Become a Develop Approved Course Writer!
Develop’s Approved Course Writers* are essential to the availability of Develop’s Approved Training Events. Course Writers are individuals who have knowledge in instructional design and have the skills and abilities to successfully create course content that meets all the required details in Develop.
* Develop Course Writers are independent contractors. Course Writer Membership is not an employment contract and does not guarantee ongoing work opportunities within the Develop system.
Get Started With Develop Course Writer Membership
Course Writer Membership Companion Guide
Interested in developing Develop approved courses to build knowledge across the state of Minnesota? Apply to become a Develop Approved Course Writer today! Our Course Writer Membership Companion Guide is a helpful tool for identifying available Course Writer types to apply for and their requirements. As a Develop Approved Course Writer you create opportunities for knowledge building for Minnesota’s Early Childhood and School-Age workforce!
Course Submission Approval Requirements
Upon approval, Course Writers gain special access to Develop’s Course Submission application. This application allows the Course Writer to enter course details and submit the content for approval by Achieve.
Course Writer Membership FAQs
Can I qualify for more than one Course Writer Membership type?
Yes, you may qualify for more than one Course Writer Membership type. However, the Develop system only allows the selection of one membership type option. Please contact us at support@mncpd.org for additional guidance before submitting your application.
Is there a time frame after completing the required trainings that I must apply for Course Writer membership?
No, you can apply for membership at any time after you have completed all requirements and they are showing as Verified* on your Develop profile.
*Required trainings for this membership are provided and supported by TARSS. If your completed training is not showing as verified on your profile after three business days of your completion, please contact TARSS directly at tarss@umn.edu.
Do I have to retake the required training since the training titles have changed (Course Writer Design Skills is now Course Writer 1; Course Writer Crafting and Drafting a Course is now Course Writer 2)
No, you do not need to retake the trainings. We will accept both the previous and current titles of the training.
The Course Writer type I’m applying for requires that I submit a Course Sample, what is required?
You can find the requirements outlined in the following document: Course Sample Overview and Requirements. We use the checklist in this document to help determine if your sample meets approval standards.
I would like support for developing my course sample. Who can I contact?
Contact the Trainer and Relationship-based Professional Development Specialist Support program (TARSS) at tarss@umn.edu for support.
What happens if my application is not approved?
You will receive an email notification explaining why your application was not approved. The Course Writer Membership is limited to two application attempts. Please review the findings and reapply when you are ready and have completed all approval requirements.
What is the Course Writer Directory?
The Course Writer Directory allows Develop users to search and connect with Develop-approved Course Writers for PD opportunities. Participation in the directory is optional. To participate, Log in to your Develop profile and find the Course Writer Information tab, here you’ll find the option to include your name and contact information in Develop’s Course Writer Directory.
I am an Approved Course Writer and am interested in helping Approved Trainers and/or Approved Training Sponsor Organizations with getting their course content approved in Develop. Is there a way to promote myself in Develop?
Yes, we recommend joining the Course Writer Directory and including a message that will be viewable on your public profile to let others know you’re available for contract work. For example: I am available for contract work with approved trainers and/or Training Sponsor Organizations. Please contact me to discuss rates, availability, and details.
What is TARSS’s role in the Course Writer Membership process?
TARSS provides professional development opportunities to support potential and existing Course Writers. These opportunities include Course Writer trainings, professional development planning support, individual advising, and opportunities to connect with the Course Writer community. TARSS can also help develop course writing skills. Visit the TARSS Course Writer page to learn more.
Will you accept other courses in place of the required trainings: Course Writer Orientation, Course Writer 1, and Course Writer 2?
No. Course Writer Orientation, Course Writer 1, and Course Writer 2 are all required for the standard Course Writer Membership. Alternative or equivalent trainings/courses will not be accepted in place of these requirements.
Develop’s Course Writer Directory
Participation in Develop’s public Course Writer Directory allows Training Sponsor Organizations and Approved Trainers to connect with you for their curriculum needs. As always, participation is optional and not suggested for the following Course Writer types: Conference, Expedited, or Course Writers who only intend on supplying curriculum to their employer. Check out the Course Writer Directory to see how it works.
Quality Assurance
The quality of all approved learning opportunities found in the Develop system are important for the success of the Early Childhood Education workforce as well as for the children they educate and care for. Minnesota’s Professional Development system relies on participant feedback to ensure quality expectations are being met. This feedback can be collected through the use of Develop’s Trainer and Training Evaluation Tool and/or the Training Quality Concern Policy. Click below to learn more.
More Resources
Looking for more resources to support you on your professional development journey? Check out the Course Writer Membership Resources page for links, guides, and more!
Develop Navigation Support
Navigating Develop is easy with the help of the Develop Help Desk and “How do I?…” guides.
Contact the Develop Help Desk Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday until 7 p.m. by phone at 844-605-6938 or email at support@develophelp.zendesk.com.
Need help after hours? Send them an email or leave a detailed message.
Course Writer Application Processing
We use the Develop system to process all Develop Course Writer membership application and Course submissions. Complete membership applications and course submissions are processed in the order they are received. This ensures your application is processed fairly and accurately. Allow up to 30 business days for this process.
September
16
2026
Course Writer Membership
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September
15
2026
Course Submission
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