Frequently Asked Questions
About Learner's Edge
Who is Learner's Edge Inc.?
What qualifications do Learner's Edge instructors have?
Why choose Learner's Edge Inc.?
What other sorts of professional development options do you offer?
What types of credit cards does Learner's Edge accept?
Please provide me with Learner's Edge contact information?
General Course Information
How is my grade determined?
What if I have questions while working on a course?
Are there any additional fees for these courses?
What about international orders?
How often do you offer your courses?
What are the requirements for your distance learning courses (print-based and online)?
Do Learner's Edge courses qualify for student loan deferment?
What if I need to cancel a distance learning course?
What is the difference between print-based and online courses?
How many credits can I take?
Can I register for a semester early, even though that semester hasn't officially started?
What are LEI's registration and coursework deadlines?
I am having trouble completing my course by the session deadline, are extensions granted?
Can I take your courses if I am not a classroom teacher?
Can I take your courses if I am not currently in the classroom?
Does Learner's Edge have a Collaboration Policy?
Transcript Information
How do I receive a transcript?
What if I need to meet an upcoming transcript deadline, can I submit my coursework early?
What should I do if I receive a letter about incomplete coursework for my St. Thomas course?
Lane Change/License Renewal
Will these courses count toward a lane change and/or license renewal?
What if I want to use Learner's Edge courses to help fulfill Pennsylvania's Act 48 requirements?
Will your courses work for teachers in Wisconsin?
What if I don’t need graduate credit? Does Learner’s Edge offer courses for audit, units or points?
When should I have my coursework completed if I need to renew my Teaching License by June 30th?
About Learner's Edge
Q. Who is Learner's Edge Inc.?
Our company was founded on the following beliefs:
- Teachers need meaningful, relevant, professional development that can be immediately applied in their classrooms.
- Teachers will get the most out of their courses if they can work when and where they choose.
- Continuing education graduate courses can't break the bank.
- Ultimately, the most important outcome of professional development is that teachers improve their craft and students achieve at higher levels.
In short, just like you, Learner's Edge is teachers and education supporters wanting to make a difference in education.
Q. What qualifications do Learner's Edge instructors have?
All of our instructors share our commitment to quality professional development. Each holds a Masters Degree or higher and has significant teaching experience at various grade levels/subject areas.
Q. Why choose Learner's Edge Inc.?
Because we are committed to and passionate about:
- Creating the best courses and providing you with a great experience.
- Respecting your pocketbook.
- Understanding your need for relevance, flexibility and new ideas.
- Supporting you to the "nth" degree with ridiculously timely and helpful customer service.
Q. What other sorts of professional development options do you offer?
Certificates: Learner's Edge and Pacific Lutheran University have developed a one-of-a-kind program by creating a series of certificates around our most popular continuing education courses.
Masters Degrees: If you are interested in earning a Masters Degree, Augustana College offers an online Masters in Education featuring concentration courses in technology in the classroom, special populations or instructional strategies.
District/School Initiatives: Align district/school goals and initiatives with graduate credit! We can partner with your district/school to offer graduate credit for extension activities tied to staff development goals/programs. Please contact us for more details.
Book Studies: Create a book study centered around a popular text of your choice. Share your learning and excitement with other teachers at your school around concepts/strategies of similar interest. Please contact us for more details.
Workshops/Conferences: In association with our partner organizations, Learner's Edge coordinates graduate credit for a variety of workshops and conferences. Click here for more information.
i-Course: A Learner’s Edge exclusive, the i-Course is an independent study course that enables you to pursue a topic of particular personal and professional relevance and interest. You have the option to earn credit or clock hours for work on a topic of your choice based on virtually any suitable reference text that will help improve you instruction and student learning.
Q. What types of credit cards does Learner's Edge accept?
Learner's Edge gladly accepts Visa, Mastercard or Discover.
Q. Please provide me with Learner's Edge Contact Information
By Mail:
Learner's Edge Inc.
10523 165th Street West
Lakeville, MN 55044
By Phone:
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area: 952.469.3454
National Toll Free: 877.394.4930
By Fax:
952.469.2790
By Email:
General Course Information
Q. How is my grade determined?
An easy-to-understand grading rubric is included in your course materials. This rubric clearly outlines the expectations for successful completion of your coursework. Based on the rubric, participants may contract for the grade they would like. Participants may contract for a grade of "A" or "B".
Q. What if I have questions while working on a course?
Supporting you is the most important thing we do and we pride ourselves in responding promptly to all questions and concerns. We welcome your calls and emails.
Q. Are there any additional fees for these courses?
There are no hidden fees. Prices include graduate credit.
Q. What about international orders?
Due to increased mailing costs, please add $20 to all international orders.
Q. How often do you offer your courses?
We offer our print-based and online courses year round. On-Site courses are offered in select areas periodically throughout the year.
Q. What are the requirements for your distance learning (print based and online) courses?
All of our print-based courses are formatted in a similar manner.
•Read the course text. Each course has its own course text(s) that contains a myriad of practical strategies and methods for the classroom teacher. Learner's Edge uses only the most popular and applicable texts in the field.
•Respond to the questions on the accompanying study guide. Each course has one study guide with roughly 12-15 questions. The questions are designed to help you synthesize what you have been learning in the course text and apply that to your classroom. These questions are not designed to be "essay questions" or "papers."
•Complete the application requirements.Course requirements are all designed to be relevant and useful to teachers in their classrooms. Each course requires that you create something applicable to your teaching situation. This typically involves creating a series of short lessons using the strategies, or designing activities to try with your students. Beneath many of the course descriptions on our web page, we have included comments from teachers who have taken that particular course. Please take a moment to read what teachers like you have to say about Learner's Edge courses! Or, feel free to call or email us for course-specific requirements.
Online courses are similar to the print-based courses in scope, content, and readings. But online courses also have multi-media clips infused throughout to enhance your learning. Assignments are submitted electronically, rather than via mail.
Regardless of the format you choose (print based vs. online), you can be assured of complete flexibility in when and where you learn.
Q. What are LEI's registration and coursework deadlines?
Learner's Edge holds three semesters/sessions per year. Choose the session that best meets your needs, and begin coursework at your convenience.
Fall Session:
•Registrations will be accepted for this session through 10/31
•Coursework is due 11/30 (or first business day after this date)
Spring Session:
•Registrations will be accepted for this session through 3/15
•Coursework is due 4/15 (or first business day after this date)
Summer Session:
•Registrations will be accepted for this session through 7/15
•Coursework is due 8/15 (or first business day after this date)
Q. What if I need to cancel a distance learning course?
If you determine that you'd like to take a different course, please contact us and we'd be happy to switch courses. If you would like to cancel your course you have 30 days from the course order date printed on your receipt to do so. A $40 cancellation fee will apply. We are unable to offer any refunds for course cancellations after 30 days.
Q. What are the differences between print-based and online courses?
We want to give our customers more choice in when, where and how they learn, so we’ve converted the majority of our print-based courses into an online format that you are sure to love! Both Print-based and Online format courses are similar in scope, content and readings, but we've detailed some of the differences below:
|
Print-based Format |
Online Format |
 Receive all course materials through the mail |
Receive text through the mail, other materials online |
|
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| Submit coursework through the mail |
Submit coursework electronically |
|
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Are you ready for Learner's Edge Online? Explore whether Online courses will be a comfortable fit for you. No matter which format you choose, you will always find our courses to be thought provoking and practical.
Q. How many credits can I take?
Fall Session = 9 credits
Spring Session = 9 credits
Summer Session = 12 credits
Q. Can I register for a semester early, even though that semester hasn't officially started?
Yes, you may register and receive your course materials before the official start of a semester.
Q. Do Learner's Edge courses qualify for student loan deferment?
Continuing Education courses do not qualify for student loan deferment.
Q. I am having a hard time completing my coursework. Are extensions granted?
Before requesting an extension please make sure you have completed the Official University/College Registration. If you miss the session ending date by two weeks or less, there is no need to ask for an extension, your coursework will be processed when it arrives.
If you need additional time to complete your course, please complete the Learner’s Edge Coursework Extension Request Form and let us know how much time you need to complete your coursework..
Q. Can I take your courses if I am not a classroom teacher?
Yes! We have many school counselors, speech therapists, school nurses, etc., that take our courses and find them beneficial and worthwhile for their profession. Please feel free to contact an instructor to discuss a specific course or for course recommendations.
Q. Can I take your courses if I am not currently in the classroom?
Absolutely. We often provide application options for teachers who are not currently in the classroom. Should you find an application option that requires student input, in most circumstances, we welcome you to draw on previous classroom experience. Or, we are always happy to work with you to insure the work you are doing is applicable to your career and still meets course requirements.
Q. Does Learner's Edge have a Collaboration Policy?
Yes. Learner's Edge Collaboration Policy is clearly documented in course syllabi. If you have questions, please contact us and we will supply a copy of the policy.
Transcript Information
Q. How do I receive a transcript?
Click here for a transcript from the University of St. Thomas.
Click here for a transcript from Colorado State University - Pueblo.
Click here for a transcript from Augustana College.
Click here for a transcript from North Dakota State University.
Click here for a transcript from Pacific Lutheran University.
Click here for a transcript from Lourdes University.
Click here for a transcript from Marygrove College.
Q. What if I need to meet an upcoming transcript deadline, can I submit my coursework early?
Coursework may be submitted before the end of the session. Please keep in mind that we are able to begin processing coursework on the following dates each semester.
Spring Session: January 2nd (or first business day after this date)
Summer Session: May 15th (or first business day after this date)
Fall Session: September 15th (or first business day after this date)
Q. What should I do if I receive a letter about incomplete coursework for my St. Thomas course?
If you've received a letter regarding your St. Thomas course and are choosing Option 2 of said letter, please click on the
following link, download the form and fax or mail to Learner's Edge Inc.
Lane Change/License Renewal
Q. Will these courses count toward a lane change and/or license renewal?
Learner's Edge Inc. courses offer graduate level credit (posted in semester hours) from our partner colleges/universities. All partner colleges/universities are regionally accredited, with long-established traditions of quality teacher continuing education programs. If graduate credit is not needed, you may choose to take the course for Audit. Learner's Edge courses are designed to fulfill requirements for license renewal and salary advancement when the student has obtained proper prior approval as necessary.
Q. What if I want to use Learner's Edge courses to help fulfill Pennsylvania's Act 48 requirements?
If you are planning to use one or more of our courses to satisfy Pennsylvania Act 48 requirements please note the following: All credits and hours must be related to an educator’s certificate type or area of assignment, unless enrolled in an administrative program or approved by the school board.
· Collegiate credits earned outside of Pennsylvania must be submitted on an official college-sealed transcript to:
PDE Act 48 Transcripts
333 Market Street
8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
If you have specific questions regarding Act 48 please contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education at www.education.state.pa.us or 717-772-4944.
Q. Will your courses work for teachers in Wisconsin?
Yes. DPI approval is no longer required for courses taken through accredited out-of-state institutions. On-site, online, independent study and correspondence courses are acceptable as long as they are related to your licensure area or professional competence. If you would like more information on this, please visit www.dpi.state.wi.us/tepdl/tm-license.html If you are considering taking a course through Learner's Edge and one of our accredited academic partners, we always recommend that you follow any school/district pre-approval policies that may be in place.
Q. What if I don’t need graduate credit? Does Learner’s Edge offer courses for audit?
Absolutely! If you don't need graduate credit you can audit a course for a reduced price. The course requirements are the same (coursework completion and submission is required), but you will not receive a grade nor a transcript for an audited course.
Upon successful completion of requirements, you will receive an email indicating your work was received and completed.
Why is Learner's Edge now using Audit instead of Clock Hours?
Audit is a nationally recognized term and does not carry the state to state specific clock hour approval criteria.
How do I gain approval for an audit?
For approval indicate, “I am auditing a (1, 2 or 3) credit course”. The universal guidelines for audit alignment is 15 hours for each credit; but as always, check with your district/state department to determine the district/state alignment to hours.
Q. When should I have my coursework completed if I need to renew my Teaching License by June 30th?
We strongly encourage you to register for Learner's Edge Spring session (registration ends: March 15th / coursework due: April 15th). Submitting coursework by the end of the Spring session allows us time to evaluate your coursework and submit grades to our academic partners (if necessary). It will also allow enough time for you to receive the necessary documentation required to renew your teaching license.
