Professional Development Courses: Schedule
All three credit courses require 42 hours of instructional work throughout the duration of the course. Whether it is in-person class time or online alternative instruction, it is your opportunity to put your new knowledge into immediate practice. The frequency of online discussion/interaction with instructor and classmates is throughout the course. It is available 24 hours a day. For course descriptions simply click on the course name or visit our course catalog. 10 days prior to the course you will receive a Welcome email with directions and any other instructions for the course. If you have any questions about our scheduling please feel free to contact us at info@thomstecher.com.
Registration for courses closes 5 days before the first day of class or if the course is filled.
An official Grade Receipt Letter will be mailed by Neumann University at the conclusion of the course.
Spring 2025
EDU 526 - An Educator's Guide to Support Parents/Guardians Dealing with At-Risk Youth Behaviors (Online)
- Price: $900.00
- Dates: January 21st - March 16th, 2025
- Professors: Larry Newman
- Location: Online via Canvas online learning platform
Registration period has ended.
One of the most important tasks teachers face is working to establish a positive, constructive relationship with the parents/guardians of their students. When there are no outside issues, parent contacts and face-to-face meetings are straightforward. What if the student, their child, is involved in any at-risk behaviors? What skillset is essential for the teacher to possess in order to aid the parent/guardian in helping their child be successful in school? This course addresses those key issues. Specific strategies will be presented, discussed, practiced, and implemented allowing participants to gain those critical skills.
EDU 526 - Social Media and Its Impact on Youth (Online and 2 Mandatory In-person sessions)
- Price: $900.00
- Dates: February 10th - April 6th, TWO MANDATORY in-person meeting dates- 2/23 and 3/29- 8am to 4pm
- Professors: Scott Heydt and Katie McLaughlin de Vries
- Location: Online via Canvas and Two MANDATORY In-Person session at Franklin Commons, Phoenixville, PA
In this course, participants will explore the profound effects of social media on today’s youth, examining both the benefits and risks within diverse student populations. Through research, self-assessment, and real-world case studies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of social media’s biological, psychological, and sociological impacts. Educators will also experiment with strategies for personal social media management, while identifying social media design elements that perpetuate sustained attention and interaction. By the end of the course, teachers will be equipped with tools to foster healthier social media habits in themselves and their students.
EDU 526 - Communication: Creating a Message of Understanding (Online)
- Price: $900.00
- Dates: March 17th - May 11th, 2025
- Professors: Phil Hochman and Joe Brancoccio
- Location: Online via Canvas online learning platform
This course is designed to create more effective communicators. You will learn to influence with integrity when delivering your desired message. The perception by others of the message you provide will be examined and critiqued. Your skills will be assessed, improved, and redirected, creating a renewed method of universal understanding when dealing with anyone you encounter, regardless of their personality type, learning style, or frame of reference. After intense interpersonal exercises, and much self-reflection, you will develop a new set of skills in the areas of both written and oral communication. Skills designed to enhance your ability to craft an effective message. A message which elicits the desired response you had hoped for. Imagine the possibilities.