Available for credit, this is an online course offered through the Academy’s web-based learning series at https://pdalearning.org.

What is classroom management? What does it look like? Is there one approach that is more effective than another? Is there a never-fail recipe for success in overseeing a classroom? How does the school atmosphere affect classroom management? Who has the answers? 

This course, based on the notion that classroom management is more than student discipline, should help educators answer those questions. It deals with the establishment of an overall climate geared toward ensuring a safe, secure and effective learning environment as well as handling challenging student behavior.

Through an emphasis on teachers as classroom managers, the information provided in this class will give educators additional strategies and techniques that are helpful on a daily basis.

Why take this class?
Teachers pursue additional information on classroom management for a variety of reasons, but most likely everyone shares this common goal - a desire to be a more effective classroom leader.

Teaching is a challenging career for a number of reasons, and surveys show that student behavior and management issues continue to surface as areas of concern for both novices and veterans alike. While classroom management has always been an issue, it may be even more central in today’s school environment where children of such diverse backgrounds come together – socio-economical, cultural, special needs and more.

On top of this, the growing emphasis on standards and assessment in schools has led educators to seek additional skills and knowledge to ensure that students are meaningfully engaged in learning activities.  
 In specific terms, some of the educators who might benefit from taking this course include:

• New teachers searching for practical tips on how to get started
• Veteran teachers looking for fresh approaches and ideas, and a chance to interact with others on this topic
• Experienced teachers struggling with classroom management issues
• Parents eager to learn from teachers about how to construct a home environment that is supportive of learning and the school setting, and
• College education majors looking for hands-on approaches and advice from those already in the field.

Created by experienced educators

The focus on this course is practical know-how that teachers can easily transfer into the school setting. To accomplish that, it was designed by a team of veteran teachers and college instructors, all of whom have had extensive experience in the classroom. They include Linda Neiman, Education Professor and Chair of the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Cardinal Stritch University; Bob Nerad, an education consultant and trainer with a distinguished teaching and mentoring career at Milwaukee Public Schools; Adrienne Nerad, an adjunct instructor with Cardinal Stritch University and recognized former special education teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools; and Char Harteau, a technology teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools and adjunct instructor in online learning for various colleges.

What does this class cover?

There are nine modules in the course, and they cover topics ranging from establishing a well-organized classroom to motivating students. Along the way, ideas about creating a student-centered approach to behavior, staying on top of paperwork, communicating with key people outside the classroom and the value of employing humor are all a part of this online class experience.

The nine course modules are listed below: 

 Module 1: Welcome (mechanics of the course; meeting the instructor) 
 Module 2: Introducing Yourself 
 Module 3: It’s Always About the Students 
 Module 4: Motivating Students 
 Module 5: Constructing a Classroom 
 Module 6: Rules 
 Module 7: Beyond Piles (getting organized) 
 Module 8: Can we Talk? (communicating with students, colleagues & parents) 
 Module 9: When all Else Fails (discipline, humor)

How the class works

The class offers maximum flexibility by allowing participants to sign up at any time and to work at their own pace within a generous time frame of 90 days. Once access is gained to the class, directions are self-explanatory, and students can progress through the modules, activities and assignments as their schedules and preferences permit.

Even though this course is often taken in the privacy and convenience of a home setting, it still provides a number of interactive features that are engaging as well as informative. These features include readings and reflection activities, a forum for discussion with other participants, and video clips to illustrate likely situations.

Although the class is self-guided, one of the main highlights it provides is meaningful contact with an instructor. Through e-mail, the instructor plays a key role by reviewing assignments, monitoring progress, and conversing with students about issues and thoughts raised by the course.

If the course is being taken for credit, students can still register to begin at any time during the year. The 90-day limit applies in this case as well, but NOTE that the semester in which the grade is awarded will depend on when all assignments and activities are completed (see The Credit Option section below).

How much does the class cost and how do I pay?

The cost for this course includes a Program Fee ($124 for WEAC members / $164 for non-members) and a Per-Credit Fee ($200). Specific costs are listed below.   

Credit Option	Member Status	Fee
Non-credit	WEAC member	$124
1 credit	WEAC member	$324
2 credits	WEAC member	$524
Non-credit	Non-member	$164
1 credit	Non-member	$364
2 credits	Non-member	$564

There are two payment options: (1) self-pay with a credit card or (2) use a Registration Code provided by your school district or organization.

How do I get a Registration Code?

Registration Codes are obtained by school districts or other organizations that pay in advance for their employees or members. In that case, the person signing up would need to register with a given code number in place of a credit card number.  To obtain Registration Codes, contact the Academy at academy@weac.org

The Credit Option

Students can take the course for 1 or 2 credits through Cardinal Stritch University For those thinking about this option, the following information should be helpful.

Course assignments. Those taking the course for credit will need to complete additional assignments and activities. Reading through the course syllabus will give a fairly complete picture of what’s involved. Click here to view the syllabus

Semester dates and grading period. Although participants can register at any time, for administrative purposes the grading periods are as follows:

• Fall 2007 Semester                   August 27-December 14
• Spring 2008 Semester               December 15-May 16
• Summer 2008 Semester            May 17-August 16   

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students are given 90 days to complete the course. If they finish within the dates of the semester registered, the grade will be issued for that same semester. If they finish in the semester following the one in which they registered, the grade will be issued for the latter semester. 

Course completion problems.  A portion of the fee may be refunded if a student withdraws from the course within certain time frames, and they may also request an extension if circumstances prevent them from finishing within the 90 days. In both cases the student must file a written request. Refunds are based upon participation in the 8 course lessons. They range from a 90% refund after participating in just one lesson to a 50% refund after involvement in three lessons. After the 4th lesson, no refund is issued.

How to get started

There are two ways to sign up for the course. The first is by registering on your own, and the second is by enrolling as part of a cohort group. Examples of a cohort situation would be teachers who attend an orientation session at WEAC’s annual convention as well as those participating in a district inservice training. During an orientation session, those wishing to take the class for credit will have an opportunity to begin registering on the spot.

If you are ready to sign up now, go to https://pdalearning.org and click on the “Enroll” option. The process will take you through the necessary steps. Remember to have a credit card or Registration Code number on hand to register.

The credit card and Registration Code approval system work very quickly, and students can begin work on the class almost immediately.

If the course is being taken for credit, you can begin the class right away. Please note that you will receive two special emails shortly after registering – one from the Academy office and one from your instructor. Both messages will have additional information pertaining to the credit option.

Posted May 12, 2008