Utah Endorsement Courses

P-12 educators will examine foundational theories of learning and development in relation to the integration of technology in education. Emphasis is placed on the application of these theories to curriculum design, instructional practice, and assessment. Learners will critically engage with digital tools and platforms to develop research-informed strategies for the purposeful incorporation of technology within P–12 learning environments.

P-12 educators will examine the principles and practices of effective technology leadership within contemporary organizational contexts. Through case studies across diverse industries, students will analyze the factors influencing the success and challenges of technology-driven instructional initiatives. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cultures, strategies, and leadership approaches that promote continuous innovation and the informed adoption of emerging technologies.

P–12 educators will develop and apply the knowledge, competencies, and pedagogical approaches needed to foster 21st-century learning skills.Emphasizing collaboration, communication, critical and creative thinking, and media literacy, the course engages educators in exploring the ethical and responsible use of technology in a global and digital context. Participants will analyze issues of digital citizenship, data privacy, and information literacy while developing strategies to create inclusive, adaptive, and innovation-oriented learning environments.

By examining the principles and practices of digital citizenship within local and global contexts, participants will develop the knowledge and skills to guide students in fostering responsible, ethical, and informed online engagement. Emphasis is placed on data privacy, digital identity, copyright, and information literacy, with applied learning experiences designed to promote critical evaluation of digital content and the creation of positive, connected learning environments.

P-12 educators will examine foundational theories of learning and development in relation to the integration of technology in education. Emphasis is placed on the application of these theories to curriculum design, instructional practice, and assessment. Learners will critically engage with digital tools and platforms to develop research-informed strategies for the purposeful incorporation of technology within P–12 learning environments.

P-12 educators will examine the principles and practices of effective technology leadership within contemporary organizational contexts. Through case studies across diverse industries, students will analyze the factors influencing the success and challenges of technology-driven instructional initiatives. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cultures, strategies, and leadership approaches that promote continuous innovation and the informed adoption of emerging technologies.

P–12 educators will develop and apply the knowledge, competencies, and pedagogical approaches needed to foster 21st-century learning skills.Emphasizing collaboration, communication, critical and creative thinking, and media literacy, the course engages educators in exploring the ethical and responsible use of technology in a global and digital context. Participants will analyze issues of digital citizenship, data privacy, and information literacy while developing strategies to create inclusive, adaptive, and innovation-oriented learning environments.

By examining the principles and practices of digital citizenship within local and global contexts, participants will develop the knowledge and skills to guide students in fostering responsible, ethical, and informed online engagement. Emphasis is placed on data privacy, digital identity, copyright, and information literacy, with applied learning experiences designed to promote critical evaluation of digital content and the creation of positive, connected learning environments.

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Grounded in the principles of scientific literacy, K-6 educators will be introduced to the Nature of Science (NOS) and the Nature of Engineering (NOE) as core components of scientific literacy. Participants engage in explicit and implicit explorations of how science and engineering function as disciplines while experiencing phenomena-based, three-dimensional instruction designed to deepen conceptual understanding. The course emphasizes equitable and effective science teaching practices and serves as the foundational course in the Elementary Science Education (ESE) sequence.

K-6 educators will examine the concept of systems and their role in supporting sensemaking of natural phenomena in this second course within the ESE

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Designed for K–6 educators, this course examines STEM integration through the lens of engineering and technology. Participants explore and apply models of STEM instruction by engaging in the engineering design process and Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) using effective technological tools. Emphasis is placed on developing disciplinary literacy, fostering authentic connections between science and technology, and creating student-centered learning environments that support integrated, inquiry-based instruction.

Designed for K–6 educators, this course explores STEM integration through the lens of mathematics. Participants engage with mathematical concepts, Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs), and Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices through rich, inquiry-based tasks. Participants will also model strategies for creating student-centered learning environments that promote authentic, interdisciplinary connections across STEM disciplines.

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K-6 educators will gain a comprehensive understanding of algebraic expressions, equations, functions, and real numbers, both mathematically and pedagogically. They will learn to formulate and prove conjectures, as well as how to guide their own students in making and justifying conjectures.

K-6 educators will examine research on mathematical problem solving to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to solve problems and how to teach problem solving effectively. Students will explore how children reason about foundational concepts in data analysis and apply problem-solving approaches to teaching these topics. Emphasis is placed on connecting research insights to participants’ own instructional practice.

K-6 educators will develop mathematical and pedagogical understanding of algebraic expressions, equations, functions, and real numbers. Emphasis is placed on formulating and proving conjectures and on designing instructional approaches that guide students to make and justify their own conjectures.

K-6 educators will examine research on how children develop conceptual understanding of the four basic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Participants explore how students identify, distinguish, and solve various problem types and consider how these insights inform effective instructional practice in mathematics education..

K-6 educators examine research on mathematical problem solving to deepen their understanding of what it means to solve problems and how to teach it effectively. Participants explore how children reason about foundational data concepts and apply problem-solving approaches to teaching them, with an emphasis on connecting research insights to their own instructional practice.

K-6 educators will develop mathematical and pedagogical understanding of algebraic expressions, equations, functions, and real numbers. Emphasis is placed on formulating and proving conjectures and on designing instructional approaches that guide students to make and justify their own conjectures.

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Designed for aspiring Elementary Mathematics Specialists, this course provides a comprehensive perspective on curriculum, instruction, and assessment in elementary mathematics education. Emphasis is placed on leadership strategies that support teachers and improve educational systems.

K-6 educators will focus on developing leadership knowledge and skills in mathematics education, including understanding policy and curriculum issues, research-based instructional practices, and the implementation and evaluation of professional development. Students will also examine the evaluation of educational structures that impact equity, including the use of instructional materials, and explore the roles and responsibilities of math coaches and mentors in supporting effective teaching practices.

Designed for aspiring Elementary Mathematics Specialists, this course provides a comprehensive perspective on curriculum, instruction, and assessment in elementary mathematics education. Emphasis is placed on leadership strategies that support teachers and improve educational systems.

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K-6 educators will examine key educational issues surrounding diversity in ethnicity, culture, language, geography, economics, and identity. Designed for educators and parents, it focuses on strategies for building equitable, inclusive learning environments that engage and support all students. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills to design and implement programs that meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners while promoting equity and inclusivity across educational settings.

K-6 educators will study and apply theories of first and second language acquisition and cognition to support English language proficiency, literacy, cognitive development, and academic success of ESL learners.

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K–6 educators will explore classroom-level strategies, materials, and curricula effective for gifted learners. Emphasizing practical application, the course covers key components of gifted pedagogy—content, process, and product—along with principles of differentiation and assessment. Participants will design and share instructional materials tailored to the needs of high-ability students while deepening their understanding of effective classroom practices for gifted education.

K–6 educators examine in-depth understanding of models, systems, and global practices used to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted and talented learners. Emphasizing theoretical frameworks and evidence-based approaches, the course explores how conceptual models inform effective instructional strategies and program design, helping educators translate theory into practice to better serve gifted students across varied educational contexts.

Under qualified supervision, participants engage in extended, integrated field experiences that include assessing and addressing LEA and school literacy needs; developing and evaluating literacy frameworks, evidence-based intervention systems, and coherent assessment plans; and designing and leading professional learning and literacy initiatives that engage educators, families, and communities. Successful completion of this Capstone course provides participants with the knowledge and documentation necessary to apply for the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) K–12 Literacy Specialist Endorsement.

K-6 educators will learn theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy instruction, processes, and leadership.

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