FAQs
Simple answers to common questions about courses and enrollment.
You have questions. we have answers.
If you don’t find what you need, please send us a message—we’re happy to help!
General Information
How will Academy for Educators help me as an educator?
Courses are practical, relevant, and immediately applicable in the classroom. They support your professional growth and student learning.
Browse our catalog or contact us for recommendations.
How do these courses support students and districts?
Courses build practical skills that strengthen collaboration, leadership, and student outcomes. They align with priorities like instructional coaching, social-emotional learning, teacher effectiveness, digital wellness, and leadership standards.
Are these courses just for teachers?
No. Courses are designed for teachers, instructional coaches, and current or aspiring educational leaders.
Can international educators enroll?
Yes. International educators are welcome in all courses.
Programs for international school leaders are also available at aaieinstitute.org.
Do I need prior teaching experience to take a course?
Most courses are designed for current educators, but aspiring teachers and leaders may also enroll. Some concentrations may be especially valuable early in your career.
Who develops your courses?
All courses are designed by experienced educators and subject-matter experts from PLS 3rd Learning, and facilitated by practicing educators and school leaders.
Enrollment & Access
How do I enroll as an individual educator?
If you are enrolling in a self-paced course and paying by credit card, add your desired course(s) to the cart in the Academy for Educators catalog and complete checkout.
How do I enroll a group of educators?
For group enrollment in either self-paced or cohort courses, please contact us so we can set up your enrollment and payment (credit card or purchase order).
When do courses start?
Self-paced courses start immediately upon enrollment.
Cohort-based courses have scheduled start dates set by your district or group.
What happens after I enroll?
You’ll get a confirmation email with a link to your student dashboard, where you can access and track all your courses.
How do I access my courses?
Log in to your student dashboard and click “Begin Course.” If prompted to log in to the LMS, use the same login as your Academy for Educators catalog account.
How long do I have to finish a course?
Participants have up to 45 days to complete each 10-hour course, though many finish sooner. Courses may be taken consecutively or with breaks, but all required courses must be completed within two years to earn an advanced micro-credential.
Extensions may be granted under exceptional circumstances: up to 20 additional days for individual enrollments at the discretion of the facilitator, or with prior approval from the sponsoring district, school, or organization for cohort enrollments.
Can I preview a course before enrolling?
While full previews aren’t available, each catalog page includes a course description and learning outcomes. You can also contact us for recommendations.
What happens if I enroll in multiple courses at once?
Each 10-hour self-paced course provides 45 days of access (5-hour course provides 23-days). If you purchase multiple courses within the same concentration at the same time, your total time will be extended (e.g., 2 courses = 90 days).
If you purchase courses from different concentrations at the same time, the time will not be extended.
Course Experience
What format are the courses?
All courses are online and asynchronous, so you can complete work on your schedule within the set timeframe.
Are courses facilitated?
Yes. Courses are led by a master teacher or school leaders who provide feedback and guidance.
What is the time commitment of courses?
Instructional Coaching, Social-Emotional Learning, and Teacher Effectiveness consist of 4 x 10-hour courses
Educational Leadership consists of 1 x 5-hour + 3 x 10-hour courses
Facilitating Online Learning Communities consists of 2 x 10-hour courses
Digital Wellness currently consists of 1 x 10-hour course but will soon consist of 5 x 10-hour courses (available by 2026)
What does "self-paced" mean?
You can complete activities at your own pace within 45 days. No strict due dates, but a pacing guide is provided.
What does "master teacher" mean?
A master teacher is a highly skilled educator recognized for excellence in teaching and leadership. They inspire students, mentor colleagues, and contribute to their school community.
How will I receive feedback?
Facilitators provide written feedback on all assignments, usually within 2 business days.
Do I need to complete courses in a certain order?
No. Most courses don’t require a set sequence, though a recommended order is provided.
Will I receive a certificate when I finish a course?
Yes. Every course completion includes a professional learning certificate you can download and share.
Will I have access to course materials after my enrollment ends?
After your interactive access period ends, you’ll continue to have read-only access to review course content.
Do I need textbooks or outside materials?
No additional textbooks or outside materials are required — all materials are included within the course.
Technology Support
What if I can't log in?
Reset your password through Canvas. If that doesn’t work, contact us for assistance.
How do I reset my password?
On the login page, click “Forgot Password?" and follow the link sent to your email. If you don’t receive it, check your spam or contact us.
What technology do I need?
A computer or device with a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera).
Can I access courses on a tablet or mobile device?
Yes. Use your device’s browser with the same URL as desktop. The Canvas app is not supported.
Who do I contact for technical help?
Contact our support team. We’ll respond within one business day.
Can I edit a discussion post?
This depends on the facilitator. If you can’t edit, contact them directly.
Who do I contact if I have issues with course content?
Reach out to your facilitator through the Canvas messaging tool for course-related questions.
For technical issues, contact Academy for Educators support.
What email address should I use to create my account?
Use an email you check regularly. Districts may require you to use your school email for group enrollments.
What should I do if I stop receiving course emails?
Check your spam/junk folder and whitelist notifications@instructure.com. If issues continue, contact support.
Pricing & Payment Options
Can I pay with a purchase order?
Yes. Schools or districts may pay by purchase order when enrolling a group. Please contact us to set up your enrollment and payment.
Do you accept personal check?
No. We do not accept personal checks at this time.
Do you accept ACH payments?
Yes. Districts enrolling a group may pay by ACH through the invoice process, in addition to credit card or purchase order.
Are there additional fees for materials?
No. All required materials are included within your course.
Will I receive a receipt of invoice?
Yes. A receipt is automatically emailed after checkout. Paid invoices for group enrollments are provided upon request.
What if I need to withdraw from a course?
If you need to withdraw from a course, please contact us. Our team will review your enrollment details and let you know what options are available.
Certifications
How do I earn an advanced micro-credential?
Complete all required courses in a concentration.
Options include Educational Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Social-Emotional Learning, Teacher Effectiveness, and (in 2026) Digital Wellness.
Facilitating Online Learning Communities awards a standard micro-credential after completing both courses.
Can I earn university credit?
We provide professional learning and advanced micro-credential certificates.
For graduate credit, visit plsclasses.com.
Do these courses help renew my teaching certificate?
Requirements vary by state/district. Check with your local agency or district for approval.
What is the difference between a professional learning certificate and an advanced micro-credential?
A professional learning certificate is awarded after completing an individual 10-hour course.
An advanced micro-credential is earned by completing all courses within a single concentration.
Administrative Resources
How do courses align with district goals?
Courses are practical, job-embedded, and align with priorities like leadership, culturally responsive teaching, and student success. Content can be tailored to your district’s needs.
How do courses support our Professional Development strategy?
They’re flexible, scalable, and designed to build internal capacity. Educators gain tools and confidence to lead meaningful change, supporting continuous improvement.
Can courses be customized for our district's needs?
Yes. We can work with your district to customize course delivery, pacing, and cohort structure to align with your specific goals.
Can we schedule courses around our professional development calendar?
Yes. We’ll coordinate start and end dates for cohorts to fit your district’s professional development schedule.
Do you provide reporting or analytics for district admins?
Yes. Districts are set up with their own sub-account in our system. A district administrator may be added to this sub-account to view analytics including course status, enrollment, and interactions. This can be arranged at the time of group enrollment or later by contacting us with the administrator’s full name and email address.
How do your courses integrate with other PD initiatives?
Our courses are designed to complement existing district professional development, reinforcing instructional priorities and leadership goals.
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