Ed3 is excited to announce a new partnership with the University of San Diego, which will offer Graduate-Level Extension Credit (GLEC) and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to teachers for Ed3’s pedagogy-first AI professional learning. Ed3’s courses have drawn more than 20,000 educator enrollments across 48 states, and USD’s Credit Validation Program has helped educators earn credit for professional learning for nearly 50 years. Through this partnership, teachers who take Ed3 courses through professional learning partners that don’t grant academic credit themselves now have an optional path to GLEC and CEUs through the University of San Diego Division of Professional and Continuing Education.
Credit for courses taken through Ed3's partners
Ed3’s professional learning partners include the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), the Middle States Association (MSA), and ETS Praxis, which offers Ed3 courses through its Praxis® program. These partners deliver the courses and often are approved professional development providers, but they don't issue university credit themselves. Now, after finishing an approved course, teachers can take their certificate of completion to USD and earn GLEC or CEUs for that learning.
What the courses cover
Each approved course teaches AI through a specific teaching practice, such as restorative classroom management, social emotional learning, support for neurodivergent learners, media literacy, or design thinking. Teachers work with AI as a thought partner and finish with routines, plans, or resources for their own classrooms. Each course is approved for 0.5 to 3.5 GLEC depending on length, with CEUs available as an alternative.
"As educators continue to build their knowledge and skills in AI, it’s important to recognize the value of professional learning in all its forms. Through our Credit Validation Program, Ed3 participants now have the option to document their learning by earning graduate-level extension credit or CEUs through the University of San Diego," said Andrew Drotos, Program Area Director, Professional and Continuing Education at the University of San Diego.
What teachers are saying
"I loved this course because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. My district is moving toward the UDL model, and this course has helped me to feel more prepared for the coming year."
~ Teacher, Pennsylvania
"I left the course with practical ways to implement AI in my classroom in order to make better use of my time and provide for the needs of my students."
~ Teacher, Oregon
"I learned so many ways to utilize AI to help me as a teacher and ideas for helping my students use the tools.
~ Teacher, California
Where teachers stand on AI guidance
The 2026 Walton Family Foundation and Gallup Teaching for Tomorrow study found that teachers in higher-need schools were less likely than their peers in wealthier schools to have received guidance on AI. Ed3's courses are one way teachers are filling that gap themselves. Ed3's end-of-course survey, which 55% of participants complete, has drawn more than 10,000 responses, and 94% of respondents say their instruction has changed or will change as a result.
"Teachers' investment in their own practice should count toward their careers. We work with professional learning organizations so teachers can find our courses through institutions they already trust. With the University of San Diego, teachers who take our pedagogy-first AI courses through those partners can now get the full credit they deserve for that work," said Everett Reiss, Head of Learning Partnerships at Ed3.
How teachers use USD credit
Credits earned through the University of San Diego are widely recognized by employers, licensing agencies, and colleges and universities across the United States. Teachers commonly use GLEC toward license renewal and salary lane advancement. Each district and licensing office sets its own rules, so teachers should check with theirs before purchasing. USD credit is optional and purchased separately from the course.
Partner with Ed3
If your organization offers professional learning to teachers, Ed3’s courses can reach them through the institution they already trust. Teachers who take our courses through your organization can add optional graduate-level extension credit through the University of San Diego, even if your organization doesn’t grant credit itself. To explore partnering with Ed3, visit https://www.ed3global.org/partners.
