Continuing Education Credits may evoke a grumble from busy teachers nationwide, but is the extra effort worth it? In reality, effective teachers are always looking for ways to improve. When educators choose to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge through CEUs, they are investing in not only their growth but also in their students’ growth. Simply put, one cannot deny that continuing education generates many benefits.

The decision to complete continuing education improves a teacher’s skills. There are many independent study courses for teachers that will help them focus on subject-specific classes or areas that are universally beneficial. Teachers can expand their communication skills and how they convey their expectations to students; furthermore, they can learn how to role model practical listening skills. Equally important, CEUs provide the opportunity to learn about problem-solving skills that arise with new challenges. Completing CEUs can show teachers new ways to reach hard-to-reach students or get around budget roadblocks while maintaining the best possible classroom.

Teachers will attest to the reality that technology is forever changing; the ways teachers integrate technology in their classroom require them to stay educated about these rapid advances and innovative resources. Since many teachers may not be digital natives, his or her technology skills may be sub-par their students’ knowledge. The decision to complete CEUs to find new, fresh ideas for the classroom that incorporate technology can be a powerful learning opportunity that motivates students and keeps them engaged. Utilizing technology to teach today’s students is a vital tool that must be embraced.

Another powerful component of CEUs is leadership. When teachers want to focus on developing or refining their leadership skills, he or she can complete continuing education courses that focus on these skills. Many courses will guide to direct teachers as to how they can use leadership to reach students. These leadership opportunities may also present potential financial benefits to students; for example, some districts may apply credits earned in CE toward bonuses for professional development. Even if there are no direct economic benefits tied to completing CEUs, it definitely makes teachers appear more marketable.

Choosing to continue one’s education through professional development does not have to be travel intensive. E-CRED and Lumos Learning have a partnership to improve teaching and learning for K12 educators and their students. These courses include CEUs that can be used for license renewals, salary increases, or other advancements. Educators who choose to enroll in one or more courses by visiting Professional Development Courses for Educators can deepen his or her knowledge and develop innovative approaches to teaching students. Online programs are available for a variety of topics, including creating and maintaining a positive school culture and climate, reading and writing for learning, and effectively managing conflict. These independent study courses allow teachers to earn CEUs on their schedules.

Teachers may ask, ‘why do I need CEUs’? Simply put, teachers have a passion for learning; they enjoy watching their students’ eyes light up when they obtain new knowledge, and the decision to continue learning and evolving as an educator will ignite the same spark as they learn new ways to reach students. CEUs should not be viewed as a requirement but an opportunity for growth.