Adolescent Development for Educators in the Middle and High School Classrooms

$590.00

NEW COURSE for Summer 2026: July 6 - August 14

Register now for professional development hours! Registration for graduate-level credit opens June 1st, 2026.

Course Description

This course examines the psychological development of adolescents within educational settings, with an emphasis on applying developmental theory to classroom practice. Students will explore biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes during adolescence and analyze how these changes influence learning, behavior, and identity formation. The course also addresses mental health, risk and resilience, and the impact of cultural, familial, and societal contexts on adolescent development. Through case studies and applied activities, students will develop strategies for creating supportive, inclusive, and developmentally responsive learning environments. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped to translate research into effective instructional practices and interventions that meet the diverse needs of adolescent learners. Conducted in English.

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will have the opportunity to:

  1. Analyze major theories of adolescent development and explain their relevance to educational practice.

  2. Evaluate the impact of biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes on adolescent learning and behavior.

  3. Apply knowledge of adolescent development to design developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and classroom environments.

  4. Identify common mental health concerns and risk factors in adolescence and determine appropriate educator responses and supports.

  5. Examine the role of culture, identity, and context in shaping adolescent development and educational experiences.

  6. Develop culturally responsive and inclusive practices that support diverse adolescent learners.

  7. Interpret and respond to case-based scenarios using evidence-based interventions and professional decision-making.

  8. Collaborate effectively with families, school personnel, and community resources to support adolescent well-being and academic success.

What Participants Are Saying About This Course

Be the first to share your thoughts!

Course Delivery

Instructor-Facilitated

  • Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework 

  • Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace

  • Collaborative discussion boards

  • Instructor feedback

  • Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support

Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

Course Access Information

Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.

Required Text

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

About the Instructor

Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.

Click here to request a syllabus.

Session:
Credit Option:

NEW COURSE for Summer 2026: July 6 - August 14

Register now for professional development hours! Registration for graduate-level credit opens June 1st, 2026.

Course Description

This course examines the psychological development of adolescents within educational settings, with an emphasis on applying developmental theory to classroom practice. Students will explore biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes during adolescence and analyze how these changes influence learning, behavior, and identity formation. The course also addresses mental health, risk and resilience, and the impact of cultural, familial, and societal contexts on adolescent development. Through case studies and applied activities, students will develop strategies for creating supportive, inclusive, and developmentally responsive learning environments. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped to translate research into effective instructional practices and interventions that meet the diverse needs of adolescent learners. Conducted in English.

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will have the opportunity to:

  1. Analyze major theories of adolescent development and explain their relevance to educational practice.

  2. Evaluate the impact of biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes on adolescent learning and behavior.

  3. Apply knowledge of adolescent development to design developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and classroom environments.

  4. Identify common mental health concerns and risk factors in adolescence and determine appropriate educator responses and supports.

  5. Examine the role of culture, identity, and context in shaping adolescent development and educational experiences.

  6. Develop culturally responsive and inclusive practices that support diverse adolescent learners.

  7. Interpret and respond to case-based scenarios using evidence-based interventions and professional decision-making.

  8. Collaborate effectively with families, school personnel, and community resources to support adolescent well-being and academic success.

What Participants Are Saying About This Course

Be the first to share your thoughts!

Course Delivery

Instructor-Facilitated

  • Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework 

  • Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace

  • Collaborative discussion boards

  • Instructor feedback

  • Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support

Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

Course Access Information

Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.

Required Text

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

About the Instructor

Mellissia Walles, Instructor. Read more about Mellissia here.

Click here to request a syllabus.

Credit Options

Not sure which credit option to choose?  Learn more about each credit option here and review your state/district requirements.

45 Professional Development/Clock Hours: $590

  • Idioma Professional Development Certificate (accepted by most states)

  • Approved Illinois CPDU Certificate through partnership with CEII

  • Approved Massachusetts PDP Certificate

  • Approved New York CTLE Certificate

  • Approved Pennsylvania ACT48 Certificate

  • Approved Texas CPE Certificate

  • Approved Montana PDU Certificate

3 Graduate-Level Credits

While the graduate credits and professional development hours earned may be used for salary advancement, degree completion and state licensing requirements, Idioma does not provide assurance that any state licensing board or school district will accept these credits or hours for those purposes. Participants are advised to check with the appropriate agencies and gain approval prior to registering. An official university transcript is available upon successful completion of coursework through the selected university from which the participant chooses to receive credit. Participants who complete the course for graduate-level credit will receive an email with instructions on how to request an official university transcript.