The Most Trusted, Teacher-Friendly Way to Earn Graduate Credits Online
Massachusetts Teacher License Renewal
1 Course = 67.5 PDPs Toward Your 150-PDP Renewal
Self-paced graduate-level courses for Massachusetts PreK–12 teachers. Each 3-credit course converts to 67.5 PDPs — almost half of your 150-PDP renewal cycle, in a single course.
Trusted by 10,000+ educators nationwide • Designed by teachers, for teachers
Optional UMass Global 3-credit transcript: $190 per course, paid anytime — even after you finish.
This page is for Massachusetts teachers who need PDPs for Professional License renewal, graduate credits for salary lane movement, or coverage for the SEI/ESL and special-needs PDP requirements.
Common Ways Massachusetts Teachers Use These Credits
Every district sets its own salary policy. Massachusetts teachers commonly use For Teachers By Teachers graduate credits for one of these three goals:
License Renewal (PDPs)
Earn 67.5 PDPs per course toward your 150-PDP renewal cycle. A 3-course path covers a full renewal with a buffer (202.5 PDPs); the 5-course bundle covers 2.25 renewal cycles (337.5 PDPs).
Salary Lane Advancement
Letter-grade graduate transcripts from UMass Global for district salary lane movement. Salary policies are set district-by-district under MTA collective bargaining agreements — confirm with your HR before enrolling.
PD Documentation
Certificate of Completion with 45 documented instructional hours per course — useful for IPDP records, even without university credit.
Not sure which path applies to your district? See the FAQ below or email us before enrolling — we'll help you check.
What You Get With Every For Teachers By Teachers Course
- 3 graduate semester credits per course = 67.5 PDPs (per DESE's published 22.5 PDPs-per-credit conversion)
- 100% online and self-paced — start and finish on your timeline
- Quiz-based — no portfolios, no busywork, no live meetings
- Certificate of Completion with 45 documented instructional hours per course
- Receipts and itemized invoices for HR reimbursement
- Purchase Orders accepted for districts that pay via PO
- Course syllabi available on request for IPDP alignment
- 7-day refund window — try it risk-free
UMass Global is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Massachusetts DESE does not maintain an approved PD provider list — instead, graduate credits issued by regionally accredited universities are accepted as PDP documentation, and universities are not required to register with DESE. Your transcript comes from a regionally accredited university.
Coverage for Massachusetts' Required Content Areas
Within the 150-PDP renewal cycle, Massachusetts requires 15 PDPs in SEI/ESL and 15 PDPs in strategies for students with disabilities and diverse learning styles. These specific For Teachers By Teachers courses cover those requirements:
Cultivating Cultural Responsiveness and Effective Sheltered Instruction
3 graduate credits = 67.5 PDPs. Covers culturally responsive teaching practices and sheltered instruction strategies for English Language Learners — a direct fit for Massachusetts' SEI/ESL content requirement.
View Course →For the 15 strategies-for-students-with-disabilities PDPs (choose one):
Beyond the Surface: Recognizing, Understanding, and Supporting Students with Anxiety
3 graduate credits = 67.5 PDPs. Strategies for diverse learners with a focus on anxiety in the classroom.
View Course →Creating Resilient Classrooms: Positive Strategies for Addressing Behavioral Challenges
3 graduate credits = 67.5 PDPs. Strategies for diverse learners with a focus on behavioral challenges.
View Course →Either course covers the strategies-for-students-with-disabilities requirement. Pick the one that better matches your IPDP and student population.
Save More By Bundling
Pick courses from our nationwide catalog. The more you bundle, the more PDPs and the more you save.
Build Your Own 3-Course Bundle — Save $96
Pick any 3 courses for $399 (vs. $495 individually). 9 graduate credits = 202.5 PDPs (full renewal + buffer).
Build Your 3-Course Bundle for $399 →Build Your Own 4-Course Bundle — Save $211
Pick any 4 courses for $449 (vs. $660 individually). 12 graduate credits = 270 PDPs.
Build Your 4-Course Bundle for $449 →Build Your Own 5-Course Bundle — Save $326
Pick any 5 courses for $499 (vs. $825 individually). 15 graduate credits = 337.5 PDPs (2.25 renewal cycles).
Bundle prices are course access only. The optional $190 UMass Global transcript fee is paid separately, course-by-course, anytime — including after you finish.
Massachusetts Teacher FAQ
Will my Massachusetts district accept these credits?
Most Massachusetts districts accept regionally accredited graduate credits for PDP documentation and salary lane advancement. UMass Global is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. For Professional License renewal, DESE's published conversion is 1 graduate semester credit = 22.5 PDPs, so a 3-credit For Teachers By Teachers course converts to 67.5 PDPs. Your courses should align with your IPDP (Individual Professional Development Plan), so a quick check with your IPDP supervisor before enrolling is always a good move.
Are these courses DESE-approved?
DESE does not maintain an approved PD provider list. Massachusetts regulations specifically state that universities and colleges issuing graduate credits or CEUs are not required to register with DESE — graduate credits from regionally accredited universities are automatically accepted as PDP documentation. UMass Global's regional accreditation (WSCUC) is the standard DESE recognizes.
How many courses do I need for my 150-PDP renewal cycle?
One 3-credit For Teachers By Teachers course = 67.5 PDPs. Three courses (9 credits) = 202.5 PDPs, which covers a full renewal cycle plus a buffer. The 5-course bundle (15 credits) = 337.5 PDPs, which covers 2.25 renewal cycles. The math works whichever bundle size you choose.
Do these courses cover the SEI/ESL and special-needs PDP requirements?
Yes. Cultivating Cultural Responsiveness and Effective Sheltered Instruction covers Massachusetts' 15 SEI/ESL PDP requirement. Beyond the Surface (anxiety-focused) and Creating Resilient Classrooms (behavior-focused) each cover the 15-PDP requirement for strategies for students with disabilities and diverse learning styles. Each is a 3-credit course = 67.5 PDPs.
How do I document these courses on my IPDP?
Massachusetts educators are required to maintain an Individual Professional Development Plan for each renewal cycle, and your courses must align with the goals in that plan. Course syllabi are available on request for IPDP alignment, and you'll receive an official UMass Global transcript plus a Certificate of Completion for your renewal documentation. DESE selects renewals for audit, so keep your documentation for at least 5 years from your renewal application date.
What if I enroll and it's not the right fit?
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.
Why Teachers Choose For Teachers By Teachers Courses
Real feedback from educators nationwide:
"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
"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
"Enrolling in this course was one of the best things that I've done to help me succeed in my profession." — K.L., High School Teacher
"This was an amazing ride – I enjoyed every lesson, every video, and every assignment!" — L.S., Grades 3–5 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
"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 can apply what I learn in your classes in my personal life too, outside of school." — I.F., Middle School Teacher
Start Your 67.5 PDPs Today
Looking for bundles? Scroll up to see options — save up to $326.
💡 Many Massachusetts districts reimburse PD. We provide receipts and itemized invoices for HR.
Purchase Orders Accepted — Click for PO Instructions →
Questions? info@forteachersbyteachers.org