December 2

Micro Credentials the Next Wave of PD

As an educator, I have always been interested in learning and growing.  As an aspiring school leader, I want to be able to guide teachers towards professional development that will inspire and innovate classrooms for students. Today, we have the opportunity to expand our learning to a global platform.  We are not limited to the professional development available in the school building or district level training.  Now you can pick topics, navigate through learning skills, and provide competency in the topic. You can have a micro credential badge to represent your level of mastery to add to your personal digital file or portfolio.

Currently, I have a goal of growing in proficiency in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and have completed my first micro credential through Learning Designed, which is developed by CAST. The Level 1 credential is a great beginning to learn how to implement UDL in the classroom setting. Topics of UDL are delivered through interactive learning modules with choice in how you receive information.  For example, you can read or use a video within each module. You have the option to take a formal assessment test or upload documentation of your work with a rubric.  In addition, the Learning Designed site is full of resources to assist you on your journey to learning more.  If you click on the credentials section on the resources page, everything is organized by topics that are covered in the micro credential.  The learning goes beyond the credential itself, and, yes, I will be working on the Level 2 micro credential.

Micro credentials are not limited to one topic in education.  You may be wondering what may meet your desire for growth.  Here are some options:

  1. Digital Promise: National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies began in 2008 as a bipartisan nonprofit by George W. Bush. The current platform has its own micro credentials, but also partners with other issuers to provide a wide range of professional development.  Many of the micro credentials are free or require a fee around the same price as a professional book.
  2. BloomBoard: The American Institutes for Research have a micro credential path for becoming a National Board Certified teacher. They have a micro credential program to prepare for candidacy. BloomBoard also offers The Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) micro credentials.  In addition, there are The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) aligned micro credentials for aspiring school leaders.

Where do I share my credentials?

Badgr is one account that most credentials can be sent to for storage.  Badgr creates a “backpack” for your credentials. Badges can be verified through Badgr and can provide the issuer and requirements for completion of the credential. What will show up in your digital backpack?