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Professional Development

Does Your State Accept Podcast Listening as PD?

Many states allow self-directed professional development hours. Here’s what your state requires — and how the Common Time PD Log helps you document it.

Podcast listening qualifies as self-directed professional development in many U.S. states — but requirements vary. Some states accept self-reported hours outright; others require administrator sign-off; a few mandate formal coursework or approved-provider credits. The Common Time PD Reflection Log is designed to provide the documentation many states require for self-directed learning. Always verify current requirements with your state’s Department of Education or your district.

Log + Submit

Complete and Submit

These states accept self-reported independent study hours. Complete a PD Reflection Log for each episode and submit it to your administrator or include it in your professional growth portfolio.

Log + Admin Approval

Complete and Get Sign-Off

These states allow self-directed PD but require supervisor or district sign-off before hours count. Bring your completed PD Reflection Log to your administrator for approval.

Verify with Your State

Check Your State Directly

These states have formal coursework requirements, approved-provider restrictions, no PD requirement at all, or requirements that vary by certificate type. Check your state DOE before counting hours.

Log + Submit 11 states
Alabama5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required50 clock hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — independent study per Alabama Standards for PD

PD Log Compatibility

Your completed PD Reflection Log — with listening time, learning objectives, and reflection notes — meets Alabama’s independent study documentation standard. Submit it to your administrator or include it in your growth portfolio.

Alabama DOE →
Arizona6–12-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required180 clock hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — broad activity types including educational research and professional organization leadership

PD Log Compatibility

Arizona’s broad activity list includes educational research and professional organization engagement. Your PD Reflection Log documents the content, time, and professional learning required for each episode.

Arizona DOE →
Colorado5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required90 clock hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — self-selected qualifying activities accepted

PD Log Compatibility

Colorado lets you self-select qualifying activities. Complete one PD Reflection Log per episode and include it in your professional growth portfolio.

Colorado DOE →
Delaware5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required90 clock hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — broad activity types with documentation required

PD Log Compatibility

Delaware accepts broad activity types with documentation. Your completed PD Reflection Log gives your administrator the written record they need.

Delaware DOE →
Minnesota5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required125 clock hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — 1 hour of participation = 1 clock hour

PD Log Compatibility

Minnesota counts 1 hour of participation as 1 clock hour. Complete one PD Reflection Log per episode to document your time and include it in your renewal portfolio.

Minnesota DOE →
Montana5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required60 OPI renewal units
Self-Directed PDAccepted — 1 hour of attendance = 1 OPI renewal unit

PD Log Compatibility

Montana counts 1 hour of attendance as 1 OPI renewal unit. Complete a PD Reflection Log for each episode to document your hours and maintain your renewal record.

Montana OPI →
New York5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required100 CTLE hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — independent study up to 20% of total hours; self-study of professional materials including online content accepted

PD Log Compatibility

Up to 20 of your 100 required CTLE hours can come from independent study of professional materials, including online content. Use the PD Reflection Log to document each episode and track your hours toward the 20-hour cap.

New York SED →
North Carolina5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required80 hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — general credits at LEA discretion

PD Log Compatibility

LEAs have discretion over activity approval. Bring your completed PD Reflection Log to your administrator — most districts accept documented self-directed professional study.

North Carolina DPI →
Ohio5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required180 contact hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — educator designs individual PD plan; equivalent activities accepted

PD Log Compatibility

Ohio educators design their own individual PD plans. Use the PD Reflection Log to document Common Time listening as a planned, reflective activity within your individual plan.

Ohio DOE →
Texas5-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required150 CPE hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted — independent study up to 20% (30 hrs); renewal via online self-affidavit

PD Log Compatibility

Up to 30 of your 150 CPE hours can be independent study, self-reported via online affidavit. Your PD Reflection Log provides the written documentation behind that affidavit.

Texas TEA →
Virginia5 or 10-year renewal
Log + Submit
Hours Required180 or 270 PD points
Self-Directed PDAccepted — flexible “other approved activities” via individualized renewal plan

PD Log Compatibility

Virginia’s individualized renewal plan accepts a wide range of activities under “other approved activities.” Use the PD Reflection Log to document each episode and submit it as part of your renewal portfolio.

Virginia DOE →
Log + Admin Approval 10 states
Arkansas5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required36 hrs/year
Self-Directed PDAccepted with district approval — district manages compliance per state rules

PD Log Compatibility

Your district manages compliance with state rules. Bring your completed PD Reflection Log to your administrator and ask whether documented self-directed study can be applied toward your annual hours.

Arkansas DESE →
Hawaii5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required60 points
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — all activities must relate to approved Professional Growth Plan with documentation

PD Log Compatibility

All PD activities must tie to your approved Professional Growth Plan. Complete a PD Reflection Log for each episode, connect the episode content explicitly to your PGP goals, and submit for approval.

Hawaii DOE →
Idaho5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required6 semester credits
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — up to 3 credits can be non-university PD; must be approved on inservice form signed by school administrator

PD Log Compatibility

Up to 3 of your 6 required credits can be non-university PD with an administrator-signed inservice form. Your PD Reflection Log provides the documentation your administrator needs to review and sign.

Idaho SDE →
Illinois5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required120 CPDUs or 24 CEUs
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — 80% must align with school/district goals; supervisor approval required

PD Log Compatibility

80% of your CPDUs must align with school or district improvement goals and require supervisor approval. Use the PD Reflection Log to connect episode content to your district priorities before bringing it to your supervisor.

Illinois ISBE →
Indiana2, 5, or 10-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required90 professional growth plan points
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — individual growth plan with district approval

PD Log Compatibility

Indiana requires an individual growth plan with district approval. Present your completed PD Reflection Log to your administrator as evidence of self-directed professional growth aligned to your plan.

Indiana DOE →
Iowa5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required6 renewal credits
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — through AEA or approved LEA staff development

PD Log Compatibility

Renewal credits must go through your AEA or approved LEA staff development. Contact your AEA to ask whether documented podcast listening with a reflection log can be applied toward your credits.

Iowa DOE →
Massachusetts5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required150 PD points
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — 80% must align with school/district goals; supervisor endorsement required

PD Log Compatibility

80% of your PD points must align with school or district goals and carry supervisor endorsement. Use the PD Reflection Log to connect episode content to those goals, then bring it to your supervisor for sign-off.

Massachusetts DOE →
New Hampshire3-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required75 continuing education units
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — job-embedded or formal PD addressing school/district improvement goals

PD Log Compatibility

PD must address school or district improvement goals. Use the PD Reflection Log to document how each episode connects to those goals, then present it to your supervisor for approval.

New Hampshire DOE →
New JerseyAnnual
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required20 clock hours/year
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — state-approved PD required

PD Log Compatibility

Some districts accept documented self-directed study with administrator approval — check with your district. Your PD Reflection Log provides the documentation for that conversation.

New Jersey DOE →
Vermont5-year renewal
Log + Admin Approval
Hours Required3 credits or 45 hours
Self-Directed PDAccepted with approval — at least 1 credit must apply directly to endorsement standards

PD Log Compatibility

At least one of your credits must apply directly to endorsement standards. Use the PD Reflection Log to connect episode content to those standards, then bring it to your administrator for review.

Vermont AOE →
Verify with Your State 29 states
Alaska5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 semester hours from regionally accredited university; 3 must be upper-division or graduate level
Self-Directed PDUniversity coursework required for renewal

PD Log Compatibility

Alaska requires university coursework for renewal. The PD Reflection Log doesn’t satisfy the formal credit requirement, but is a valuable tool for documenting your ongoing professional engagement with current pedagogy.

Alaska DOE →
California5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredNone required — application and fee only
Self-Directed PDNo additional PD hours required for renewal

PD Log Compatibility

California renewal requires only an application and fee — no PD hours are mandated. The PD Reflection Log is still a valuable tool for documenting your professional growth, even if it isn’t required for credential renewal.

California CTC →
ConnecticutVaries by certificate
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVaries by certificate type
Self-Directed PDVerify at state DOE for your specific certificate type

PD Log Compatibility

Connecticut’s requirements vary by certificate type. Check your specific requirements at the DOE. The PD Reflection Log documents your professional growth regardless of whether it satisfies your renewal pathway.

Connecticut SDE →
Florida5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 semester hours from accredited institution; must include 1 hr teaching students with disabilities
Self-Directed PDAccredited institution coursework required

PD Log Compatibility

Florida requires accredited institution coursework for renewal. The PD Reflection Log supports your professional growth portfolio but doesn’t substitute for the formal coursework requirement.

Florida DOE →
Georgia5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVaries — per GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36
Self-Directed PDVerify at state PSC for your specific certificate

PD Log Compatibility

Georgia renewal is governed by GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36. Check your specific certificate requirements. The PD Reflection Log documents your ongoing engagement with current pedagogy and best practices.

Georgia PSC →
Kansas5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 semester hours OR 120 inservice points
Self-Directed PDInservice points pathway may allow approved self-directed activities — verify with district

PD Log Compatibility

Kansas offers two pathways: 6 semester hours OR 120 inservice points. If your district accepts inservice points for approved self-directed activities, your PD Reflection Log may support that pathway — check with your district.

Kansas DOE →
Kentucky5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required12 EILA hours per Kentucky DOE
Self-Directed PDApproved providers required

PD Log Compatibility

Kentucky requires EILA hours through approved providers. The PD Reflection Log is a best-practice documentation tool but does not replace the formal approved-provider requirement.

Kentucky DOE →
Louisiana5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required150 clock hours (Level 2/3 license)
Self-Directed PDVerify whether approved-provider hours are required

PD Log Compatibility

Louisiana requires 150 clock hours for Level 2/3 licenses. The PD Reflection Log documents your professional growth — check whether your hours need to be from approved providers.

Louisiana DOE →
Maine5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 renewal credits; 1 credit = 15 clock hours; approved providers
Self-Directed PDApproved providers required

PD Log Compatibility

Maine requires renewal credits from approved providers. The PD Reflection Log documents your engagement but check with your provider whether podcast listening qualifies under their program.

Maine DOE →
Maryland5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 semester hours on official transcripts
Self-Directed PDOfficial university transcripts required

PD Log Compatibility

Maryland requires official transcripts showing 6 semester hours. The PD Reflection Log supports professional growth documentation but doesn’t substitute for the transcript requirement.

Maryland MSDE →
Michigan5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 semester hours OR 18 State Board CECs
Self-Directed PDCEC pathway may allow approved self-directed activities — verify with district

PD Log Compatibility

Michigan offers two pathways: 6 semester hours OR 18 State Board CECs. Check whether your district accepts documented self-directed study toward CECs. The PD Reflection Log provides the documentation for that conversation.

Michigan MDE →
Mississippi5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required3 semester hours OR 5 CEUs from approved providers
Self-Directed PDApproved providers required

PD Log Compatibility

Mississippi requires semester hours or CEUs from approved providers. The PD Reflection Log documents your professional engagement but check whether it satisfies your provider’s requirements.

Mississippi DOE →
Missouri4-year initial
Verify with Your State
Hours Required40 contact hours
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE for your certificate type

PD Log Compatibility

Missouri requirements vary by certificate type. Check your specific requirements at DESE. The PD Reflection Log documents your ongoing professional development regardless of pathway.

Missouri DESE →
Nebraska5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Nebraska DOE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of whether it satisfies your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Nebraska DOE →
Nevada5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required6 credits from accredited institution or approved provider
Self-Directed PDAccredited institution or approved provider required

PD Log Compatibility

Nevada requires credits from an accredited institution or approved provider. The PD Reflection Log documents your professional growth but doesn’t substitute for the formal credit requirement.

Nevada DOE →
New Mexico5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the New Mexico PED. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

New Mexico PED →
North Dakota5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required4 graduate semester hours (2 in endorsement area) OR 30 clock hours with signed verification
Self-Directed PDClock hours pathway may allow approved self-directed study with administrator signature

PD Log Compatibility

If pursuing the 30-hour clock hours pathway, your PD Reflection Log with administrator signature may support that option — check with your district on what activities qualify.

North Dakota ESPB →
Oklahoma5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Oklahoma SDE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Oklahoma SDE →
Oregon5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state TSPC
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state TSPC

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Oregon TSPC. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Oregon TSPC →
Pennsylvania5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours Required180 hours (Act 48); approved providers
Self-Directed PDApproved providers required for Act 48 hours

PD Log Compatibility

Pennsylvania’s Act 48 requires 180 hours from approved providers. The PD Reflection Log documents your professional engagement but doesn’t substitute for approved-provider credits.

Pennsylvania DOE →
Rhode Island5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at RIDE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Rhode Island RIDE →
South Carolina5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the South Carolina DOE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

South Carolina DOE →
South Dakota5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the South Dakota DOE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

South Dakota DOE →
Tennessee5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Tennessee DOE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Tennessee DOE →
Utah5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Utah State Board of Education. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Utah USBE →
Washington5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state OSPI
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state OSPI

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at Washington OSPI. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Washington OSPI →
West Virginia5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the West Virginia DOE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

West Virginia DOE →
Wisconsin5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DPI
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DPI

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Wisconsin DPI. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Wisconsin DPI →
Wyoming5-year renewal
Verify with Your State
Hours RequiredVerify at state DOE
Self-Directed PDVerify requirements at state DOE

PD Log Compatibility

Requirements are best confirmed directly at the Wyoming DOE. The PD Reflection Log is a valuable professional growth tool regardless of your state’s formal renewal pathway.

Wyoming DOE →

State requirements change. This page is a general reference for music educators and is not legal or licensure advice. Always verify current requirements with your state’s Department of Education or your employing school district.