For educators, career development and continuing education is important to stay up-to-date with your teaching skills and innovations. Instead of spending your summer break on-campus or at a workshop, enroll in an online class from USD. We offer quality courses at affordable rates that make it possible to advance your career.
Some programs are funded externally by non-university partnerships as projects or classes. You may earn college credits for the courses; however, the funding to offer the course is provided by the external source or organization.
If you are interested in offering a course for educators through partnership with USD, please contact us.
Inquire About Offering Course(s)
June 2026
EDFN 492: Making Digital Content Accessible
Instructor: Angela Jackson
Dates: June 1–26, 2026
Location: Online
Registration Fee: $200
Tuition: $40 / 1 Credit (optional)
Overview: This course introduces the principles of accessible digital content based on WCAG 2.1, aligning with updated ADA Title II requirements. Participants will learn practical strategies to ensure materials are usable by individuals with disabilities, including those using assistive technologies.
Program Format
The program is fully online and includes five two-hour Zoom sessions. Participants may attend live or view recordings asynchronously.
- June 1 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
- June 2 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
- June 3 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
- June 4 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
- June 5 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT
Software Requirements
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat Pro or FoxIT PDF Editor
- Internet connection
- Computer/device with Zoom capabilities
FoxIT PDF Editor licenses are available to participants during the course at no additional cost.
Credentials and Credits
Successful completion results in a digital badge. Participants may also register for one graduate credit through EDFN 492/592.
Minimum Participation Requirements
A minimum of 25 participants is required. Participants will be notified by May 28, 2026, if the course is canceled.
Cancellation / Refund Policy
Participants may cancel up to 30 days before the program for a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the program are non-refundable.
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Making Digital Content Accessible
Instructor: Angela Jackson
Dates: June 1–26, 2026
Location: Online
Registration Fee: $200
Tuition: $40 / 1 Credit (optional)
This graduate-level section follows the same format, schedule, requirements, and policies as EDFN 492.
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: An Introduction to Deafblindness - Course 1
Instructor: Brandy Sebera
Dates: June 9 – August 7, 2026
Credits: 3
Tuition: $120
Location: Online
Course Description: This course provides online training for school-based educators and clinicians to enhance their ability to support students with sensory disabilities, including deafblindness and high-intensity needs. Participants will complete 45 hours of online instruction aligned with standards published by the Council for Exceptional Children.
Through learning activities, reflections, discussion boards, and synchronous online meetings, participants will explore deafblindness, sensory systems and learning, trusted relationships, and evidence-based intervention strategies designed to maximize vision and hearing.
The foundational knowledge and skills developed throughout this course are intended to support educators working with children who are deafblind throughout their careers.
Register for USD Credit Here
ELED 492: Kindergarten Academy: Sharing Kindergarten Tools for Every Teacher
Instructor: Tricia West
Credits: 1
Fee: $40
Dates: June 15–16, 2026
Location: Canton PAC, 800 N Main St, Canton, SD 57013
Course Description: This two-day workshop equips educators with practical, research-aligned strategies to strengthen early learning through assessment practices, classroom routines, phonics instruction, phonemic awareness activities, and classroom organization.
Register for USD Credit Here
ELED 592: Kindergarten Academy: Sharing Kindergarten Tools for Every Teacher
Instructor: Tricia West
Credits: 1
Fee: $40
Dates: June 15–16, 2026
Location: Canton PAC, 800 N Main St, Canton, SD 57013
This graduate-level section follows the same format and workshop content as ELED 492.
Register for USD Credit Here
MUS 790: Band Directors Institute 2026
Guest Clinician: Paul Popie
Credits: 0–3
Fee: $40 per credit hour plus institute registration fee
Dates: June 24–26, 2026
Final Project Due: July 15, 2026
Location: Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts
Course Description: This intensive program exposes music educators to current and standard literature, teaching methods, rehearsal strategies, master classes, and clinic sessions for instrumental music educators.
Graduate Credit Options
- MUS 793 Rehearsal Techniques and Classroom Methods for the Instrumental Educator
- MUS 793 Instrumental Music for Educational Ensembles
- MUS 793 Special Topics in Instrumental Music Education
Register for USD Credit Here
MUS 793: Choral Directors Institute 2026
Guest Clinician: Laura Farnell
Credits: 0–3
Fee: $40 per credit hour plus institute registration fee
Dates: June 24–26, 2026
Final Project Due: July 15, 2026
Location: Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts
Course Description: This institute provides choral educators with reading sessions, master classes, clinics, and seminars focused on choral pedagogy, literature, rehearsal skills, and current trends in music education.
Graduate Credit Options
- MUS 790 Rehearsal Techniques and Classroom Methods for the Choral Educator
- MUS 790 Choral Music for Educational Ensembles
- MUS 790 Special Topics in Choral Music Education
Register for USD Credit Here
July 2026
SPED 592: Autism Spectrum Education & Resource Training (ASERT 1 of 3)
Instructor: Heidi Aderhold
Credits: 3
Tuition: $120
Dates: July 1 – September 10, 2026
Please Note: You must register through Eventbrite before enrolling for USD graduate credits. Both registration links are required.
Course Description: ASERT sessions 1, 2, and 3 are designed to support students with autism through assessment, intervention, and implementation of evidence-based practices. Participants receive mentor support and synchronous training throughout the 2026–2027 school year.
Participation requires administrative approval and completion of required participation forms signed by both the participant and administrator.
Students must complete ASERT 1, 2, and 3 sequentially within the same school year.
Register through Eventbrite Here
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Introduction to Family Engagement in Education
Instructor: Dr. Peg Diekhoff
Dates: July 6 – August 3, 2026
Credits: 1
Tuition: $40
Location: Online
Please Note: You must register through Canvas before enrolling for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: This course explores research-based family and community engagement strategies that support child development, student achievement, school improvement, and community well-being.
Register through Canvas Here
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Interventions Overview
Instructor: Heidi Aderhold
Credits: 1–2
Fee: $40 / Credit
Dates: July 7 – August 7, 2026
Location: Online
Please Note: Dual enrollment is required through both USD and Canvas.
Course Description: This course provides training on evidence-based practices and interventions for autistic individuals.
Register through Canvas Here
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Deafblindness: Communication Strategies
Instructor: Brandy Sebera
Dates: July 9 – August 7, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120
Course Description: This course provides training for educators and clinicians serving students with sensory disabilities and high-intensity needs. Course content includes communication principles, emergent communication, symbolic communication, concept development, calendars, sign language, braille, and communication through touch.
Participants will engage in learning activities, discussion boards, reflections, and synchronous online meetings focused on evidence-based communication strategies for students who are deafblind.
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Dr. Russell Barkley Professional Training Series
Instructor: Aimee Deliramich
Credits: 1
Fee: $40 / Credit
Dates: July 17 – August 7, 2026
Location: Online
Please Note: You must register through Canvas before enrolling for USD graduate credit.
Course Description: This course focuses on ADHD, executive functioning, diagnostic criteria, and instructional modifications for special populations.
Register through Canvas Here
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Transition Summer Institute 2026
Instructor: Linda Turner
Dates: July 29–30, 2026
Location: Arrowwood Resort at Cedar Shore, Oacoma, SD
Credits: 1
Tuition: $40
Please Note: This course requires dual enrollment. Participants must register for the event first and then separately register for USD credit.
Course Description: This in-person institute is designed for educators, administrators, paras, and agency staff interested in increasing their understanding of the transition-to-adulthood process for high school students with disabilities receiving special education services.
Sessions range from 1–3 hours in length and include general sessions and breakout session options over the two-day institute.
Register for Event Here
Register for USD Credit Here
August 2026
EDFN 592: Cooperating Teacher Experience
Instructor: Mary McCorkle
Credits: 1
Fee: $40 / Credit
Additional Fee: $75 for non-SDEA members
Dates: August 24 – December 4, 2026
Please Note: Dual enrollment through both USD and the SDEA Portal is required.
Course Description: This mentoring course is designed for cooperating teachers supervising student teachers in South Dakota and surrounding states.
Student Learning Objectives
- Commit to the roles and responsibilities of mentoring
- Support teacher candidates as developing professionals
- Reflect on communication and decision-making practices
- Serve as an instructional coach
- Model professional growth
- Communicate optimism for the profession
- Apply mentoring objectives in daily practice
Register through SDEA Here
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 492: Foundations of Family Engagement in Education
Instructor: Dr. Peg Diekhoff
Dates: August 24 – December 7, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120
Please Note: You must register through Canvas before enrolling for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: This course provides guidance through the research and best practices of family engagement for educators, administrators, and educational leaders.
Register through Canvas Here
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Foundations of Family Engagement in Education
Instructor: Dr. Peg Diekhoff
Dates: August 24 – December 7, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120
Please Note: You must register through Canvas before enrolling for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: This graduate-level course explores the research and best practices of family engagement in education.
Register through Canvas Here
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: An Introduction to Deafblindness - Course 1
Instructor: Brandy Sebera
Dates: August 25 – December 11, 2026
Credits: 3
Tuition: $120
Location: Online
Please Note: You must register through Eventbrite before enrolling for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: This course provides training for educators and clinicians supporting students with sensory disabilities, deafblindness, and high-intensity needs through evidence-based instructional strategies and online learning modules aligned with Council for Exceptional Children standards.
Participants will engage in reflections, discussion boards, and synchronous online meetings focused on sensory systems, learning, communication, trusted relationships, and effective interventions.
Register through Eventbrite Here
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Deafblindness: Assessment & Instructional Strategies, Course 3
Instructor: Brandy Sebera
Dates: August 25 – December 11, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120
Please Note: You must register through Eventbrite before enrolling for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: This course provides an overview of assessment strategies, instructional planning, authentic assessment data, and development of measurable IEP goals for students with sensory disabilities and high-intensity support needs.
Course content includes professional development modules and resources from the National Center on Deafblindness and Open Hands, Open Access modules related to learning readiness, routines, behavior supports, curriculum access, and orientation and mobility.
Register through Eventbrite Here
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Autism Spectrum Education & Resource Training (ASERT 2 of 3)
Instructor: Heidi Aderhold
Credits: 3
Tuition: $120
Dates: September 24 – December 11, 2026
Course Description: ASERT sessions 1, 2, and 3 provide training focused on supporting students with autism through evidence-based practices, mentorship, synchronous training sessions, and implementation support.
Participants are expected to complete all ASERT sessions sequentially within the same school year.
Register for USD Credit Here
January 2027
SPED 592: Autism Spectrum Education & Resource Training (ASERT 3 of 3)
Instructor: Heidi Aderhold
Credits: 1
Tuition: $40
Dates: January 4 – March 30, 2027
Location: Online
Course Description: ASERT sessions 1, 2, and 3 provide guidance and support for implementing evidence-based practices for students with autism through mentorship, synchronous training, and ongoing instructional support.
Students must complete all three ASERT sessions sequentially within the same school year.
Register for USD Credit Here