How to Become a CEU Instructor

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Is there a particular set of skills that you have developed expertise in either in school or in the workplace? If yes, then most likely you can teach a continuing education unit (CEU) course in your particular area of expertise. CEU courses are taken by professionals in a profession in order to meet licensure requirements.

1 Relate your expertise and credentials and

Relate your expertise and credentials to the area of your CEU instruction. If you are a licensed clinical psychologist, then you may be qualified to teach psychology CEU courses. If you are a licensed nurse or a social worker, then you may be qualified to teach CEU nursing courses or CEU courses relevant for social workers.

Have work experience and teaching experience in the area of CEU instruction. Having at least 1 year of work experience and 1 year of teaching experience is helpful. However, specific work requirements and teaching requirements vary from job to job.

Identify the appropriate professional organization within your profession and ask what CEU teaching opportunities are available. For example, if you are a licensed clinical psychologist, contact the American Psychological Association to find out what CEU teaching opportunities are available in psychology. Nursing and social work and other professions also have their own professional organizations that can be contacted to find out what CEU teaching opportunities are available.

Ask if there is a preferred course proposal format or preferred course plan format. If there is a preferred format, develop a course proposal or course plan according to the preferred format. However, if you are given freedom to develop your own course, then you should develop your own CEU course.

Become aware of what you will be required to do as a CEU instructor. Differing organizations and institutions have varying requirements. Consider your weekly time commitment to teaching a CEU course and determine if you will interact with the students in a classroom as well as online. Also consider how you will evaluate student performance in the course.

  • Do not choose a topic that you have no expertise in.
  • Choose topics that you have expertise in. Choose topics that you would enjoy teaching.
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