New professional learning options from the NEA in supporting English learners, classroom management, being a cooperating teacher, leadership and organizing!
The National Education Association is celebrating the launch of the NEA Center for Great Public Schools micro-credentials for educators.
The NEA micro-credentials are a no-cost option to demonstrate or develop professional knowledge and skills. Educators may use existing evidence of professional practice or undertake new tasks to build pedagogical and content-area knowledge.
Massachusetts educators may apply the earned micro-credentials in different ways depending on their role and licensure level. The NEA micro-credentials are also a great tool for local association leaders to network with local members through professional learning!
Paraprofessionals/Academic Support Staff
Micro-credentials may be used for professional learning independently or as part of a team. Paraprofessionals may want to check their collective bargaining agreements to see if professional development is encouraged for salary advancement, paraprofessional training points (PTPs), job qualifications, as preparation to meet Title I employment requirements or to expand professional skills.
Teachers/Administrators – Provisional or Initial License
Micro-credentials may be used for learning independently or as part of a professional learning community (PLC). Since educators who hold a Provisional or Initial license are not required to earn PDPs, the NEA micro-credentials are an excellent pathway to deepen professional knowledge outside of a formal academic program.
Early career educators may benefit from the one or more of the micro-credential stacks used in conjunction with an induction or mentoring program!
Teachers/Administrators – Professional License Renewal
Educators who are collecting professional development points (PDPs) may convert micro-credentials to PDPs at a rate of 2 “badges” (micro-credentials) = 10 PDPs. The two “badges” must be earned in a related area. Keep an eye on the License Renewal Guidelines for Massachusetts Educators for any changes to this formula.
As always, PDPs can be applied to any of the required PDP areas (content, pedagogy, English learners, special education or electives) based on the individual needs of the educator.
If an educator does not require PDPs to renew a license, the micro-credentials also may be used for learning independently, adding a license in a new field or as part of a professional learning community (PLC).
Adding a License
Not all licensure fields in Massachusetts have a test option to add a license. Several licenses require educators document coverage of the subject matter knowledge (SMK) requirements through coursework, mentored employment or professional development. Educators who are interested in adding a license in fields such as Moderate Disabilities or Digital Literacy and Computer Science may find the NEA micro-credentials as an option to formally document existing knowledge, skills and abilities as part of the licensure application process.
Let’s Get Started!
Take a peek at some of the 80 (and counting!) available micro-credentials.
See something? Educators will need to create a free profile in the micro-credential portal and select the individual micro-credential areas they wish to complete. Once started, educators will have six months to satisfy the documentation requirements for each task. Each micro-credential area is expected to take approximately 10 hours to complete. Task submissions will be evaluated and educators will be able to revise and resubmit as many times as necessary.
Please note: Micro-credentials may NOT be used to satisfy the requirements to qualify for any endorsement, including the SEI Endorsement, at this time.