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Continuing Education Courses for Monticello Teachers

Graduate-Level Courses for the dedicated teachers of Monticello

Save the Date: Registration Opens Decemeber 3, 2026

We are thrilled to announce a partnership between Monticello and Teaching Channel, a trusted resource dedicated to empowering educators with high-quality, on-demand professional learning.

Monticello is committed to supporting teachers’ continuous professional growth. In concordance with district initiatives and in partnership with Teaching Channel, we will offer 35+ courses that can be used for your continued learning and salary advancement.

In addition to successful completion of the online/asynchronous Teaching Channel course, you will be required to attend two in-person sessions to successfully complete the course and for it to be accepted by the district.

Complete the information below and we’ll send you a reminder email when registration opens!


Key Details:

  • Flexible Learning: Choose from a variety of self-directed, graduate-level courses available through the Teaching Channel. Because of the synchronous session requirements, only the pre-approved courses listed below on this page, will be accepted for salary advancement.
  • Attend In-Person Sessions: No travel needed. For the courses to be accepted for lane changes, educators must attend and participate in two in-person sessions (for each course registered) that will be held within the Monticello school district buildings.  These credits count toward the salary scale and recertification requirements.
  • Accredited Learning: These courses are district-approved, ensuring they meet our high standards for professional development. Although the courses are pre-approved, please still submit the standard pre-approval form along with the course syllabus.
  • Registration: You are welcome to register for up to six credits per session to meet the requirements for synchronous learning. You will be able to select American College of Education or Augustana University as a university partner.
  • With the unique blended learning format of these courses, discounts are not available.
    • 3-Credit Course: $489
    • 2-Credit Course: $389
    • 1-Credit Course: $289
  • Registration closed on January 5, 2027
    • Coursework is due April 15, 2027
What Teachers are Saying about our courses

Collaboration and feedback is key to learning.


"I really liked being able to share and collaborate with my colleagues from all areas of the district."
 
 

"Discussing the topics with my colleagues and getting feedback from my instructor."

Creating artifacts is rewarding and productive.

Relationships across buildings is important.

"I enjoyed hearing from other teachers. It was very interesting to hear from the high school teachers. I teach 5th grade. "
 
"Getting an opportunity to discuss with other teachers in various departments and grade levels, to see how the learning can look and differ across areas."
 
We are together
How it Works

To comply with contractual language, in addition to completion of asynchronous coursework, educators must participate in synchronous learning. These high-quality courses have been selected in conjunction with District Administration, and teachers may earn graduate credits through these pre-approved courses noted below.

Find Your Course

See Approved Courses Below

Enroll Through Online Checkout

Create an Account & Fill Your Cart

Mark Your Calendar for Your Synchronous Session

In-Person Session Required - Jan. 12 & Feb. 9

Complete Your Course Online & Attend In-Person Sessions

In-Person Sessions will be in Monticello, MN

Request Your Transcript

Through the University Partner Selected at Registration
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Approved Courses

Choose from 35+ pre-approved courses.
All courses are 3-credit graduate-level (unless noted as a 1-credit or 2-credit) continuing education course.

  • 5025 Making Content Accessible For Your English Language Learners (K-12+): As school demographics change, teachers are challenged to address the needs of an ever-expanding variety of English language learners. In this course, you will discover strategies, templates, and activities to build a toolkit for working with ELs in your classroom. Explore the importance of academic conversations and teaching academic language in your classroom while implementing different scaffolds, vocabulary, and background knowledge activities. Most of all, you will learn how to create a collaborative environment that focuses on advocacy for creating a positive learning environment for ALL students, while making the content more comprehensible for students who may struggle with language.
  • 5308 Empowering Multilingual Newcomers with Language and SEL Support (K-12+): Welcoming newcomer students – immigrants or refugees– to our classrooms requires targeted and compassionate interventions to foster feelings of belonging and empowerment. This survey course offers insights, ideas, and strategies to support student newcomers and their families. You’ll create a resource guide for families, and a Newcomer Kit to empower students to navigate their new school. Explore language development strategies with multi-cue and comprehensible input approaches to learning English, and deepen your awareness of the needs of newcomer students with learning disabilities. Plan language input and output strategies as practice opportunities for English language development. You will leave this course with a broad appreciation for empowering student newcomers and their families with the tools they need for success in their new schools and communities.
  • 5364 Reading Instruction for Multilingual Learners (PK-8): Empower your multilingual learners (MLLs) to become confident readers! Supporting the reading development of students learning English, requires an asset-based approach that honors and supports their home language while also advancing English skills. In this course, you’ll learn research-based literacy strategies and targeted language supports to boost the reading skills of your MLLs. You’ll expand the one-size-fits-all Science of Reading framework, to embrace the power of translanguaging, phonology, morphology, and other key components of reading instruction. Through reflection on current practices and investigation of new approaches, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to cultivate language and reading development simultaneously, ensuring all learners thrive. Ideal for general educators, support specialists, and English language development (ELD) co-teachers tasked with providing reading instruction, this course aims to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies necessary to unlock the full potential of every multilingual reader in your classroom.
  • 5057:Move, Grow, Play! Using Play to Teach and Learn (PK-2): Did you know that students who are running and jumping are learning the laws of physics? That learning about surface tension involves blowing bubbles? That children who are picking up cotton balls with tongs are developing their pincer grips? These are just a few examples of how children learn through play. Textbook author Lisa Murphy challenges us to ensure our professional practice focuses on what the research proves is the foundation of learning: play. In this inspiring course, you will learn ways to add the “Magnificent Seven” to your lessons, gather evidence that champions learning through play, and will return laughter, joy, and play to your classroom!
  • 5292: Growing and Learning with Nature-Based Outdoor Education (PK-2): Did you know that students who are running and jumping are learning the laws of physics? That learning about surface tension involves blowing bubbles? That children who are picking up cotton balls with tongs are developing their pincer grips? These are just a few examples of how children learn through play. Textbook author Lisa Murphy challenges us to ensure our professional practice focuses on what the research proves is the foundation of learning: play. In this inspiring course, you will learn ways to add the “Magnificent Seven” to your lessons, gather evidence that champions learning through play, and will return laughter, joy, and play to your classroom!
  • 5357: Artificial Intelligence Essentials for Educators (PK-12+) **1 Credit Course**: Curious about applying artificial intelligence in education but not sure where to start? This course provides an approachable introduction to artificial intelligence for all educators. Gain a foundational understanding of key topics in AI education, including practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies for building AI literacy. Discover AI tools to enhance your instruction and increase workflow efficiency, and design a lesson to teach students (or adult learners) how to understand, use, and evaluate AI technologies. Explore how AI can personalize learning, amplify your teaching, and prepare students for the future. Develop the confidence to navigate AI responsibly in your classroom!
  • 5439: A Balanced Approach to Classroom Technology (PK-12+) **1 Credit Course**: When does technology enhance learning? When is a discussion, hands-on activity, or paper-and-pencil task the better choice? This course moves beyond the debate of whether technology is “good” or “bad” and instead focuses on what matters most: making intentional instructional decisions. Explore how technology has transformed education, analyze current research, policies, and emerging trends, and examine the opportunities and challenges they present for today’s classrooms. Throughout the course, you’ll evaluate your own technology use, explore strategies for accessibility and digital wellness, and create actionable plans for making more purposeful instructional decisions. You’ll leave with practical strategies and decision-making tools to create balanced learning experiences where technology supports learning, not the other way around.
  • 5239: Strategies to Make Learning Stick (PK-12+) **1 Credit Course**: This course draws upon current research on the Science of Learning to provide teachers with surprisingly simple strategies that will make students’ time spent learning and studying more effective. We’ll bridge the gap between the tried and true research on how the brain learns and retains information, and the day-to-day reality of teaching a dynamic classroom of students. You’ll learn the basics of how the brain takes in and stores information, as well as best practices for retrieval. We’ll share easy-to-implement strategies to make learning “sticky” and guide you through lesson design that can improve outcomes for students.
  • 5244: Engaging Learners Through Productive Struggle (3-12):When the brain is challenged, insightful learning happens! Our students need us to create more opportunities for them to grapple with new ideas and content. Transform your classroom to a place where mistakes are celebrated, grit is valued, and all students can learn through clear and rigorous expectations. Set learning intentions with specific criteria for success, develop constructive feedback, examine implicit bias, and evaluate ways to improve your teaching processes to honor a “not yet” mindset. Keep joy and creativity alive in designing activities to reach every student, and collaborate with colleagues to develop new ideas. Your work will ensure your classroom is a place to feel supported and encouraged to engage in “cognitive wobbling.” This course will foster a deeper and more gratifying way of learning, through productive struggle.
  • 5253: Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to Create Inclusive and Equitable Classrooms (PK-12+): Shift from a one-size-fits-all curriculum to the classroom your students deserve with a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and equity approach. With accessibility, empowerment, and rigor at its core, UDL aims to minimize barriers to learning and open up multiple pathways for student success, no matter their background. Take a fresh look at curricular and instructional design to ensure that the learning you provide aligns with UDL best practices, as well as social justice, culturally responsive, and equitable teaching practices. You’ll gain practical strategies for lesson and assessment design, ideas for increased engagement, and take a peek into classrooms that are finding success. Whether you are just starting out with UDL, or are looking for inspiration to improve implementation, this course will guide you.
  • 5369: Igniting Student Discourse Through Discussion, Debate, and Academic Conversation (4-12+): Explore the transformative potential of elevating student voices in your classroom! This course explores the essential strategies and practical techniques for rich, engaging, and academically productive student discourse across all grade levels and subject areas. Gain a deep understanding about how to design effective discourse activities, establish supportive classroom norms, and facilitate meaningful conversations. Understand how to implement student discourse as a powerful tool for learning and assessment. Your students will become active participants in their learning as they develop their critical thinking and communication skills through discussion, debate, and academic conversations. 
  • 5843: Co-Teaching: Partners in Practice (K-12+): Co-teaching has increasingly become more popular as education moves to more collaborative models of instruction. This course will help you to reflect on what you can bring to a co-teaching framework, and to consider aspects of co-teaching that are essential for you (and your partner!) to succeed in that environment. You’ll learn the different co-teaching models, how to co-teach with a specialist, and how to apply specific strategies to foster student learning in a collaborative environment.
  • 5607: Enhancing Learning through Cognitive Rigor Strategies (K-12+): In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, students need rigorous instruction to think deeply, question thoughtfully, and tackle complex problems. But what exactly is rigor, and how can it be incorporated on a practical level in classrooms? In this course, educators will examine the benefits of rigorous instruction and learn how to apply cognitive rigor frameworks like Bloom’s Taxonomy, Depth of Knowledge, and the Hess Cognitive Rigor Matrix. Design lessons that empower students to take ownership of their thinking while discovering ways to create and revise learning tasks to increase rigor. Educators will leave with a toolbox of resources to boost questioning and build the critical thinking skills essential for lifelong learning.
  • 5620: Boosting Your Lessons for Student Engagement (K-12+): Give your lessons a boost and engage your scholars for success! Explore what students believe about themselves as learners as you discover strategies like failure, productive struggle, and the impact of having a growth mindset. Freshen up your tried & true engagement strategies with technology, games, graffiti, and more. Empower students and encourage active participation and diverse learning styles. Participants will develop the capacity to share their expertise by communicating engagement strategies to their colleagues, ensuring a ripple effect of enhanced engagement throughout the educational community.
  • 5033: Mindsets and Math: Enjoyment and Achievement for All (K-12+): It’s time for a mindset makeover in math! Unleash student potential by moving students from a “fixed” to a “growth” mindset about math, and watch them connect with math concepts head-on. After this course, educators will be able to create a classroom environment of growth mindset in math by: evaluating the math tasks and questions they ask, handling the way mistakes are dealt with, grouping appropriately, creating classroom norms, and applying the strategies to fulfill mathematics potential and engagement. 
  • 5375: Celebrating Mathematical Mistakes (K-12+): Ready to transform your math classroom into a place where mistakes are not just tolerated, but celebrated? In Celebrating Mathematical Mistakes, you’ll discover how reframing errors as powerful learning opportunities can boost student confidence, curiosity, and conceptual understanding. Through practical strategies, playful task design, and mindset-shifting reflection, you’ll learn how to build a culture that values exploration over perfection. This course will re-energize your teaching and equip you to support students in becoming resilient, flexible thinkers who see mistakes not as failures but as the first steps to success!
  • 5852: Leading Intentional Talk with Young Mathematics Students (K-4) : This course prepares K-4 teachers to engage students in meaningful conversations that will help develop their mathematical thinking. Establishing a strong foundation of mathematics thinking, especially in grades K-4, provides the springboard from which students can build higher order critical thinking and mathematics problem-solving skills in later grades. Teachers will learn how to move math talk to the next level – transitioning from asking students to share how they solve mathematics problems to implementing a framework for planning and facilitating purposeful discussions that enrich and deepen student understanding.
  • 5572: Promoting Problem-Solving Strategies in Math (6-12+): Problem solving is an essential skill in both school and in life, and this course focuses on best practices to infuse problem solving into your math instruction. Empower students as they develop their Mathematical Habits of Mind, and explore a range of strategies to foster problem-solving skills, both before, during, and after teaching math. Compare and contrast planning practices that effectively incorporate problem solving into math lessons, and learn to emphasize equity and accessibility to promote an inclusive learning experience for all students learning math. Get ready to gain the tools and knowledge to empower students in becoming confident and capable problem solvers in mathematics.
  • 5731: Developing Mathematical Reasoning Through Number Sense (PK-2): Contrary to the popular song, 1, 2, 3 isn’t always as easy as A, B, C! In this course, educators dive into the nuances of how to build young learners’ number sense, problem-solving skills, and mathematical confidence through reasoning-centered instruction. Explore how counting strategies, addition and subtraction reasoning, mathematical discourse, visual models, and play-based learning support mathematical thinking in PK–2 classrooms. Throughout the course, educators will design practical lessons, instructional routines, and games that can be immediately implemented to promote meaningful engagement and deeper mathematical understanding.
  • 5800: Developing Mathematical Reasoning Through Number Relationships (3-5): What if your students could explain why a strategy works instead of simply remembering the steps? In this course, you’ll explore how students develop multiplicative reasoning through meaningful problem solving, visual models, mathematical discussions, and productive struggle. Along the way, you’ll learn practical strategies for analyzing student thinking, facilitating rich math conversations, and using classroom-ready routines, lessons, and resources that help students build flexible computation skills, deepen conceptual understanding, and grow into confident mathematicians in grades 3–5.
  • 5249: Support for Students in Behavioral Crises (PK-12+) **2 Credit Course**: Explosive, aggressive, and even violent behavior has been on the rise for a few years now, and those who are not trained in special behavior supports need tools to help students and themselves in crisis situations. This course offers educators the skills and strategies needed to effectively respond when students are not able to self-regulate. Teachers will explore the connection between trauma and crisis behaviors, learn why behaviors might occur, understand the stages within the crisis cycle, and proactive strategies for reducing crisis behavior before it starts. Learn about current crisis protocol in some schools, and de-escalation techniques for “in the moment” reactions.
  • 5643: Trust, Humor, Praise, and Connection for Meaningful Relationships with Students (K-12+) : Educators know the importance of connecting with students. This course focuses on 4 key ideas for making connections and developing relationships: trust, humor, praise, and connection. You’ll work to set intentions for connecting with students using a strategy you’ve not tried!  Learn ways to trust your students to participate in and control their own learning. Explore why your sense of humor is a huge asset to keep your classroom lively and healthy. Finally, you’ll take a look at how you praise your students, and create phrases to make sure your students are getting positive, constructive feedback to improve and develop their skills.  This course will renew your confidence in developing relationships that benefit students now and in the future.
  • 5148: 3 Dimensional Learning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)(K-12+): 
    Whether you are new to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), or just started to dig in, we’re here to help you navigate! With strong resources and examples, this course will increase your knowledge on the basics of 3D Learning in Science, setting you on a path to discovery-based teaching. Find out how to use the Practices, Cross-Cutting, and Disciplinary Core Ideas to design and align your lessons with the NGSS. Apply Engineering Design to help your students create something spectacular. Finally, discover how to ensure lesson alignment to NGSS using the EQuIP Rubric. Level up your science instruction skills and leave the course with the knowledge you need to apply NGSS 3D Learning.
  • 5149: Fantastic Phenomena-based Learning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (3-12+) : This course breaks down the concept of phenomena-based learning to empower the depths of your and your students’ curiosity. You’ll go through the process of selecting an “anchor” phenomena, develop a way to “solve” a phenomena through Science and Engineering Design, and learn about how storylines can help with planning.
  • 5577: Empower Students with Critical Thinking in Science (K-12+): 
    Critical thinking and scientific argumentation open up possibilities for students to enhance their ability to analyze and solve problems in our world! This course gives you the opportunity to incorporate critical thinking principles in your Science instruction by revising existing lessons or activities, evaluating the use of case studies, and developing an engaging activity that applies the model of claim-evidence-reasoning (CER). You will learn ways to empower students with skills to effectively present and support arguments, and will create and implement a new routine for them to practice critical thinking. At the end of this course, you’ll be ready to unleash the power of scientific argumentation and critical thinking with Science students!
  • 5212: A Closer Look at Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia (K-12+): Learn the ins and outs of three common learning disabilities in this no-nonsense course focused on what educators need to know about dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Explore the experiences of parents/families, colleagues, and students who have knowledge of and experience with learning disabilities. Discover how the Science of Reading, assistive technology, and purposeful engagement can positively impact students with learning disabilities. Whether you’re a general or special education teacher, support specialist, or tutor, you’ll take away numerous strategies and resources to help students with the disabilities of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and/or dyscalculia thrive. 
  • 5240: Scaffolding Success for Students with Disabilities (K-12+) : Imagine a classroom where students with disabilities are supported using scaffolds for learning success! Just as builders require scaffolding to access new heights, instructional scaffolding helps students with disabilities meet high expectations, navigate content, and accomplish tasks they may not have been able to in the past. This course, all about using scaffolds for students with disabilities, provides the key information you need to understand scaffolds, identify them for use, and integrate them into lessons and learning activities. You will complete the course with several pre-planned and “on the spot” scaffolds to use as you help students with disabilities reach new heights.
  • 5250: Inclusion and Access for Students with Disabilities(PK-12+): From curb cuts to assistive technology, when we advocate for students who are differently abled, everybody benefits. Learn the history of disability advocacy from the Gang of 19 to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and be reminded of the importance of equity and accessibility for all. Design a checklist to audit your curriculum for inclusion, learn about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and tour an abundance of assistive technology tools designed to break down learning barriers. Explore the diversity of disability, strategies for disability allyship, and the beauty of disability pride. Together with the disability community, we can work toward awareness, recognition, and dignity. Designed for anyone who works with students of any age, in any capacity. 
  • 5568: The Gen Ed Guide to Special Ed (K-12+): With more than 7.3 million children with disabilities currently receiving special education services across the United States, teachers need skills and knowledge to reach and teach all students! This course gives general educators a look into the legal foundations of special education, the process for identification and diagnosis, as well as a view into how to support students in an inclusive classroom. You’ll apply your learning to design lessons using the Universal Design for Learning framework and Assistive Technology, gaining essential knowledge and skills to effectively serve all students!
  • 5844: Engaging Parents for Student Success (PK-12+): This course will help teachers increase students’ “villages” by engaging families, parents, students, and the community to ensure student success. Discover pro-engagement approaches, ways to foster participation, and learn how to establish positive and constructive relationships with the parents and caregivers of your students, all while improving and focusing on family, caregiver, and parent-teacher communication.
  • 854: Caring for the Mental Health of Your Students (3-12+) **1-Credit Course**: Explore the range of student mental health issues, both hidden and visible, in classrooms today, including behavior disorders, internalizing disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and related conditions such as substance abuse and suicide. Learn about the crisis in our schools surrounding mental health care for students, and make recommendations for improvement in your school or district.
  • 5102: Anxiety Awareness: Empowering Students with Help and Hope (K-12+) : Mental health professionals are shining a light on the pervasiveness of anxiety, highlighting the need for increased awareness and attention to this issue. Young people are notably affected: anxiety affects 1 in 5 children, and 70% of teens say that anxiety is a major problem facing their age group. This course will give educational professionals the tools they need to support students who have anxiety, including foundational knowledge about anxiety, its symptoms, and a look at Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Utilizing clips from the documentary, “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety,” participants will complete the course with ready to implement strategies for teaching coping skills, ideas for accommodations, and considerations for tools and processes to support students who have anxiety.
  • 5323: SEL for Middle and High School Students (5-12+): This course will guide you in reflecting on your classroom practices to promote the Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework through resilience, self-awareness, and more. We’ll explore how to refresh group processes and classroom organization to empower students, design a collaborative activity based on restorative practices, and implement a lesson on metacognition to enhance self-awareness and executive function skills. Challenge the status quo through assignments focused on identity, empathy, and responsible decision-making, and design your assessment philosophy to support student resilience. Filled with SEL strategies, this course will refresh and restore the way you promote social-emotional learning in your middle or high school classroom.