Return to the NFL's Professional Development Portal...
- Are you a busy coach?
- Do you rarely have time to take advantage of professional development?
- Would you like to improve your coaching skills and knowledge?
- Can you benefit from earning CEUs and/or graduate credit?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will be interested in a new program offered by Minnesota State University, Mankato in partnership with the National Forensic League. This is the tip of the iceberg for a number of professional development initiatives the NFL has rolled out as part of its commitment to supporting educators in their efforts to give youth a voice.
The online professional development (OPD) modules through this program are self-directed tutorials, each of which takes about ten (10) hours to complete (one CEU apiece). For an additional fee, Minnesota State University will grant a graduate credit per thematic cluster of four modules.
Novice and advanced modules are offered, to appeal to a coach/educator at any level of experience. Examples of modules offered include:
- Basic Team Management and Administration
- Basics of Interpretation
- Basics of Parliamentary Procedure
- Ethics and Competitive Forensics
- Introduction to Policy Debate
- Introduction to the NFL - History, Constitution, Mission
For more information or to sign up, visit
Frequently Asked Questions About NFL/OPD Modules
What is a "CEU?"
What is a CEU? A "CEU" is a "Continuing Education Unit," a common term of art for gaining additional training in a licensed profession, often to maintain that licensure. Generally, a CEU is defined as ten hours of participation in a recognized continuing education program, with qualified instruction and sponsorship. CEU records are widely used to provide evidence of completion of continuing education requirements mandated by certification bodies, professional societies, or governmental licensing boards. The records also provide employers with information on training pertinent to particular occupations.
Will the CEUs count at my school?
All the CEU modules are designed at meet national standards for Continuing Education consistent with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Everyone is encouraged to consult with their district to confirm the modules will be accepted as CEUs.
Who will be teaching the Modules?
Five professors with more than 100 years of combined experience working with secondary and collegiate forensics are involved in the program.
- Dr. Leah White, Director of Forensics
- Professor James Dimock, Assistant Director of Forensics
- Dr. Dan Cronn-Mills, former director of Forensics
- Dr. Warren Sandmann, former Director of Forensics
- Dr. Nan Johnson-Curiskis, former high-school speech coach
When will the modules be offered?
The modules are available 24/7/365.
I have a busy schedule. How long do I have to complete a module?
All modules are designed to be completed in ten hours, but you can complete the module in a day, weekend, week, month or longer. You can take as much time as needed to complete any of the CEU modules.
(The modules are all designed to count for one (1) complete CEU. IACET standards state ten contact hours equals one CEU).
Can the modules be taken for graduate credit?
Yes, you will have the option of completing modules for graduate credit rather than (not in addition to) CEUs. Modules will be grouped by theme into units of four. Students wishing to receive graduate credit instead of CEUs will register and complete all of the modules in the group. You may then use the credits in the Graduate Program in Speech Communicaton. Please call or in the MSU Speech Communication Department for admission requirements.
Do I have to belong to the NFL to sign up?
No, the CEUs are available to anyone, anytime, and always online. Graduate credit does require applying for admission to graduate school. Please call or for details.
What else is offered online?
You may also choose to enroll in our 12-credit certificate program in Professional Communication. The certificate is a 100% online program.
Are the CEUs only for novice teachers/coaches?
Our program provides opportunities for all ranges of speech and debate coaches and teachers. There are a variety of modules in specialized areas of forensics and speech communication. We offer novice and advanced modules in many of the topics.
What degrees are offered in Communication?
The Speech Communication Department at MSUM offers BA, BS, BS-Teaching, MA, MS and MFA degrees. One of the strengths of MSU Speech Communication Department is our role as educators of speech communication teachers and speech and debate coaches. We offer a full teacher licensure program in Communication and Language Arts at the undergraduate level, prepare students who enter a MAT program to achieve initial licensure and offer an MFA in Forensics, the only terminal degree in forensics in the country.
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