuing education quarter credit from Antioch University, Seattle, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Credits may be used for salary enhancement and teaching certificate renewal.
Workshops and field study courses are seasonal and will be listed when instructors have begun accepting registrations. Please check back on this page or sign up for our newsletter for new course announcements.
Questions? Visit our FAQs or Contact Us.
Classroom Management
Course No. ED448H, ED548H
The book for this course introduces you to the most typical student types and how best to work with them such as: the Good Kids, the Rebels, the Perfectionists, the Invisibles and more. With each introduction, there will be ample information on what is needed and how to work best with that student.
Course No. ED448G, ED548G
The 99 strategies explored in this course are going to help you engage your students. And you will find boredom's been banished from your classroom and from your teaching as well.
Course No. ED466u, ED566u
Course No. ED430C
This course provides authoritative and reality-based best practices in classroom management from some of our best educational researchers, including Robert Marzano, Jana Marzano and Debra Pickering. It clarifies both what to do, and how to do it, with ample examples and action steps.
Course No. ED445X, ED545X
How do we set boundaries and guidelines without it turning into a power struggle? Is the way we set up rules at the beginning of a year that important? Is there a way to help children understand parameters without getting them frustrated?
Course No. ED465i, ED565i
Course No. ED447E, ED547E
Based on the best-selling book ever on classroom management and student achievement, this course will help you make the first day of school, and every day, a success! This First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher is a must-have for new teachers and veterans alike. Regardless of your level of experience, you will enjoy the text so much that you will want to savor it instead of rushing through.
Course No. ED467g, ED567g
Course No. ED448i, ED548i
This course provides an intriguing and unique look at the subject of differentiation. Part I of our text includes three completely fresh techniques for helping students understand why they will not all be doing the same things at the same time.
Course No. ED437P, ED537P
Support kindness, respect for others, an attitude for service and a variety of other positive character traits by learning how to incorporate the literature and themes found in Dr. Seuss books, one of the most beloved of children's authors.
Course No. ED442W, ED542W
This independent study course focuses on practical solutions for the day-to-day frustrations and challenges common in today’s classroom.
Course No. ED429W, ED529W
Throughout each day, educators are expected to balance academic demands with the personal aspects of each child. The purpose of this course is to help educators to become more organized in their preparation time and in their teaching style.
Course No. ED446H, ED546H
As a teacher, there are so many different things you have to keep track of and organize.
Course No. SS401Q, SS501Q
Research and teacher experience has demonstrated the importance of positive family involvement to student achievement. How can we create relationships and a climate where all families are allies and not adversaries of education?
Course No. ED444o, ED544o
This independent study course focuses on putting the teacher in control of the classroom. The list of obstacles facing today’s teachers is enormous and this class will teach you alternatives to the typical methods that leave teachers feeling worn down and unsuccessful.
Course No. SS401V, SS501V
Poor social skills are the leading reason why people lose jobs, according to Labor and Industry research. While educators know the importance of social skills, schools do not provide adequate training in this area.
Course No. ED419G, ED519G
Psychologist Abraham Maslow noted specific human needs including safety and belonging. Unfortunately put-downs, gossip, and criticism abound throughout our schools leaving many students feeling isolated, picked-on and unsafe.
Course No. ED435J, ED535J
With or without lesson plans, you can be a super substitute. Discover tried and true K-12 procedures you can implement successfully while the regular teacher is away. Find out how to pack your bag, set the course, and ride the waves of any given day. Learn about being prepared with your substitute's suitcase from a seasoned veteran and you and your students will have an extraordinary time together.
Course No. ED461q, ED561q
Course No. ED461A, ED561A
As a teacher do you ever feel overwhelmed? Burned-out? Do you feel as if you can’t get through to some students? That you lack administrative support? That you cannot connect with some parents? That you can’t get away from negativity when you go to the lunchroom or pass certain teachers in the hallway? That you lack important resources for yourself or your students? Perhaps you just can’t break out of your own rut.
When Teaching Gets Tough offers practical strategies teachers can use to make things better right away. The text offers specific and distinct examples and strategies for addressing a plethora of difficult situations, as well providing as reflective opportunities and specific sections designed for administrators. The supplemental readings offer even more ideas and opportunities for exploring solutions. Once the course is completed, teachers will feel back on top of their game, re-energized, and know that they are making a positive difference in their lives and the lives of their students.
Counseling & Special Ed
Course No. ED450H, ED550H
Traditional discipline plans usually frustrate chronically disruptive students and can be overkill for well- adjusted kids. Dr. Ross Greene's “Plan B” is a better approach for dealing with disruptive behavior. It assumes that even disruptive students want to succeed in school, but that they have obstacles in their lives which prevent them from being successful.
Course No. ED451Z, ED551Z
Are kids at your school mean to each other? Of course they are. When kids are cruel to other kids not only does it do direct harm to the victims, it also affects the learning environment for everyone.
Course No. ED436U, ED536U
If you have students with one of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and you don’t know what they’re thinking or feeling, your days will be difficult – and theirs will be too. Most Pre-K through 12th grade educators have worked with ASD students already, and the prevalence of ASD is increasing. This course is an essential introduction to this puzzling disorder.
Course No. ED445Y, ED545Y
There are many students who appear to lack social understanding, have difficulties with communication and with basic learning skills. The general term of “Autism” is often thrown about and quickly attached to these types of children.
What is Autism? What are the causes? ...
Course No. ED452Y, ED552Y
Our boys are struggling. They are academically disengaged and facing social challenges alone. What will their place will be in the wider world once they leave high school (if they even make it that far)? Let's look at the troubling symptoms our boys are presenting, and then we will pull back the curtain on their inner lives. We will look at the cultural expectations they are under, cultivate new understanding of boys and their world, and much more.
Course No. ED437Q, ED537Q
This class will help K-12 educators develop proactive strategies to minimize and prevent bullying and teasing behaviors. We will discuss victims, rescuers, bystanders, and bullies and how they are intertwined in life.
Course No. ED456T, ED556T
Learn powerful communication skills and successful strategies for working with challenging colleagues. You will learn the 10 specific behaviors that represent people at their worst and the underlying causes of these behaviors. Also, learn how to bring out the best in people when they are at their worst. Become proficient at understanding motivating issues behind unwanted behavior. You will uncover insights about yourself and your work place. Appropriate for teachers K-12, administrators and support staff.
Course No. ED409R, ED509R
You don't have to be a counselor to apply some basic counseling skills. You will find the techniques this course provides invaluable in working with a wide variety of K-12 student situations. You will read and practice the kind of interview and listening skills which will help you to achieve greater understanding...
Course No. ED437G, ED537G
Learn the causes and misconceptions that surround the development and treatment of oppositional children. Learn how specialists would engineer classroom environments, routines, and tasks to maximize positive results.
Course No. SS406K, SS506K
Gangs, drugs and violence have all moved together into America's smaller towns and communities, leaving many teachers unprepared for their impact on education. Use this course to identify, assess and intervene when signs of gang behavior appear.
Course No. ED453i, ED553i
Imagine looking out on your classroom and knowing that every student has a clear, receptive mind, is engaged, and is ready to learn. Unfortunately, this is rarely what we see in our classrooms. Instead, too many students seem preoccupied, isolated, withdrawn, nervous or overwhelmed.
It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 students in America suffers from a diagnosable anxiety disorder. And it is further suggested that, unchecked, anxiety can result in school failure, social isolation and missed opportunities. The purpose of this course is for educators to increase their understanding of anxiety and learn how to support students, and their parents, who are dealing with this disorder.
This independent study course is appropriate for Pre-K through grade12 teachers, administrators, support staff and parents. Note: The book, Growing Up Brave, was written for parents, however it is an excellent resource for understanding and supporting our anxious students and their parents.
Course No. SS409F, SS509F
Investigate the many aspects of high needs people and their behaviors. Gain a greater understanding of how to interact with student and adult explosive behavior, dependent behavior, poor listener behavior and more.
Course No. SS401P, SS501P
Based on classroom observations as well as the research of many psychologists, we know self-esteem is important to student achievement. Too often schools see children whose low self esteem interferes with their learning and too often we fail to relate to troubled students in an affirming way.
Course No. ED456u, ED556u
Most students experience some form of loss in their lives, and the grief that results can profoundly affect their academic performance, emotional stability, and social interactions. This class will help educators understand and respond to the extraordinary challenges that children may face when dealing with grief and loss. Participants will learn strategies to help students affected by divorce, the death of a parent, relative, friend, or pet; violence; chronic illness, and more. This class will examine grief experiences at different developmental levels and will give you strategies to:
1. Respond appropriately to expressions of grief from children and adolescents
2. Help students handle some of the emotions associated with loss
3. Determine when to refer a child to a specialist
4. Respect cultural attitudes towards grief and loss
5. Understand and identify risk taking behaviors and suicide
This course is appropriate for those working in all grades, K-12 including teachers, para-educators, counselors, and other support personnel.
Course No. SS406M, SS506M
Anger management strategies have become an important topic in schools, businesses, homes and communities. We regularly hear how dangerous our society has become, especially the youth population. Focus on ways of handling violence without getting involved in the typical power struggles.
Course No. ED464z, ED564z
Course No. ED404d, ED504d
How can we help aggressive, out-of-control students and not simply spend time on tiresome control tactics? This course starts with a review of the social, emotional and environmental factors underlying childhood verbal and physical aggression then provides specific strategies for de-escalation.
Course No. ED458T, ED558T
Why does one K-12 student get argumentative and another becomes withdrawn? What does it mean when a child makes negative comments about assignments? This course explores the motivation of these behaviors and helps you understand their function. You will increase motivation, reduce power struggles, encourage positive relationships while evaluating various stages of behavior, development, and interventions to support change.
Course No. SS404U, SS504U
Suicide continues to claim the lives of many individuals each year. Suicidal behavior and youth suicides are one of the leading causes of death among those age 15 to 24. Depression is common during this period and when prolonged it becomes a serious risk of suicidal behavior.
Education
Course No. ED459L, ED559L
Classroom culture is a mysterious mix with no recipe and yet it is the special sauce for a happy curriculum and student learning. Refresh your teaching as you learn more about enhancing a culture of thinking in your pre-K-12 classroom. Review the 8 familiar forces which focus students on learning vs. work and build a supportive matrix with your colleagues while you do it. Text $16 at Amazon.
Course No. ED464w, ED564w
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to teachers Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Academic Camp or Professional Development Workshop of their choosing at anytime throughout the year.
Some examples of these types of camps and/or workshops are Math Camp, Science Camp, Language Arts Camp, PLC Workshop, Instructional Workshop, TAH Workshop, Gilder- Lehrman Workshop, NEH Workshop, etc.
Course No. ED464v, ED564v
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
Course No. ED464x, ED564x
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to teachers Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Academic Camp or Professional Development Workshop of their choosing at anytime throughout the year.
Some examples of these types of camps and/or workshops are Math Camp, Science Camp, Language Arts Camp, PLC Workshop, Instructional Workshop, TAH Workshop, Gilder- Lehrman Workshop, NEH Workshop, etc.
Course No. ED464y, ED564y
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to teachers Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Academic Camp or Professional Development Workshop of their choosing at anytime throughout the year.
Some examples of these types of camps and/or workshops are Math Camp, Science Camp, Language Arts Camp, PLC Workshop, Instructional Workshop, TAH Workshop, Gilder- Lehrman Workshop, NEH Workshop, etc.
Course No. ED437A, ED537A
Thomas Armstrong's Awakening Genius encourages a renaissance of thinking about the true meaning of children's giftedness. He provides remedies that call for teachers modeling their own joy of learning. The book lists simple genius experiences and activities for the classroom that help counter the often-damaging effects of scripted curriculum, standardized grading and testing, along with other factors that degrade the love of learning.
Course No. ED449H, ED549H
Today's students differ greatly from each other and their learning needs vary more dramatically than ever! These differences are wide ranging and are being identified earlier. Such classroom disparities require all educators to think differently about teaching and learning; educators have been differentiating for ages. This class is intended to move you from where you are now (beginner, proficient, advanced) in the procedures of differentiation, to the next level essential for success.
Course No. ED458z, ED558z
The bad news is that poverty can create chronic, devastating changes in the brain. It would be easy to look at the statistics and want to give up. The good news is that there are powerful solutions to boost attendance, lessen behavior issues and turn your classroom into a high performance success, BUT you need the engagement strategies to help you do your job well. High performing students need high performing teachers. Every student deserves a caring engaging teacher. Attitudes and the strategies of yesterday are not enough. Join me to upgrade your teaching skills. Make it a priority to engage far more students every day. Fasten your seatbelt: These strategies work for all kids across the grade and content levels. Sign up NOW for an engaging, fast moving, practical experience. Appropriate for all educators and administrators K-12.
Course No. ED430k, ED530K
The required text for this course is "Teaching with the Brain in Mind" by Eric Jensen. Noted for his contribution to brain-based learning Eric Jensen guides us through one fascinating insight after another in the introduction and twelve chapters of this latest edition of teaching how-to’s, based on our understanding from brain-research of how people are motivated, problem-solve and remember.
Course No. ED467a, ED567a
Course No. ED449M, ED549M
Elementary teachers! Become a technology leader for your professional team and inspire your students. Develop lessons using free online curriculum-rich resources that will engage students in every core subject. Not only will you learn to access an amazing amount of online resources, you will learn new innovative ways to apply them to your current professional assignment.
Course No. ED437J, ED537J
Discover differences between the male and female brain to transform how you teach and communicate. Explore teaching and learning strategies developed through current brain research on gender differences. The focus relates to effective learning, interpersonal communication, motivation, and self-concept. Learn to create and adapt activities based on how boys and girls brains work best and their needs at different life stages.
Course No. ED448F, ED548F
Using a basicworkbook created by Larry Ferlazzo, an award-winning author, you will find strategies to engage your students more effectively.
You will learn how to deal with getting students motivated and helping students see the importance of personal responsibility. You will also learn to deal with disruptive students and classes, while finding the best ways to maximize the chances that a lesson will be successful, and more.
Course No. ED466o, ED566o
Course No. ED430F, ED530F
The required text for this class is "How to Teach So Students Remember" by Marilee Sprenger. This book is one of the top-rated and inspiring “how-to” guides showing the seven important strategies, and supporting research, that gives students the best possible chance to make meaning and remember what’s academically important.
Course No. ED452f, ED552f
Children accomplish at a higher rate and with greater effectiveness when they are excited about learning. This course will investigate strategies to increase enthusiasm in students. Each educator will read and view inspiring stories of success within the classroom and community.
Course No. ED463v, ED563v
Course No. ED430G, ED530G
This course is rich in ideas for how to help secondary students, especially poor readers, with the motivation and skills to read for comprehension. Required text is "Literacy Strategies for Grades 4-12" by Karen Tankersly.
Course No. ED448J, ED548J
Create effective partnerships with parents around the Love & Logic philosophy and strategies. This course for all teachers, K-12, promotes a common vision for expectations and accountability both at home and in school.
This course will help you, the teacher, and the parent create confident, self-motivated, and responsible children and students.
Course No. ED466q, ED566q
Course No. ED448K, ED548K
If you are looking for a refreshing change of pace, this course is for you! Written by psychologist, Carol Dweck, Mindset, focuses on research that shows the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you live your life.
Course No. ED459q, ED559q
Why do some children succeed while others fail? Have you experienced burnout with certain students and are not sure where to turn? Let’s turn this around. When students believe that dedication and hard work can change their performance in school, they grow to become resilient, successful students. Mindsets in the Classroom provides educators with ideas and strategies to build and maintain a growth mindset culture. The focus is on how persistence, hard work and grit can change students’ school performance. All teachers are looking for tools that will ignite a love of learning while communicating that every student can succeed. Do you want to find out how to capture and identify that mindset? Are you ready to create successful and resilient learners? Are you interested in learning the new research on IQ and brain plasticity in order to motivate and engage all students? Then join me for this exciting and transformative course. I recommend this course to any teacher, student, administrator, parent or professional developer who is looking to up their game.
Course No. ED438R, ED538R
Examine the exciting idea of extending learning for your students beyond those classroom walls! In this fun, informative and multi-faceted course, you will discover dozens of ways to use your school building, school grounds, local neighborhood and local community to enhance learning for your students in the areas of math, art, science, language arts, history and geography.
Course No. ED434Y, ED534Y
Help children move from complacency to compassion and social responsibility in their interactions with other people. Too often, children miss opportunities to support, encourage, and help those around them.
Course No. ED465b, ED565b
Course No. ED444U, ED544U
Eric Jensen's, Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kid’s Brains and What Schools Can Do About It, analyzes the effects of poverty on education and how educators can play a hand in improving the potential of every student. The strategies and action steps are easy to apply and can really make a difference.
Course No. ED430H, ED530H
This course is based on the required text, "Qualities of Effective Teachers" by James Stronge. Stronge’s work emphasizes that the classroom teacher is a person that makes the biggest difference in studies of effectiveness. Also covered are classroom management, curriculum development, lesson delivery. follow-up checklists and ‘red flags’ of ineffective teaching.
Course No. ED444K, ED544K
Enhance your K-12 cultural competence in this course exploring White Privilege and its impact. After choosing a text, such as How to Teach Students who Don’t Look Like You or Every Day Anti-Racism, you will learn to mitigate the negative effects of race and cultural bias.
Course No. ED448L, ED548L
Scientists now know so much more about how our students learn than thirty years ago and it is time to upgrade your learning. Did you know that our brains are not really designed for thinking? Did you know that most of what we learn is forgotten immediately?
Course No. ED447G, ED547G
Our best teaching comes from bringing who we are (our passions and creativity) to what we do. But this kind of authentic, heart-centered engagement with our work is hard to maintain in the face of the energy-draining demands of today’s education system that appears to focus more on test results than on the humanity of teachers and their students.
Course No. ED466y, ED566y
Course No. ED466w, ED566w
Course No. ED452k, ED552k
A good working memory is crucial to becoming a successful leaner. Mounting evidence links literacy and numeracy to strong working memory. This course will provide a coherent overview of the role played by working memory in learning and its development during the school years. It will offer teachers/counselors strategies for supporting working memory in students at all ages, especially those who are underperforming. You will receive hands-on support for utilizing numerous techniques including: chunking, organization, keywords, peg words, loci, mnemonics and many more. Don’t miss this opportunity ....
Course No. ED466s, ED566s
Course No. ED430J, ED530j
The required text for this course is "So Each May Learn: Integrating Learning Styles & Multiple Intelligence" by authors Harvey Silver, Richard Strong and Matthew Perini. With a commitment to effectiveness, practicality, fairness and fun for you and your students, the authors of this great book blend learning styles and multiple intelligences so that you can best meet the needs of individual students.
Course No. ED444V, ED544V
This transformative course for K-12 educators shows and explains, in concrete terms, winning techniques of master teachers. If you are a teacher who wants to improve your craft, then this course will give you the tools to do that.
From field notes and observations of master teachers, Doug Lemov has compiled specific practices in his action packed book, Teach Like a Champion, which comes with a DVD as well.
Course No. ED437L, ED537L
Discover the old culprits: hormones, rebellion, and exuberance and recognize they are not the only answers to understanding teens. This course teaches you about the teen brain and how to navigate the abrupt shifts in emotion and behavior while still being effective. This exciting course provides practical strategies for creating a more academically AND emotionally productive classroom.
Course No. ED450i, ED550i
How delightful would it be if every student came to class on time, had their assignments done and did their best work? Unfortunately this is not the case. While many kids are organized, many kids are not. These disorganized kids can be disruptive; they are stuck in a downward spiral of failure and let’s face it - they drag down your school’s test scores.
Course No. ED467d, ED567d
Course No. ED437E, ED537E
What distinguishes the great teacher from the struggling teacher? Joseph Ciaccio has developed a list of five ways the great teacher lives a positive and effective life in the classroom. This book shows the power we all have to deal effectively with the discouragement of ineffective results, classroom meltdowns and boredom.
Course No. ED464o, ED564o
Course No. ED449a, ED549a
Every single day we are bombarded with decisions. Do we choose the less enjoyable, better-for-me option or the more pleasurable alternative? Do students chose to turn in homework or do activities of their own choosing? A startling discovery is that willpower is depleted by usage.
Course No. ED459e, ED559e
The student of today looks very different from the student of 20 years ago. Their parents do as well. The world today is a pressure cooker environment for both. Parents naturally want what is best for their children and suffer from what the authors of our course text call ‘Pressured Parent Phenomenon’ which is the constant anxiety over whether their children are as competitive as they could be based on their kids efforts. This class will help educators understand and respond to the extraordinary challenges that students face when dealing with enormous pressure and parental expectations. You will learn strategies that will help you understand and work more effectively with stressed out students and their pressured parents.
Course No. ED459f, ED559f
Many girls are staggering under the pressure of jam-packed schedules, hours of homework, heightened expectations, demanding social lives and far too little sleep. Maturing into a successful young woman is full of stressors, and girls in this generation are pioneers in learning how to make it all work and still become successful both inside and outside of the classroom. Their anxiety level is only heightened by the unrealistic standard of what it means to “have it all.” This class is designed to help you understand the new culture of girls today as well as strategies for helping them achieve their dreams.
Course No. ED442p, ED542p
Teachers who share The Heritage Institute’s commitment to a world that works for all may now use our flexible, low cost self-design online course to earn needed clock hours or PDUs, or quarter credits. There is a great variety of local, regional and national events, meetings and more informal gatherings which relate in some way to a vision for an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiriturally fulfilling human presence on Earth.
Course No. ED442Q, ED542Q
Teachers who share The Heritage Institute’s commitment to a world that works for all may now use our flexible, low cost self-design online course to earn needed clock hours, PDUs or quarter credits. There is a great variety of local, regional and national events, meetings and more informal gatherings which relate in some way to a vision for an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiriturally fulfilling human presence on Earth.
Course No. ED442R, ED542R
Self-Design Courses for Teacher Activists
About the Program
Teachers who share The Heritage Institute’s commitment to a world that works for all may now use our flexible, low cost self-design online course to earn needed clock hours PDUs or quarter credits. There is a great variety of local, regional and national events, meetings and more informal gatherings which relate in some way to a vision for an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiriturally fulfilling human presence on Earth.
Course No. ED442S, ED542S
Self-Design Courses for Teacher Activists
About the Program
Teachers who share The Heritage Institute’s commitment to a world that works for all may now use our flexible, low cost self-design online course to earn needed clock hours, PDUs or quarter credits. There is a great variety of local, regional and national events, meetings and more informal gatherings which relate in some way to a vision for an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiriturally fulfilling human presence on Earth.
Course No. ED442T, ED542T
Self-Design Courses for Teacher Activists
About the Program
Teachers who share The Heritage Institute’s commitment to a world that works for all may now use our flexible, low cost self-design online course to earn needed clock hours, PDUs or quarter credits. There is a great variety of local, regional and national events, meetings and more informal gatherings which relate in some way to a vision for an environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiriturally fulfilling human presence on Earth.
Health, PE & Coaching
Course No. PE400Q, PE500Q
In this course, we will examine 3 areas of basketball fundamentals: program philosophy, motivation, and leadership as it relates to the overall development of today's student/athlete and community.
Course No. ED466g, ED566g
Course No. HE402S, HE502S
We live in a new era of technology and terminology, one that has created difficulties and boundaries between the common knowledge, language and perception of our students. This world has opened the doors to dangerous drugs; an inevitable problem our student population will face. Dive head first into the vast amount of online and community resources to combat this dynamic problem.
Course No. HE402F, HE502F
The evidence is incontrovertible: Aerobic exercise can physically remodel your brain for peak performance. Our text, SPARK presents startling research proving that exercise truly defends against ADD, depression, and aggression. Learn about amazing case studies: the revolutionary fitness program in Naperville, Illinois that made this school district's 19,000 kids #1 in science test scores in the world!
Course No. PE400P, PE500P
For many students, education goes beyond the classroom and traditional school day and extends into the world of sports. Sports teach important life skills such as leadership and teamwork. In this course, we will ...
Course No. ED449G, ED549G
Course No. HE402o, HE502o
K-12 educators may explore in this course a wide range of health subjects and curriculums that apply to your grade level and which cover physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health. Learn more about First Aid, Bullying, Emotional Health, Sex Education and Goal Setting for a healthy life.
Course No. ED459J, ED559J
Do you find yourself searching for happiness and never quite reaching it? Have you come to the realization that your health is not what it should be: extra pounds, fast food, and health implications? Healthy living is being offered to help you unleash your own power to recover and harness your energy for full health benefits. Uncover the surprising way in which your body is connected to the afflictions of civilization. Investigate the power of living in a more healthful way through your diet exercise, sleep, reactions to stress, mindfulness, and more. If your goal is to live a long and healthy life to the fullest, then you don’t want to miss out on this course. This course will highlight how the current pressure and stress in modern life have removed us from our biological needs and are making us ill. It is also about how to avoid this distress and find a way to happiness. This course is practical, disarming, loaded with research, and will literally ignite and inspire you to change and Go Wild. If you are looking to manage your stress levels, find more energy, improve your sleep, and sharpen your mental skills, join me for an experience that will help you secure a healthier, happier future. Healthy Living NOW!
This course is appropriate for grades K-12 instructors, administrators, parents.
Course No. HE403a, HE503a
Course No. HE402N, HE502N
Understand and deal more effectively with a range of student disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attachment Disorders, and Self Injurious Behaviors. You'll learn signs and recognition aspects as well as effective strategies for helping children to be successful at school.
Course No. ED466f, ED566f
Course No. PE403r, PE503r
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Camp throughout the year. There are many National as well as local sports camps available to coaches that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE403s, PE503s
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Camp throughout the year. There are many National as well as local sports camps available to coaches that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE403t, PE503t
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
Often times these Sports Camps have Professional and/or College coaches lecturing on particular topics related to their sport. Participants will have the opportunity to attend these lecture sessions and earn 3 University credits or 30 clock hours/PDUs for attending a Sports Camp of their choice.
Course No. PE403u, PE503u
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Camp throughout the year. There are many National as well as local sports camps available to coaches that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE403v, PE503v
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Clinic throughout the year. There are many national as well as local sports clinics available that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE403w, PE503w
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Clinic throughout the year. There are many national as well as local sports clinics available that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE403x, PE503x
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Clinic throughout the year. There are many national as well as local sports clinics available that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE403y, PE503y
Tuition $195 ‑ $280 $120 ‑ $210
This course is open to coaches Nation Wide who will be attending ANY Sports Clinic throughout the year. There are many national as well as local sports clinics available that focus on a variety of aspects related to the development of their particular sport and athletes.
Course No. PE401x, PE401x
What does a Standard’s Based Curriculum look like in the physical education classroom? This course was designed to assist K-12 educators to understand, develop and create their own standards based curriculum. After exploring the definition and purpose of standards based curriculum this course will begin the process of designing a standards-based PE curriculum by developing goals that are based on a sound philosophy and reflect a teacher’s own beliefs and values.
Course No. HE401M, HE501M
This course addresses the vital topic of childhood and adult stress, providing strategies to help children to direct their stress through coping skills into positive avenues. Peer relations, chaotic family structures, generalized feelings of anxiety, failure and negative thought processes, as well as many other topics will be covered.
Course No. ED456d, ED556d
We’ve all heard the comment: "If you are fat, it's because you eat too much and you don't exercise enough" and yet for over 50 years low calorie diets and more exercise have not managed to curb obesity levels. Why? In this course for K-12 educators you finally will uncover the secret everyone wants to know, the real cause of weight gain. Focus on integrating nutrition education, one of the most important tasks for teachers, into your curriculum. By selecting a wide variety of low glycemic index foods, students, everyone, can avoid and prevent excessive weight gain.
Course No. ED463t, ED563t
History & Social Studies
Course No. ED464e, ED564e
Course No. HI407D, HI507D
The Civil Rights Movement captures one of the most significant periods in American history. Using film, period literature and events of history makers like M.L. King, Rosa Parks and Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi this course will provide ideas for teachers that can wake up your students and empower discussions around many of the major social justice topics.
Course No. HI407i, HI507i
Enhance your K-12 Civil War teaching using the books and videos suggested in this course. This innovative course includes a resource file on the Civil War featuring web pages with interactive maps, lesson plans, art, music, reenactment videos, and lectures from leading scholars. Teachers will find ways to actively engage students around many of the major themes and events of this time period.
Course No. HI407F, HI507F
Early American history can come alive as never before with the extensive selection of film, online as well as traditional literature available on the American Colonial and Revolutionary period. K-12 teachers in this course will explore 8 films and one book each fiction and non-fiction in the development of teaching units which will enhance your ability to help students understand and appreciate this important period in American history.
Course No. HI407K, HI507K
One of the essential components in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading is the study of the human experience. For this course you will be examining the human experience by studying key people, places and events, during the Age of Exploration by European explorers into the New World.
Course No. SS412R, SS512R
In this diversified driving tour you will explore dozens of bridges in Western Oregon. Discover how to use bridge study as a stepping off point for regional history and other subject areas. Learn about footbridges, arch, suspension, wooden, concrete and steel, vertical lift, bascule and fixed span bridges.
Course No. SS418m, SS518,
Course No. SS417e, SS517e
Course No. ED459a, ED559a
K-12 educators will develop invaluable lessons for their students around issues of equity, social justice and the human rights of the child by examining the texts, "A Critical Inquiry Framework for K-12 Teachers: Lessons and Resources from the U.N. Rights of the Child" and "Teaching Human Rights: Practical Activities for Primary and Secondary Schools.”
In addition, a review of related literature, websites and videos will enable you to integrate these human rights issues into your curriculum and engage your students with thoughtful inquiry based lessons and activities. The development of a service-learning project will culminate the course.
Course No. HI406X, HI506X
How did the world become so unequal with some societies developing more quickly? Help your students understand these big questions by using the Pulitzer-prize winning book, Guns, Germs and Steel.
Learn how geography and natural resources enabled some countries to advance technologically.
Course No. ED456a
What defines a hero? Can anyone be a hero? It is important to connect heroism with our lives by asking these questions. Heroes inspire us. They cultivate our values and behaviors through their example. You and your students will be motivated by the lives of the heroes you delve into. You will learn about heroes from all walks of life, such as George Washington, Rosa Parks, and more. Appropriate for K-12 teachers. Online streaming/VHS or DVD player required. Reading is free online.
Course No. MU401C, MU501C
This course offers you an in-depth tour of “Rock and Roll” history. It is filled with information and tools for teachers of grades 6-12, or for any teacher who wishes to incorporate “Rock and Roll” into classroom curriculum.
Celebrate Rock and Rolls 50th Golden Anniversary by riding this “Magic Bus” through the world or Rock and Roll.
Course No. SS412S, SS512S
In this diversified driving tour, K-12 teachers will explore at least 30 cultural and historic sites in the Portland Metro Area. Discover cultural museums, historic homes, poignant memorials, and a blend of the area's visual and performing arts.
Course No. SC415N, SC515N
In this diversified driving tour, you will travel Portland and surrounding suburban areas to discover a variety of forested parks, gorgeous gardens, wetlands sites and geologic sites, where you will learn about trees, plants, birds, ecosystems and natural formations. Most importantly, you will learn how to bring this information to your students across the curriculum, both in the classroom, and on field trips. $25 payable to instructor for a course field guide after registration.
Course No. HI406T, HI506T
Take your history course from boring to beneficial! Historians Howard Zinn and James Loewen reveal interesting and controversial aspects of U.S. History in their recent books (The People's History of the United States and Lies My Teacher Told Me).
Energize your teaching, bring your history curriculum up-to-date, and stimulate critical thinking on key issues.
Course No. HU404P, HU504P
Have fun building art into your teaching by exploring Portland's extensive collection of public art. Course materials, tours of the city and the 'Percent for Art Program' will help you use historic murals, bronze and stone sculptures, paintings, carvings, ceramic tile work and more to enhance your elementary and secondary art and social studies programs. You will develop integrated art lessons that involve students in cooperative learning projects.
Course No. HI403E, HI503E
Enhance your students' historical literacy of Portland's colorful past. Through a combination of readings, museum visits, and explorations of Downtown Portland and historic parks, you will learn how to bring Portland’s history to you students. You will also develop way to teach about the city’s economic and architectural development. In this fun and informative course you will find dozens of ideas for K-12 field trips, lesson plans and ways to integrate Portland's history with other subjects.
$25 workbook fee payable after registration.
Course No. HI407C, HI507C
Make your Language Arts and Social Studies units on 20th century history and WW II come alive by integrating some of the films and period literature which give a presence to this epic period in American and world history. Short readings and films will cover the Pacific and European war fronts, with such film choices as Nuremberg, Bridge over the River Kwai, Saving Private Ryan and many others of your own choosing. Appropriate for grades 4-12.
Language Arts
Course No. ED461r, ED561r
Course No. ED443T, Ed543T
Do students groan when you say it is time to edit and revise? Are you intimidated by grammar and writing conventions, perhaps never having been explicitly taught them in a way that made sense? Is there never enough time for editing in your writers' workshop?
Does it seem that your editing lessons are not really connected to what students are writing?
Course No. ED448x, ED548x
Help your students meet social studies and literacy standards with picture books. Explore cultural diversity and unity, continuity and change, global connections, government, history, and much more through picture books. With a focus on bringing social studies back into the elementary classroom, this course provides strategies to teach through picture books.
Course No. CM402r, CM502r
Give your students the power to access their reading assignments online and interact with text through questions and comments that lead to increased engagement. In Actively Learn, an online text reading platform for teachers, course participants can access a catalog with core content across all subjects or they can display their own PDF’s, Google Docs or web articles and be able to embed assignment questions, notes and responses to students. Your students will complete readings inside your Actively Learn space from their laptop, tablet or desktop computer. Educators in this course will learn how to use Actively Learn and will develop and implement several lessons that include the use of this platform.
Actively Learn is integrated with Google tools such as Drive, Docs, Classroom, and Gmail, and can be used for joint teacher projects.
This course is recommended for any K-12 teacher or administrator looking to better their technology skills and literacy in the classroom.
Course No. ED463s, ED563s
Course No. ED430L, ED530L
Enhance your K-3 reading curriculum with teacher designed, hands-on activities. Phonemic awareness, vocabulary, writing, spelling, word families, chunks and much more will be covered that you can fit into your reading block. The materials will be loved by you and by your students. Discover powerful, effective strategies for whole group experiences, small-group explorations and independent projects to build a lifelong passion for reading. $35 resource packet and DVD fee due after registration.
Course No. ED463u, ED563u
Course No. ED420Z, ED520Z
This class is the complete package for a great, K-3rd grade, language arts program. Guarantee reading success through a positive literacy environment of phonics, homework packets, assessment, parents as partners, emergent writing, word families, word walls and literacy centers.
Course No. ED461X, ED561X
Course No. ED465c, ED565c
Course No. ED464u, ED564u
Course No. ED450k, ED550k
Inspire great writing from your students with writing workshop tools and techniques that provide structure, content, and increased confidence in your own writing and teaching. In this course you'll join writer and children's author Deb Lund who was already instructing teachers about writing with kids when the text we'll use by Lucy Calkins, The Art of Teaching Writing, was first published in the mid-1980's.
Math & Science
Course No. SC416M, SC516M
You and your K-12 students can do something about the harmful, invasive non-native species growing in your community, back yard and school grounds. In some cases these plants take over important habitat for wildlife while reducing the diversity and quantity of native plants.
Course No. ED456K, ED556K
Climate change poses the single largest, global threat to life on Earth, and yet the United States and our schools lag far behind the international community in educating and acting responsibly to mitigate the causes and effects of a warming planet. This online course for grades 3-7 teachers uses excellent platforms developed by NASA and the EPA to educate about the science of climate change in kid-friendly, interdisciplinary ways. Youthful graphics, games, lesson samples that cut across science, social studies and math, virtual expeditions to places where climate change is visible, CO2 footprint calculators and more make this a rich learning environment from which grades 3-7 teachers will develop their own units and themes—whether that’s oceans, birds, butterflies, fish, trees, fresh water supplies. Many of your common science units can be modified with a climate change perspective (ie ocean life, plants and animals).
Course No. SC416i, SC516i
The technology revolution today asks us to help students think critically about a whole host of scientific innovations with the potentially unintended health, moral and environmental consequences. This course will help middle- and high-school students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to ...
Course No. ED463d, ED563d
Course No. ED458o, ED558o
“When are we ever gonna use this?” is a question often asked by math students. This happens because skills are so frequently taught in isolation from their application. By participating in hands-on math activities, our students learn the connection between what is taught in the classroom and the real world. This course offers something for all teachers K-12; whether they are specialized math teachers at the high school level or elementary teachers who do it all, Hands-On Math will help students answer their own question…………..“When are we ever gonna use this?”
Course No. SC415B, SC515B
Open your students' minds to the amazing world of science all around them. This practical course focuses on using fun activities to teach students about themselves, their environment, and how the two relate.
Course No. MA400o, MA500o
Create a mathematics classroom atmosphere where students no longer fear math, no longer have anxiety about math, and no longer think they are simply just not good at math. Jo Boaler is a Stanford University professor with research-based and field-tested strategies whose book Mathematical MIndsets will help you create a math classroom where students experience mathematics though a positive growth mindset method. Videos and additional website readings will complement the Mathematical Mindsets book. Teachers will learn to create mathematical tasks, assessments, and feedback that encourage student growth, understanding, and joy as their students master mathematical ideas and concepts.
Course No. MA400G, MA500G
Math is a fundamental component of much of our modern world and can be taught using real world problems, data, and examples. This online course will take advantage of Internet resources in the use of real life math. By assessing resources on the web, we will begin to prepare a portfolio of both on-line and off-line classroom projects that can be used to teach math in your specific classroom.
Course No. ED447N, ED547N
When Lewis and Clark began their journey west in 1804, their most valuable possessions were their journals. Humans may now have explored nearly every inch of our planet, but there is always more to see and describe.
A nature journal is your ticket to a deep exploration of the world around you. A nature journal is a place to record your encounters with the natural world — from the everyday to the sublime.
Course No. ED451b, ED551b
Supplement your in-class math instruction and homework with an amazing diversity of online math tutorials. Many educational websites are now aligned with the Common Core standards in math. Math tutorials are available covering addition, multiplication, calculus and beyond. Broken down into bite-sized mini-lessons these tutorials address specific concepts and skills.
Course No. MA400n, MA500n
Course No. ED465v, ED565v
Course No. SC415Z, SC515Z
Discover dozens of ways to involve your students in fun environmentally sustainable, earth-friendly projects. Learn how to create native plant gardens, water and energy conservation programs, recycling and composting stations and functional, earth-friendly eco-roofs. In addition, low energy transportation options will be discussed, including bicycling and public transportation. Learn about community-based art projects to beautify schools and your neighborhoods. $25 text and materials fee due to the instructor.
Course No. ED458n, ED558n
Many students lack basic numeracy – the ability to think through math problems logically, solve problems, and apply math outside the classroom. This independent study course outlines nine critical thinking habits that foster numeracy and details practical ways to incorporate these habits into your instruction. The text, Teaching Numeracy: 9 Critical Habits to Ignite Mathematical Thinking, refers to Common Core Standards, NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Standards, and numerous successful mathematical literacy practices. Included in each section is a “How Can I Do This in My Math Class…Tomorrow?” application section with multiple ideas and methods to incorporate numeracy into your classroom. No more will students arrive at wildly wrong answers and have no idea how or why!
Course No. MA400r, MA500r
Course No. SC406Z, SC506Z
Trees provide K-12 students an avenue to the scientific methods of observation, classification, notation and drawing. Tree study can also be integrated with writing, math, art and social studies activities.
Course No. MA400i, MA500i
Course No. ED418T, ED518T
Many students experience math as only a set of rules and procedures that are memorized and repeated on tests, then soon forgotten. Writing in math journals allows students to see that doing math is more than just getting the right answer. The use of daily journals, learning logs, and math stories can help students to think through math reasoning in their own words.
Technology
Course No. CM401Q, CM501Q
Today it is easier than ever to create a dynamic and powerful website that enhances your ability to bring outstanding content to your students, parents and colleagues.
Course No. CM403a, CM503a
Course No. CM402g, CM502g
In just a short 10 years the world has been rocked by a digital, social media revolution that is changing the face of societies and education in ways we are just beginning to understand and adjust to. Come along as we explore this digital revolution and its impact on political evolution, social identity and the world of education. We will explore how media like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat and much more are enabling an expanded sense of identity and communication and altering old social structures, norms and practices. This course is appropriate for all teachers K-12. There are choices of texts to cover varied interests.
Course No. CM401P, CM501P
Google is currently offering schools a hosted solution for their email, calendar, documents, websites, and chat through Google Apps for Education, an integrated communication and collaboration cloud-based network. Email storage and search tools that help find information fast.
Course No. CM402p, CM502p
Broaden your use of instructional tools through your virtual classroom—Google Classroom. Google Classroom works by letting teachers create assignments, make announcements, and start class discussions with students. Google Classroom saves time, keeps classes organized, and improves communication with students. Teachers can attach documents from Google Drive, share videos, or send links to websites; they can set due dates for assignments and do assignment grading. Class announcements and discussions allow for direct communication in real-time so teachers can pose questions, or share anything else that is important to the class without waiting for the next class period.
This course will help teachers K-12 learn how to use Google Classroom to improve instruction and student engagement. Teachers in this course will create their own Google Classroom and implement one or more lessons with students. Collaboration with other teachers is also possible.
Course No. CM402y, CM502y
Course No. ED446k, ED546k
Google Drive is a FREE, Web-based Microsoft Office alternative. It includes Word processor, Spreadsheet (excel),presentation (PowerPoint),form (quizzes/surveys), and data storage service, all offered by Google. It also allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users.
Course No. ED441v, ED541v
Course No. SC415E, SC515E
Google Earth is a free, revolutionary computer application gaining in popularity among K-12 educators. It features satellite imagery of the entire Earth, and has great potential to expand our students' global awareness. Identify and explore major river deltas, research the effects of planetary ...
Course No. CM402c, CM502c
Do you want to take your PreK-12 iPad curriculum to the next level? In this course you will learn the basic app foundation for your digital education toolkit. You will select Bloom's Taxonomy, Gardner's Multiple Intelligences or SMAR digital pedagogical framework to support your choices. Discover evaluative app rubrics and formative assessments for your individualized curriculum areas. Additional equipment and download costs may apply. iPad 1 or iOS 5.1 or later required.
Course No. CM401o, CM501o
The 21st century is witnessing a revolution within education. Educators are rapidly discovering the power of integrating iPad learning into their classroom curriculum. With the use of many interactive curriculum apps students are becoming engaged, interested, motivated and eager to learn.
Course No. ED465d, ED565d
Course No. ED464q, ED564dq
Course No. CM401J, CM501J
Google SketchUp is one of the many free computer applications programs that are taking the professional 3D design world by force. It is a design program that allows the users to create 2D and 3D models.
Students can learn the principles of good design while using some of the most cutting edge applications being developed and used professionally.
Course No. CM402f, CM502f
Stop Motion Animation for the Creative Classroom develops a skill base for creating short movies in the classroom using iPads, iPhones or laptop computers. Learn how to develop basic storyboard ideas, easy set-up, zero to low cost BYOD (bring your own device) classroom equipment, materials, props, sets, and simple adaptations plus on line resources. Classroom students can easily create stop motions animation films either as individual projects or working within collaborative groups. Watch the excitement build and the creativity fly as students use ideas, concepts, and/or themes to develop enriching technology based stop motion short films. Projects can be developed to enrich curriculum concepts, generate creative project ideas, or establish a foundation for basic 21st century technology use in the classroom.
This course is open to K-12 teachers in all subject areas. Stop Motion animation can be integrated with every grade level and every discipline; it can even be used to enhance the classroom Common Core Curriculum. This course will provide step-by-step instructions, videos, examples, basic equipment needed, websites and classroom resource ideas for K-12 teachers that may easily meet most common core and state standards.
Course No. CM401r, CM501r
Modern day teachers find themselves overwhelmed with the sheer volume of input and digital communication that flows in each day. Email, instant messages, and the Internet have made access to information (and to you) far too easy. “I only have 54 emails left to answer” is too often the depressing indicator of a successful day. The good news is that while access to information (and to you) have increased exponentially, so have tools to help manage those streams of digital input and communication.
Course No. CM401N, CM501N
Looking to have both you and your students create lessons that are even more exciting, effective and interesting than what you doing right now?
Interested in matching those types of lessons with your current curriculum?
Course No. CM401K, CM501K
Twitter, Delicious, Wordpress, Wikis, blogging, RSS; are these terms familiar? In this course your will use them to enhance your K-12 curriculum. Join the fun as we explore how to wrap powerful web 2.0 technologies into a useable and functional system supporting you as an educator. This course will change how you view technology and will enable you to design a website and a personal learning network.
