Find Your Own Professional Learning

Teachers are professionals.   We have studied, passed numerous certification tests, and are expected to be constantly gaining new continuing professional learning.  As a professional, it can be expected that this continuation of learning be supported by their employers, but also self-driven by the educator themselves.  How does a working educator find the time and organized training, that is personalized for them?  All one has to do is look at the multiple badges, certifications, and other forms of credentials that are associated with many of the technology tools one already uses.  

 

Google Certified Educator Program

This certification program is designed with the teacher in mind.  Through a series of self-paced courses, a teacher will learn about technology integration, appropriate use of technology, and the G Suite for Education tools that are available.  Tests are not required, but to gain a digital badge and claim oneself as a Google Certified Educator they are.  The program walks through a series of levels certifications and encourages continuation as Google Certified Trainer and Google Certified Innovator.  All programs bring a large professional learning network of Google Educators, that will be there to support you in your learning and implementation of your new skills.  For more information or support check out your local Google Educator Group (GEG) for training groups or just additional support.  To find a local GEG do a search in Google Plus for your areas and add the word “GEG”.

 

Apple Teacher Program

Apple developed the Apple Teacher program with the rolling out of iOS 10 and High Sierra OS.  This badging program is designed specifically for teachers that have Macs or iPads in the classroom.  Each strand is broken into eight badges that come with online support and interactive iBook.  I was thoroughly impressed with the iBooks that are built.  Each iBook gives suggestions on use of the particular app or technique in the classroom.  The iBooks are being updated as new iOS or OSs are being developed and released.  Becoming an Apple Teacher is the first step toward becoming Apple Distinguished Educator.  To find more resources about Apple Teacher or Apple Distinguished Educators check out the Apple sites for each or get on Twitter and search the hashtag #appleteacher or #ADEChat

 

Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE)

To round out the big three, Microsoft as well has a badged educator program. Using Microsoft tools, this one as well allows teachers to have self-directed learning to learn more about the tools that they use every day in the classroom.  There are multiple levels of being an MIE from Educator, to Expert, to Trainer.  Each level builds on the next, training teachers on technology integration, appropriate use of technology, and the Microsoft suite of tools.  More information can be found on the MIE site or doing a Twitter search using the hashtag #MIE or #MicrosoftEDU.

 

Other programs

There additional other programs that can support your own professional learning.  As mentioned before getting involved with the local Google Educator Group, using Twitter or Facebook, or other social media outlets to find information to that works for each educator.  

 

There are also built courses at sites like Sophia, Schoology, or Canvas.  Each of these sites can be searched for specific types of professional learning or topics that an educator would like more support on.  Some offer credentials after completion, where others just continue the learning without a specific end.  These are set up to be an as needed professional learning that is personalized to each learner.

 

Finally, there are many ambassadors, expert, and certification programs with many of the educational technology tools that are available to educators.  A few include Seesaw Ambassadors, Nearpod Pionears, Flipgrid Ambassador, or Book Creator Ambassador.  If you have a favorite tool, there is a probably a program that will give you additional insights, support from the program, and larger support structure in your professional learning community.

 

So strikeout.  Find a program that interests you.  If you the one that you start does not fit your needs at that time, there are probably 10 others that will.  Which is your favorite? Which ones did not get listed that you would recommend?  Post in the comments.