Supporting Massachusetts Educators with TeacherStep Courses

Many Massachusetts educators have successfully used TeacherStep’s online, self-paced courses to meet professional development goals, earn graduate credit, and enhance their classroom practice. Our courses are designed with requirements like those of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in mind.

How TeacherStep Aligns with DESE’s Vision for High-Quality Professional Development

The Massachusetts DESE outlines ten standards for high-quality professional development (HQPD), emphasizing sustained, data-informed learning that leads to improved student outcomes. TeacherStep’s course structure supports many of these standards in the following ways:

1. Clear goals tied to student outcomes
Our courses are built with a focus on practical application, helping educators strengthen their instructional practice in areas like math instruction, technology integration, and differentiated learning.

2. Alignment with educator and district goals
Many educators choose TeacherStep courses to support their personalized goals, school improvement plans, or Individualized Professional Development Plans (IPDPs).

3. Data-informed design
Educators are encouraged to select courses based on classroom needs, student data, and areas of growth—an approach that reflects DESE’s emphasis on meaningful planning.

4. Built-in assessments
Each course includes formative and summative assessments, reflective writing, and applied assignments to help educators internalize and apply what they’ve learned.

5. Opportunities for collaboration
While our courses are primarily self-paced and online, educators may choose to work through them in cohorts or with colleagues for shared learning and reflection.

6. Contextual application
Course assignments encourage educators to apply what they learn directly to their grade level, content area, or teaching setting.

7. Adult learning principles
TeacherStep courses are self-directed, flexible, and relevant—respecting the professionalism and experience of adult learners.

8. Access to quality resources
Participants have access to research-based reading materials, video content, and tools designed to support immediate classroom use.

9. Expert-developed content
All courses are developed in collaboration with experienced educators and are offered for graduate credit through Converse University, a regionally accredited institution.

10. Coherent and sustained learning
With comprehensive content and flexible pacing, many educators use TeacherStep to build toward long-term growth over multiple semesters.

Professional Development Points (PDPs) and Graduate Credit

Massachusetts teachers often use TeacherStep courses to earn graduate credit and document PDPs, especially when aligned with their district’s requirements. While we recommend that educators confirm specific course approvals with their district or licensure coordinator, our courses have been used successfully by many Massachusetts teachers seeking to:

  • Renew their professional licenses

  • Document continuing education hours

  • Meet goals outlined in their educator plans

Each course includes a certificate of completion and graduate transcript (when applicable), which educators can submit to their school, district, or DESE as part of their professional development record.

Designed to Support Your PD Planning

TeacherStep’s courses are a helpful resource for educators participating in the DESE professional development planning cycle, which includes:

  • Setting goals

  • Creating a plan

  • Documenting progress

  • Reflecting on practice

We provide clear course objectives, structured assessments, and practical assignments that educators can use as part of this cycle.

For Schools and Districts

TeacherStep is happy to work with schools and districts that are interested in offering our courses as part of their PD options. Our team can:

  • Help align course selections to district priorities

  • Provide documentation for PDP tracking

  • Support groups of teachers with flexible cohort access

We strive to be a trusted, flexible, and responsive partner.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you’re looking to renew your license, deepen your content knowledge, or bring fresh energy into your classroom, TeacherStep offers online, self-paced courses designed with working educators in mind.