Welcome, Alabama educators! Your professional growth is vital to the heart of Dixie, and Upward is here to make your certificate renewal seamless. Our courses are offered for official graduate-level semester credit hours through UMass Global, a regionally accredited university.
Whether you are looking to meet or advance your 5-year renewal requirements, or deepen your expertise, our university-backed credits are recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).
Alabama Professional Educator Certificate Renewal
Alabama certificates are renewed every five years, and the ALSDE provides several "Options" for continuation. Upward courses fall under Option 2: Allowable Coursework.
- The 3-Credit Solution: One 3-credit Upward course satisfies the primary coursework requirement for certificate renewal.
- Accreditation Guaranteed: Because our credits are issued by UMass Global, they meet the Alabama requirement for "regionally accredited senior institution" credit.
- Official Conversion: 1 semester credit = 15 clock hours. A single 3-credit course provides 45 hours of professional development toward your renewal.
- Documentation: Simply submit your official UMass Global transcript to the ALSDE or your local Human Resources office.
Alabama Educator Salary Advancement
In Alabama, pay is tied to your certification level (Class B, A, or AA).
- Maintain Your Status: Use Upward credits to ensure your Professional Educator Certificate never lapses, protecting your hard-earned position on the state salary matrix.
Get Started
Course Selection & Approval
Our regionally accredited status makes us usable in most districts, but final acceptance is always determined locally. Confirm with your district administrator, and select your courses.
Checkout & Earn Rewards
Complete the checkout process on this website and you will immediately be enrolled in our loyalty program. Refer friends and take multiple courses to earn Upward Rewards!
Complete Coursework
We'll email you your welcome packet, and you're all set! Complete coursework between one and six months (not earlier or before) from the date of your registration.
Graduate Level Courses
Earning Credit
- Email your completed coursework to support@upwardteachers.com
- Upward evaluates your coursework within one week of your submission, and submits your grade to UMass Global (our accredited university partner)
- UMass Global posts your grade within five business days of receiving Upward's assessment
- You login to your UMass Global account to order your transcripts. Note that the university is an entirely separate organization from Upward, and any questions on your transcript or university account can be emailed to exed@umassglobal.edu
- Celebrate your achievement, and sign up for more Upward Rewards!