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List of Free Online Teacher Courses and Training Classes

See our list of the top free online teacher courses. Learn about what courses are available, what topics they cover and whether you can use them to get college credit.

Take Free Courses. Earn Real College Credit.

Most free courses don't lead to college credit. Education-Portal.com's free courses do!

Here's how it works:

  1. 1. Watch free video lessons.
  2. 2. Pass an exam to earn real college credit.

Free Online Teacher Course List

Educational Psychology at Education Portal

Topics such as cognitive/behavior perspectives in psychology, educational aims, developmental psychology, learning motivation, individual differences, assessment, instructional pedagogy and research analysis are addressed. Students gain knowledge by watching videos and reading transcripts before checking their understanding through quizzes. This course assists students in preparing for CLEP exams, although they should check with their schools to be certain that course credits are awarded for acceptable scores.

Arts in Every Classroom: A Workshop for Elementary School Teachers at Annenberg Learner

These 1-hour videos present 8 workshops for art or classroom teachers looking for unique ways to bring the arts into K-5 classes. Topics include historical references in the arts, creating multi-arts performance pieces and curriculum design assessment and it's role. Printable support materials may be accessed by clicking on the blue bar to enter the series website. Though this course is offered online for free, continuing education credits may be available for the cost of tuition and fees.

Assessment in Math and Science: What's the Point? at Annenberg Learner

Learners view 8 videos of 90 minutes each to learn about embedded assessment, standardized testing and assessment reform pertinent to K-12 teaching. Packets of materials including articles and worksheets may be printed by visiting the series website. By paying fees and tuition, successful completion of this course can earn continuing education credits.

Individualized Reading Instruction in the Elementary Grades at University of Michigan

Materials available for download in this upper-level course include a syllabus, assignments, handouts, lectures and projects. Students will explore reading and writing assessments, strategies for meeting individual needs, adaptation of commercial materials and the production of teacher-prepared materials. Credits are not granted for this course.

Inside Writing Communities Grades 3-5 at Annenberg Learner

The half hour videos in this course include 8 workshops and 8 classroom programs. Areas of exploration include building communities of writers, teachers as writers, reasons for writing, fostering independence in writing, reading/writing connections and conferencing. Facilitator's tips, printouts and interactive activities are available by entering the series website. Graduate credits are available under certain conditions, with paid tuition and fees.

Introduction to Education: Understanding and Evaluating Education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Most readings and videos for this undergraduate, non-credit course are available through links from this site, although several books are recommended. Learners study curriculum design, student diversity, math and science standards, instructional methods assessment and the use of various media in classroom instruction.

Language as a Medium for Teaching at The Open University

This graduate-level course is presented through text and video. Users will examine language as a tool, as well as theories of socio-cultural psychology, in this non-credit course.

Learning and Cognition in Educational Settings at University of California - Irvine

Topics such as behaviorism, knowledge theories, cognitive development, assessment and intelligence are introduced in this non-credit, undergraduate course. Information is imparted through 9 videos of approximately half hour duration.

Research for the Classroom Teacher at Utah State University

This upper-level, non-credit course for classroom teachers is designed to demonstrate methods of designing and carrying out research according to the Guided Design model. Lessons include assigned readings from 2 textbooks, video lectures, quizzes and research assignments.

Social Studies in Action: A Methodology Workshop, K-5 at Annenberg Learner

The 8 workshop videos each last 1 hour and explore themes in social studies, learning theories, connecting social studies to the wider world and teaching strategies. Users will download printable guides for these workshops through entrance to the series website. Successful completion of all of these workshops and materials, along with payment of tuition and fees, can earn graduate credits for learners.

Earn Real Credit from Free Courses

While the free courses above don't award credit directly, you can earn credit by passing an exam and transferring credit to your college. There are two widely recognized and affordable options for exams that award credit.

Option #1: CLEP Exams

The College Board's 33 CLEP exams allow you to test out of your general education requirements. Credit is accepted at 2/3 of colleges and universities in the U.S.

Option #2: Excelsior College's Credit-by-Exam

Excelsior College offers over 40 exams that lead to transferable credit. You can also earn three full degrees by taking free online courses and earning your credit by exam.

Learn how Education Portal Academy will pay you to earn credit!

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20 Popular Schools

The schools in the listing below are not free but are popular choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations. Be sure to always request tuition information before starting a program.