With next year around the corner, it’s time to think about setting your team up for future success. A big part of that will mean leveraging the resources the New Jersey School Boards Association offers, including its new Online University Hub, a professional development academy.
The NJSBA launched the hub with the New Jersey Association of School Administrators. It offers engaging and interactive e-learning courses to all K-12 public school district stakeholders.
The hub provides school districts with targeted professional learning options for school leaders, staff, and educators. From social-emotional learning, to accelerated learning, diversity and equity and much more, the curriculum encompasses some of the most important and timely topics in education.
School Board Notes recently caught up with Lou Schimenti, senior manager, products and services at NJSBA, to learn more about the hub and why the education community is so excited about all it has to offer.
How is the Online University Hub different than the NJSBA Online University?
The NJSBA Online University for school board members, created in partnership with Rutgers University Division of Continuing Studies, offers on-demand and flexible online professional learning opportunities for school board members.
The Online University Hub expands on this idea and offers training and professional development courses for educators and other district stakeholders.
Why did the NJSBA and NJASA team up on this initiative?
Whether you are an administrator or a school board member, you need to continually focus on professional development. At the end of the day, that’s what helps both groups work together to optimize student learning. Teaming up on the Online University Hub was a natural fit as it gives both associations the opportunity to promote this vital new platform to districts.
Can school districts enroll staff in courses now?
Yes! To get started, contact edutraining@shi.com.
What is the cost to take classes?
School districts may be able to access funding for these courses under the recently approved federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The Online University Hub is part of NJSBA’s state-approved cooperative pricing system, meaning school districts can save money and bypass the often lengthy formal bidding process.
Plans start at only $395 per year. Review the “Get Started” page on the Online University Hub portal for plans, costs and more information.
Do you have to take classes at particular times, or can you decide your own schedule?
Courses are self-paced and available 24/7 with online support available.
What type of credential or certificate do you receive after successfully completing a course?
Upon completion of a course, participants will earn a professional development certificate. The certificate will feature the participant’s name, course name, hours of professional development earned and the date the course was completed. Digital badges are awarded after the completion of courses in a learning path.
Explore what the Online University Hub Can Do for Your Team
To celebrate the launch of the Online University Hub, there is a free 14-day trial for up to three members of an organization. The free trial will give team members access to a curated selection of courses so you can see why the hub is the ideal learning solution for your district.
Schimenti and his team stand ready to give anyone interested in the hub a free personalized demo, which will help stakeholders unlock the full potential of the platform.
To learn more contact edutraining@shi.com or visit njlearninghub.org.