Posted by:
summer
(
)
Date: February 24, 2024 10:03AM
Idaho State University in Pocatello has an interesting program going on for teachers. Teachers normally have to take college credits for certificate renewals (i.e. Maryland teachers need 6 credits every five years up until you hit a certain age.) Some districts also allow college credits to be used to move up the pay scale (in my district 12 credits = one pay bump. This can be combined with points you get for yearly evaluations.)
Many colleges and universities have catered to teachers needing continuing ed for years through online programs. They have been pretty typical college courses, from what I've heard, going a semester in length with readings, quizzes and tests, papers, and perhaps online meetings, etc.
But Idaho State has mastered the game. They offer online courses for teachers that only require online readings and quizzes. You can retake the quizzes if you fail the first time or two. A typical class is eight blocks. Teachers in my district are taking these classes like crazy. Idaho State lets us take up to 30 credits per semester. If teachers are familiar with the material, they have been able to complete classes in as little as 30 minutes to two hours. Some classes might take a couple of weeks. Plus the classes are inexpensive. A three credit class is $165.00.
From what I can tell, little to no human intervention is needed on ISU's end of things once the classes are up and running. If you pass each quiz, you are awarded college credit. This is easy money for ISU. My school district is accepting these credits as of right now, but will probably clamp down on our next contract. We can't have teachers earing too much money, now can we, lol? I joke with my colleagues that ISU will probably have to declare some of us alumni at some point. Go Bengals!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/24/2024 10:04AM by summer.