Are you a teacher looking to improve your virtual teaching skills and make math curriculum fun and interactive for your students with tools for distance learning? With the rise of distance learning, there are now more options than ever for online math courses designed specifically for teachers. These courses not only provide valuable knowledge and resources but also help to enhance your virtual teaching experience.
Mathematics education is more important than ever. After two decades of progress, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reports a historic loss in academic achievement in 2022, noting the largest decline in scores for 4th and 8th graders over the past 33 years.
No doubt the decline is in part due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Examples of grade level learning gaps include 5th graders who struggle to understand basic fractions and 10th graders who lack foundational knowledge regarding algebra.
Learning math plays a crucial role in the future of our students as it nurtures logical thinking—a transferable skill that is invaluable across various aspects of life. By fostering the ability to think critically and approach problem-solving with a growth mindset, math equips individuals with analytical skills to break down complex issues into manageable parts and devise effective solutions. These critical thinking skills are essential not only in academic settings but also in navigating real-world challenges.
Moreover, in the context of the 21st-century global economy, where STEM-related jobs are highly sought after, a strong foundation in math is imperative for individuals to remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.
As a school, ASU Prep Global understands the challenges that come with teaching math, which is why we have curated a list of the top online math courses for teachers. Whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting out in the field, these courses will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively teach math and make it engaging to students in virtual and in-person settings.
What is professional development?
Professional development refers to ongoing learning opportunities for educators to improve their knowledge and skills in teaching. It is essential for teachers to continuously update themselves with the latest techniques, strategies, and resources to enhance their teaching practices.
Why is professional development important for math teachers?
Professional development is important for teachers to stay ahead by adapting to evolving curriculum and standards. In addition, these training sessions can enhance your teaching techniques, help you learn to incorporate technology effectively, and find new sources of inspiration to invigorate your approach to education and engage your students.
Best online math training for teachers by type
Discover the top online math training programs tailored for educators, selected for their exceptional quality, extensive depth and breadth of content, adaptability across diverse learning environments, and practical applications of mathematical concepts in real-world contexts.
Best elementary math online training: Math Teaching Methods K–5
Hosted by ASU Prep Digital, the Math Teaching Methods K–5 program consists of four valuable lessons ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 hours each, totaling 14.5 hours of in-depth instruction.
In this training, you’ll prepare to empower your math classroom. Coursework includes math subjects such as math fluency and number sense, and the science of growth and fixed mindsets and their impact on math. Furthermore, you’ll learn to enhance your instructional approach with effective instruction planning and tips for creating an interactive math classroom where students can explore and even use digital math tools for elementary students.
Arizona teachers can access all resources at no cost as part of the Arizona Virtual Teacher Institute initiative. However, individuals outside of this group are welcome to register for a fee.
Lessons are available for registration both individually and as a bundle, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for everyone interested. Walk away from this interactive, online program with professional development credit, a certificate of completion, as well as practical strategies for fostering math fluency and creating an engaging, hands-on learning environment.
A great middle school math online training: Mathematical Mindsets
Brought to you by Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, Mathematical Mindsets online course, designed by Dr. Jo Boaler, is a comprehensive 30-hour program that includes about 30 classroom videos tailored to inspire and elevate math education.
Mathematical Mindsets equips educators with groundbreaking neuroscientific insights into how students best learn math, emphasizing the development of a growth mindset. Participants will gain access to effective methods and approaches for teaching math, highlighted through visual examples from Dr. Boaler’s own experience with 6th and 7th graders, alongside wisdom from renowned experts.
Key topics include starting math classes effectively, the impact of messages and praise, teaching visual mathematics, task design, fostering productive discussions, creating a mistakes-friendly environment, and inspiring problem-solving and investigation. Upon completion, educators receive a certificate, marking their readiness to transform their mathematical teaching practices.
Purchase individually or take advantage of a discounted rate available for groups of 150 or more. The course includes an engaging online community for teachers to share insights and discuss various teaching strategies. You’ll earn Continuing Education Units and a Record of Completion at the end of the course.
Helpful high school math online trainings: edWebinars (various)
EdWeb.net is an online platform for educators, offering resources and professional development opportunities at no cost. This professional learning network facilitates resource sharing, collaboration, and most notably, access to a wide array of webinars that help you gain invaluable insights and strategies to improve teaching practices.
Completion certificates are recognized for professional development hours, as well as teacher license renewal in 44 states. Additionally, the platform encourages educators to join the Building Understanding in Mathematics online community, where they can network with peers, engage in discussions, and access recordings of previous programs.
EdWebinars, which are live or recorded sessions designed specifically for K–12 teachers, span a variety of courses. Topics geared toward mathematics teachers include intervention tools and strategies to enhance math engagement and proficiency.
Other sessions aim to foster student engagement through effective communication and problem-solving strategies or emphasize the importance of varied instructional tactics to boost student confidence and resilience in math.
Math online training for home educators: How to Learn Math for Teachers
Brought to you by Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, “How to Learn Math for Teachers” online course, designed by Dr. Jo Boaler, includes 8 interactive sessions. Each session is packed with videos and activities that span 1.5 to 3 hours of engagement aiming to equip educators with the knowledge and tools required to foster a growth mindset.
Participants will uncover new pedagogical strategies, gain insights into high-quality math tasks, learn effective questioning techniques to foster understanding, and discover motivational messages to share with students, complemented by inspirational insights from leading educational thinkers.
Targeted at math teachers of all age groups and anyone who plays a role in supporting math learners, including administrators and parents, the course also links to a student-focused counterpart. It offers a flexible, self-paced format, allowing enrollees to begin and conclude at their convenience.
Purchase individually or take advantage of a discounted rate available for groups of 150 or more. The course includes an engaging online community for teachers to share insights and discuss various teaching strategies. You’ll earn Continuing Education Units and a Record of Completion at the end of the course.
A great online training for math learning disabilities: Dyscalculia Awareness
Dyscalculia, a learning disability affecting an individual’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts, is as prevalent as Dyslexia but less recognized. This online training program, spearheaded by Dr. Anneke Schreuder and offered at a nominal fee, aims to enhance awareness, communication, research, and remediation of Dyscalculia. The training is structured into five detailed modules, approximately 10 to 20 minutes in length. Upon completion of these modules and a final quiz, participants will receive a certificate.
This comprehensive course is designed for educators, teachers, and anyone interested in becoming Dyscalculia Tutors and Specialists, offering insights into early detection, screening methods, and effective classroom accommodations. The modules cover the essentials of Dyscalculia, its developmental aspects, the importance of working memory, processing speed, attention, identification techniques, and supportive strategies for children with Dyscalculia.
Best STEM-focused online training: STEM Education and Programs
Hosted by ASU Prep Digital, STEM Educations and Programs consists of five worthwhile lessons ranging from 1 to 5.5 hours each, totaling 15 hours of in-depth instruction.
This program is designed to enhance STEM education by providing a comprehensive understanding of its importance and application in the classroom. Participants will learn about the significance of STEM education and its positive impact on students’ readiness for college and careers. The course covers the foundational knowledge necessary for integrating STEM into educational settings, exploring effective strategies for implementation in both schools and individual classrooms.
Additionally, it offers an opportunity to explore and develop various STEM resources tailored to educators’ specific needs. Through reviewing different STEM lesson plans, participants will also gain the confidence to create their own, laying a solid foundation for fostering a robust STEM learning environment.
Arizona teachers can access all resources at no cost as part of the Arizona Virtual Teacher Institute initiative. Registration is open to all others for a nominal fee. There’s an option to enroll in individual lessons or as a bundled package, offering versatility and convenience. Complete this interactive, online program to earn a certificate of completion, along with gaining valuable strategies to enhance math fluency, utilize math online tools, and develop an interactive, hands-on educational setting.
Best customized math online training: ASU Prep Global custom PD
ASU Prep Global is your innovation partner, offering customized in-person or online training based on your school-specific needs.
With a library of expert professional development training, you can leverage the flexibility of online learning with live webinars offered four days a week throughout the school year. Watch previous webinars, and access learning content, readings, and other materials for just-in-time support. Access the Resource Hub for free online leadership resources that address key challenges faced by schools.
Through the Math Institute professional development series, participants collaborate with fellow math teachers during virtual training sessions to gain knowledge in specific, research-based teaching practices that are essential to the math success of each and every student. Topics include: establishing mathematics goals to focus learning, implementing tasks that promote reasoning and problem solving, facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse, supporting productive struggle in learning mathematics, building procedural fluency from conceptual understanding and more.
Additional professional development topics brought to you by ASU Prep Global include but are not limited to: Thriving as a Digital, Hybrid or Flex Model Teacher, Best Practices in Online Instruction, Blended Learning Models, Learning Management Systems, Social and Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Practices and Teacher Wellness.
Conclusion
The importance of professional development cannot be overstated in the realm of mathematics teaching. The flexibility of online learning at one’s own pace, coupled with competitive pricing options, makes many of these resources accessible and practical for educators seeking to deepen their understanding and proficiency.
Ultimately, by investing in professional development, teachers not only refine their own skills but also significantly contribute to the advancement of student learning outcomes.
Looking for online math training and professional development for K–12 teachers?
As educators, there are many factors to consider when looking for online math training and professional development. ASU Prep Global can help with comprehensive support to make digital learning hassle-free.
With our ASU Prep Training Courses, you can view courses and access downloadable resources anytime, learn through interactive exercises, and engage in topics with other teachers.
ASU Prep Global has partnered with other K–12 schools to build new models of educational success, providing access to the latest innovative technologies, digital courseware, and professional development. We’re more than a curriculum provider—we’re an innovation partner to top schools and school districts.
All resources are free for Arizona teachers as part of the Arizona Virtual Teacher Institute, while others may enroll at a nominal fee. Choose from individual lessons or go all in with a full course experience. Customize your professional development experience to meet the unique needs of your learners.
Top online math courses for teachers FAQs
What are the benefits of taking an online math course for teachers?
Taking an online math course can also count toward professional development requirements for many school districts, making it a valuable asset for teachers looking to advance their careers.
In addition, online math courses are constantly updating their content to reflect current curriculum standards and new teaching techniques, providing teachers with the most up-to-date information on effective teaching methods.
How long does it typically take to complete a top online math course for teachers?
The length of time it takes to complete an online math course for teachers will vary depending on the specific course and individual learning pace. However, most courses typically range from 10-30 hours in length, with some offering self-paced options that allow you to complete the course at your own speed.
Are there any prerequisites required for enrolling in an online math course for teachers?
The prerequisites for enrolling in an online math course for teachers may vary depending on the specific course and institution offering it. Generally, a basic understanding of mathematics and teaching methods is recommended before enrolling in a more advanced course. Some courses may also require previous teaching experience or a certain level of education in order to enroll. It’s best to check with the specific course provider for their requirements before enrolling.
Can I receive continuing education credits or professional development hours for completing a top online math course for teachers?
Yes, many online math courses for teachers offer continuing education credits or professional development hours upon completion. This can be a great way to not only improve your teaching skills but also fulfill any requirements for maintaining your teaching license or certification. However, it’s important to verify with your school district or state department of education to ensure that the course you choose will count toward these credits or hours. Also, make sure to keep track of all necessary documentation and certificates in order to receive credit for the course.