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| Top Places to Get Micro-Credentials |
| posted by: Melissa | August 05, 2016, 09:08 PM |
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For years, teachers who wanted to prove that they were a step above other educators would pursue a graduate degree in a specialized field. These degrees took years to complete and there were only a limited amount of degrees that teachers could earn. On top of that, they were a one-time deal. Once you had one graduate degree, there was little more you could do to prove your worth. Now there’s a new player seeking to interrupt this system. Micro-credentials are a new way for teachers to prove their abilities. Micro-credentials can be completed in less time than a graduate degree and are generally focused on outputs not inputs. Through earning micro-credentials like “Productive Whole Class Discussions,” “Guiding Data Analysis,” and “Design Thinking and Doing,” teachers can prove that they are proficient in diverse and specific areas.
Teachers looking to add some micro-credentials to their portfolio have a variety of places to turn. There are numerous organizations offering micro-credentials, sometimes called badges, to teachers. And because the scope of the badge or micro-credential is limited, earning them is more affordable than a typical graduate degree. Digital Promise has partnered with several other organizations including CTQ and BloomBoard in order to provide their high-quality and diverse micro-credential system. Together, they are the largest and most prominent group offering micro-credentials. Teachers looking for something different can always turn to MOOCs. MOOCs have been around for several years now as a way to provide individualized professional development that can be pursued from a teacher’s home. When MOOCs were first introduced, they were free and degreeless. Now, many MOOC providers give attendees the option of paying a small fee and earning a credential at the end of the course. Unlike a traditional MOOC where everything is optional, MOOCs where a credential is being sought typically have specific performance requirements. Popular MOOC platforms include Coursera and EdX. Micro-credentials are sometimes called badges, intended to be reminiscent of earning scout badges in youth. These badges, however, measure professional development and are delivered electronically. PD Learning Network is a major player in this field, offering graduate credit for its badges and micro-credentials while also having a variety of payment options for teachers. Teachers can pay either by course or a flat fee for the entire course catalog over a year. No matter what option you choose, there are now many ways for teachers to earn credit for their learning. Have you used micro-credentialing? Comment below!
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Comments (3)
Project Administrator, Curriculum and Instruction
written by Angelique Hamilton, August 15, 2018
I am seeking information on micro-credentials for teachers from states who have successfully implemented. I am also interested in hearing about partnerships. I am trying to help facilitate this type of teacher PD in my state.
Micro Credentials for Career Pathways with Teaching Matters
written by Mary NYC, January 11, 2018
Teaching Matters has partnered with NYC DOE to issue competency based micro credentials that qualify teachers for formal teacher leader roles in the system.To date more than 300 educators have completed this pathway and another 300 are engaging in Spring 2018. They are now partnering with the State of TN to provide micro credentials for teacher leadership across the state. They have issued more than 1500 rigorous micro credentials in partnership with school systems.
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