Free Media Literacy Courses for Teachers
Boost your students’ media skills with Consuming Media and Creating Media, two free, self-paced PD courses (5 clock hours each) from Prairie Public. You'll explore PBS LearningMedia, dig into Minnesota Legacy-funded content, and create ready-to-use lessons that support thoughtful media use and creation.
About these courses
- Free for educators
- Self-paced and fully online
- Start anytime—no deadlines
- No quizzes or tests
- Earn 5 clock hours each
- Just complete the course and fill out a short form to receive your certificate
- Perfect for busy teachers looking for flexible, meaningful professional development!
Course 1: Consuming Media with Prairie Public
5 Clock Hours | Free for Educators
Funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund
In an era of constant content, how can we help students become critical and thoughtful media consumers? This course introduces educators to the rich, standards-aligned resources available through PBS LearningMedia and highlights Minnesota Legacy-funded media content. Participants will explore best practices for media literacy instruction and design a classroom-ready lesson that helps students analyze, evaluate, and engage with high-quality media.
Course 2: Creating Media with Prairie Public
5 Clock Hours | Free for Educators
Funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund
Empower your students to become thoughtful media creators. In this course, teachers will explore PBS LearningMedia and Minnesota Legacy-funded resources that model strong storytelling, visual literacy, and responsible media production. Participants will design a lesson or project that guides students through the process of planning and creating original media, with a focus on purpose, audience, and ethical use.