A Trusted, Teacher-Friendly Way to Earn Graduate Level Professional Development (PD) Credits (Semester Units) Online
Built for California Salary Advancement: Up to 15 Semester Units, Paid as You Go.
Save $326 on 5 Courses.
Finish online at your own pace.
Earn graduate-level professional development (PD) credits (semester units) transcripted by
UMass Global — regionally accredited (WSCUC).
Created by teachers, for teachers • Self-paced and 100% online
California Salary Advancement Power Move: Up to 15 Units, Paid as You Go
Planning to earn multiple courses' worth of units this year? This is the best value we offer — 5 courses for $499, plus up to 15 graduate-level PD units at $190 per course to UMass Global, added as you go. All 100% online and self-paced.
For the official UMass Global transcript, there's a separate fee paid directly to the university.
$190 per course (each course = 3 graduate-level PD units).
Full bundle: $190 × 5 = $950.
Pay anytime — even after you finish. Payment link is inside your online classroom.
Want fewer than 15 units? Build Your Own Bundle.
Pick the courses you want and save more as you bundle more.
Build Your Own 3-Course Bundle →
Choose any 3 courses for $399 and save $96.
Build Your Own 4-Course Bundle →
Choose any 4 courses for $449 and save $211.
The more courses you bundle, the more you save.
Not sure how California pay raises actually work? Read our plain-English guide: How California salary-schedule column advancement works →
How It Works
FTBT courses are 100% online and self-paced. Many California educators pursue these graduate-level PD units for salary advancement and district-level professional learning, with an official transcript available for HR documentation. Because salary policies are set district-by-district, we recommend confirming how your district counts these units before you enroll.
Need the syllabi for district pre-approval?
If your California district asks for course syllabi before approving salary-advancement units, you can download them yourself — no waiting on us. Each syllabus includes the official course number, description, objectives, and hours your HR or salary office needs for review.
Helpful note: Every course is offered through University of Massachusetts Global — School of Extended Education, is fully online and self-paced, and carries 3 graduate-level PD units with letter grades (A–F).
Need something specific your district requires? Email info@forteachersbyteachers.org and we'll send it right over.
Need a course number for district approval?
Each UMass Global course has its own number. See all UMass Global course numbers.
California Teacher FAQ
Last updated: October 2026
The $499 covers enrollment in all five courses and classrooms. The graduate-level PD credits are a separate, optional step — $190 per course (3 semester units each), paid directly to UMass Global. You only pay for the courses you want credit for, whenever you're ready — even after you finish, and even one at a time. All-in, each course works out to about $290 for 3 graduate-level PD units.
Many California districts accept regionally accredited graduate semester units for salary advancement, and UMass Global is regionally accredited by WSCUC. Two important things to know: these units are issued through UMass Global's continuing / professional education (non-degree) programs, and California districts set their own salary rules — some count continuing-education or non-degree units differently from degree-applicable units, which can affect how many salary points you receive. Because of this, we strongly recommend confirming with your district's HR or salary office before enrolling. We're glad to provide course syllabi and transcript details to support that review.
Yes. UMass Global is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Your transcript is an official, regionally accredited graduate transcript that you can submit to your district's HR or salary office for review.
We offer a 7-day refund window. Enroll, log in, preview the course materials, and if it's not what you expected, email us within 7 days for a refund. Full details on our Terms page.
No. The university transcript fee is completely optional and can be paid anytime — including after you finish the course. The payment link sits inside your online classroom, ready when you need it.
Yes. The optional UMass Global credits are graduate-level, non-degree semester units issued through UMass Global's continuing / professional education programs on an official letter-grade transcript. Many California teachers pursue this type of credit for salary lane movement, subject to their district's approval.
Yes. Whether you bundle 3, 4, or 5 courses, you get instant access to all of them and can work through them in any order. Each course is independent and self-paced, so you can move at the pace that fits your schedule.
Before you enroll — how California districts count these units
These are graduate-level semester units transcripted by UMass Global, issued through its continuing / professional education (non-degree) programs. California districts set their own salary-advancement rules, and some districts count continuing-education or non-degree units differently from degree-applicable units — which can affect how many salary points you receive. Before enrolling, we strongly recommend confirming with your district's HR or salary office that these units will count the way you expect. We're glad to provide course syllabi and transcript details to support your review — just email info@forteachersbyteachers.org.
Why Teachers Choose For Teachers By Teachers Courses
Real feedback from educators nationwide:
"Without exaggeration, your courses are the most enjoyable of all, and I've taken a lot of PD courses! What distinguishes your courses from other courses isn't only the format, but the life enriching content that makes us grow as human beings, as well as educators." — I.F., Middle School Teacher
"I LOVED this course and cannot thank you enough for continuing to make professional development that is do-able, worthwhile, and affordable for teachers." — K.H., Elementary Teacher
"This course was a goldmine! It has been the most organized and well-planned PD that I've ever participated in. I plan on taking every class that For Teachers By Teachers has to offer." — A.B., Middle School Teacher
"This was my first online professional development course. I found it to be organized, well presented, interesting and most importantly inspiring! The effort, skill, and dedication to helping teachers and students succeed is evident and so appreciated." — M.B., Kindergarten Teacher
Questions? We're here to help: info@forteachersbyteachers.org