Great teachers never stop learning because education is always evolving. Educators consistently face new technologies, classroom dynamics and policies throughout their careers. Continuing education helps teachers maintain licensure, build skills and stay current with evolving classroom needs. Teachers can pursue degrees, certificates, workshops and specialty trainings through universities, districts and other professional organizations. Every state has its own licensure renewal guidelines, so understanding approved coursework and keeping your documentation organized is essential for compliance. 

We spoke with Dr. Emily Pottinger, associate dean for the College of Education at Grand Canyon University, to learn more about continuing education for teachers and how GCU supports educators at each step in their teaching journey. 

Dr. Pottinger shares, “Teaching is one of the most dynamic professions in the world and the one from which all other professions are created. As the world around us shifts, we see the needs of our learners changing. Our classrooms are constantly evolving. We see new technologies emerging, instructional strategies shifting and societal needs changing every single day. For educators, staying current isn’t optional; it’s essential. That’s where continuing education comes in, and for educators today, there are so many options for us!”

Continuing education is a vital part of of modern teaching, helping educators stay effective and up to date with licensure requirements. It helps teachers develop improved instructional practices, classroom innovation and improved student outcomes. Teachers have many pathways to build skills, from credits and endorsements to workshops and online courses.

Many states use Continuing Education Units (CEUs), where one CEU typically equals ten hours of participation in approved learning activities.^{(See disclaimer 1)} CEUs and graduate credits commonly apply toward license renewal or endorsements.

Continuing education and professional development each serve a different purpose. Continuing education typically supports positioning yourself for potential long-term career advancement, while professional development focuses on immediate instructional needs. Understanding how they differ can help educators plan more strategically.

Dr. Pottinger explains the differences between continuing education and professional development:

Continuing Education typically refers to and involves formal, credit-bearing courses offered by accredited institutions. These programs may be single courses or can sometimes be applied and/or lead to advanced degrees or certifications. Continuing education courses typically fulfill state or district requirements for licensure renewal. Grand Canyon University offers a variety of continuing education courses.

Professional Development usually refers to non-credit-bearing activities like workshops, conferences and webinars. These experiences can provide practical strategies for immediate classroom application and may be hosted by a variety of schools, districts and other organizations. Educators may sometimes receive a certificate for completing professional development hours, and while this may be used in some states for recertification, this would not typically be applicable for college credit. Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of professional development opportunities through Canyon Professional Development.

Continuing education can offer powerful benefits, including improved student success and meeting licensure requirements.^{(See disclaimer 2 )}Dr. Pottinger explains, “Continuing education strengthens both professional competence and classroom impact, but also ensures educators maintain and advance their licensure in a regulated and credentialed profession. This is one of the steps outlined in the Guide to Program and Certification Requirements for Education Candidates.”

Enhancing Instructional Skills and Student Outcomes

Continuing education gives teachers access to research-based strategies, modern curriculum frameworks and updated teaching approaches. Through these programs, educators strengthen key skills such as differentiation, assessment, instruction and technology integration. These improvements in instructional practices can support student engagement, learning outcomes and more adaptable classrooms. 

Ongoing learning helps teachers address student needs, including multilingual learners, gifted students and students requiring additional support. As Dr. Pottinger explains, “When educators are equipped with current strategies, they create richer learning experiences that foster engagement and achievement.”

Meeting Licensure Requirements and Professional Standards

Many states require teachers to complete CEUs, PD hours or graduate credits for license renewal every few years. Completing approved coursework prevents credential lapses and supports compliance during renewal audits. Specialized training in areas like reading instruction, special education or cultural competency may be mandated by specific states.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Supporting Welcoming, Culturally Responsive Classrooms

Courses in welcoming teaching, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and cultural responsiveness can equip educators to support a wide range of student backgrounds and learning needs. They cover training in trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning strategies and individualized instruction.

Career Marketability and Leadership Opportunities

Advanced credentials such as certificates, endorsements, master’s degrees or National Board Certification can teach leadership skills and the knowledge needed for specialized positions. Continuing education can strengthen your professional profile by demonstrating your commitment to growth, which some school systems value when considering leadership roles or salary structures.^{(See disclaimer 4)} Graduate programs, conferences and professional communities can also provide teachers with valuable networking opportunities.

Understanding the requirements for continuing education and licensure renewal is key to avoiding lapses in certification.

License Renewal Period

Most states require teachers to renew their license every 2–5 years. Renewal typically requires approved continuing education hours or CEUs to demonstrate ongoing professional growth. If renewal requirements are not met, teachers may face lapsed credentials or probationary status and may need to reapply for licensure.

State Qualification Standards

Each state determines how many CEUs or credits teachers need, along with acceptable coursework. Some states require specific trainings in areas like reading instruction, special education or cultural competency. Teachers should reference state education agency websites to ensure their teaching continuing education courses meet current regulations.

Required Hours, CEUs and Documentation

Many states require 15–30 hours of PD or CEUs per renewal cycle, though requirements vary widely. Approved activities may include coursework, workshops, conferences, mentorship or specialty certifications. Teachers must maintain accurate transcripts, certificates or logs to satisfy audit and renewal documentation requirements.

The landscape of education is always evolving. Below are a few trends Dr. Pottinger is currently seeing in the field:

Science of reading and mathematics: Evidence-based literacy and numeracy instruction is gaining momentum nationwide and many states are making coursework and passing exams in these areas a licensure/certification requirement.

Technology integration: Digital tools, AI and virtual learning environments are becoming central to teacher growth.

Micro-credentials: Flexible, targeted learning opportunities allow educators to validate specific skills without committing to full degree programs.

Character education/development: Professional learning focused on character education and development continues to rise.

There are many pathways to earning your CEUs that provide different advantages depending on your schedule and licensure needs. Learn more about the types of continuing education suggested for teaching.

Graduate Degrees in Education

Graduate programs can strengthen instructional practice, leadership skills and content expertise. These programs can also help you advance your knowledge in curriculum design, instructional coaching, reading or school administration.

Certificates and Endorsements

Certificates can support you as you develop targeted expertise in areas such as gifted education, reading intervention, ESL/ELL instruction or STEM. Additionally, endorsements can help teachers qualify to teach additional subject areas or grade levels.

Workshops, Conferences, Seminars and Institutes

Workshops, multi-day conferences and summer institutes offer high-impact, short-term educational opportunities. They often focus on curriculum updates, instructional tools, assessment trends and new classroom technology. These experiences often count toward CEUs or PD hours and allow teachers to learn from experts and peers in the industry.

Professional Learning Communities and Mentorship Programs

Professional learning communities (PLCs) promote collaboration among teachers, giving them the opportunity to support each other. Mentorship programs can help new teachers develop classroom management strategies, lesson planning and confidence in instructional techniques. Some districts may allow PLCs or mentorship activities to count toward continuing education requirements.

National Board Certification

National Board Certification is an optional, advanced credential for K–12 educators, often regarded as the highest certification for teachers.^{(See disclaimer 5)} It recognizes educators who meet rigorous, nationally developed standards created by teachers themselves. The certification process is performance-based and includes submitting classroom evidence along with passing an exam. Teachers must show expertise in subject matter, instructional practices, differentiation and self-reflection.

Subject-Specific Workshops and Microlearning Modules

Discipline-focused workshops help educators strengthen skills in areas like literacy frameworks, math interventions, inquiry-based science and project-based learning. Microlearning modules can provide a flexible way to pursue continuing education, as they deliver short, targeted online lessons that teachers can complete at their own pace.

Hybrid, Asynchronous and Virtual Learning Formats

Hybrid learning combines in-person instruction with online components for greater flexibility. Asynchronous programs allow teachers to complete coursework at their own pace, whenever their schedule allows. Live virtual workshops provide interactive, instructor-led professional development that you can complete from anywhere.

Here are some steps to take to choose the right teaching continuing education courses and programs for your specific situation and goals.

Identify Your Goals and Needs

The right program for you depends on what your needs are, which may include license renewal, classroom improvement or earning new teaching endorsements. Consider your educational goals, such as developing your skills in coaching, administration or curriculum design.

Review Accreditation and Program Quality

Accreditation ensures the continuing education provider meets quality standards and that credits or CEUs will be accepted by employers or state agencies. Accredited programs offer learning outcomes that are aligned with best practices in teacher education.

Relevance, Learning Outcomes and Instructor Support

Look for courses that directly address classroom challenges, student needs or content areas that you would like to specialize in. Programs that offer clear learning objectives and access to qualified faculty or facilitators for support can help you get the most out of your experience.

Compare Program Length, Format and Flexibility

There are many options and formats available for continuing education. You can decide whether online, hybrid, evening or summer courses best fit your schedule. Some programs run for a specific duration with hard deadlines, while other courses can be taken at your own pace.

Dr. Pottinger shares why so many educators trust GCU with their continuing education: “Grand Canyon University has been preparing high-quality educators for over 70 years. According to 2023-24 IPEDS data, the College of Education has awarded more education degrees than any other institution in Arizona,^{(See disclaimer 7)} recognized for its commitment to excellence and impact. GCU offers a wide variety of options for educators of all seeking to continue their education through continuing education courses, advanced degree programs and professional development.” 

Dr. Pottinger adds, “What sets GCU apart is its combination of scale, quality and personalized support that helps uplift the field of education and educators to thrive professionally while positively impacting students.” Between 1961 and February 2025, 104,280 campus and online students have graduated from GCU's College of Education.^{(See disclaimer 6)} Over 100 GCU alumni have been recognized in the field of education, with some receiving Superintendent, Administrator or Teacher of the Year award as of February 2024.