Professional Development for Educators
Build new skills, earn an endorsement or explore our graduate programs for educators. With a long-standing reputation, award-winning faculty and dedicated support staff, the University of Northern Iowa is the right choice for professional development for educators.
Expand your teaching skills and career opportunities in reading, literacy, or school library studies, with our entirely online programs - designed specifically for current, licensed teachers.
Literacy MAE
Develop and extend your literacy education expertise in both leadership and the classroom.
- Begin in Fall 2026
Reading Endorsement
Learn how to help students become skilled and successful readers, while adding an Iowa endorsement to your teaching credentials.
- Begin in Summer 2027 (Fall/Spring start options may be available based on previously completed coursework).
School Library Studies MA
Prepare to serve as a leader in technology and literacy, teachers of digital citizenship, media specialists and advocates for lifelong readers.
- Begin in Fall 2026
Teacher Librarian Endorsements
Earn one or more Iowa teacher librarian endorsements: K-8 Elementary School Teacher Librarian (#108), 5-12 Secondary School Teacher Librarian (109), or K-12 School Teacher Librarian (#174)
- Begin in Fall 2026
Early Childhood Education BA program
UNI is now accepting applications for the new Early Childhood Education Online Transfer Program. This flexible online program allows students with an AA or AS degree to earn their teaching degrees online, preparing for a meaningful and fulfilling career working with young children.
Available Workshops
SCI ED 5133 Science is Social: Building Engagement & Sensemaking Through Inquiry-Based Science
Inquiry‐based science learning depends on more than content knowledge. Collaboration, curiosity, persistence, productive struggle, and sensemaking are essential for meaningful engagement with the Iowa Core Science Standards.
- Session/Course Dates (choose one)
- July 27 - Des Moines metro area (location TBD)
- July 29 - UNI campus
- Delivery mode: In-person and online
MUS ED 5133 (60) Strategies for Innovative Teaching in Music
Credit option for attendees of the Iowa Music Educators Association (IMEA) Fall Conference. Sessions presented at the conference cover a variety of strategies for innovative teaching that include musical literacy, emerging ensembles, dance, inclusive music, SEL and many others.
- Session/Course Dates: Oct. 19 - December 18, 2026
- Delivery mode: Online asynchronous
