Every May the same thing happens: teachers promise themselves they will knock out graduate credits over the summer, and by August they have not even registered. The fix is not motivation — it is a checklist. Run through these seven items before the last bell and you will enter summer ready to actually earn credits.
1. Pull Your District Salary Schedule
Know exactly which credit lane you are on and how many credits separate you from the next bump. Five minutes of clarity now saves a summer of guessing.
2. Email HR About Credit Pre-Approval
Most districts require credits to be pre-approved for salary lane movement. Ask your HR contact by email (get it in writing) which institutions they accept. Include the name of any course provider you are considering.
3. Check Your License Renewal Deadline
Log into your state licensing portal and note your renewal date. If you are within a year of renewal, every credit you earn this summer can double-count toward renewal and salary.
4. Calendar Your Summer Honestly
Block out family trips, coaching camps, summer jobs, and the week you need to actually rest. The time left over is your realistic study window. Most self-paced 3-credit courses take 30 to 45 hours of work.
5. Pick a Topic That Pays Twice
Pick a topic that earns credits AND helps you next year. Differentiated instruction, classroom management, AI literacy, trauma-informed teaching, or your subject area all pay off in September.
6. Budget for Course Fees
University graduate courses run $1,500 to $3,000 per 3-credit course. Self-paced providers like us charge $349 to $495. Decide your budget before you shop, not during.
7. Register Before June 1
The number one reason teachers fail to finish summer credits is late registration. Register before June 1 and you have all three summer months to work at your own pace.
Ready to check item 7 off? Browse our self-paced graduate courses and register in under five minutes.