Below are some ways you can support educators in earning micro-credentials.
Meet with participants early in the year to define individual goals.
- Getting Started: Work with participants to create a plan for earning micro-credentials based on areas of interest, goals, areas of growth, upcoming PD, campus initiatives, etc.
- Backwards Plan: Help participants review the micro-credential requirements and create a timeline for when they will collect evidence throughout the year.
- Lend an Ear: Teaching is complex and trying something new can be difficult. Ask participants where they think they’ll need support or where they’re struggling. BloomBoard Support (support@bloomboard.com) is also a great resource!
Check-in and engage with participating educators throughout the year.
- Creating Evidence: Offer help with creating and capturing evidence (recording lessons,
collecting data on student engagement, etc.) - Provide Feedback: Offer to provide feedback on evidence before the educator submits
for review. - Make Connections: Having a partner in this work can be motivating. Connect educators
who are working on the same micro-credential(s) and encourage them to hold each
other accountable.
Embed micro-credentials in existing Professional Learning offerings.
- Leverage PLC Meetings: Remind PLC Leaders to review their micro-credentials and collect evidence during their PLC meetings.
- Mentors & Mentees: Mentors can support Induction teachers working on micro-credentials. As mentors work with mentees throughout the year, they can collect evidence towards their own MCs.
- Embed Micro-credentials in Existing PD: Are there micro-credentials that align to PD you are already offering (TLAC, for example)? Embed the micro-credential(s) in your PD as a way for educators to continue their learning and demonstrate their competency.
- Collaboration Time: Is there a common time for participating educators to collaborate, share
experiences, and work on micro-credentials together? If not, consider establishing such a time and/or offering office hours. - Coaches: Coaches can support teachers in learning more about the competency, practicing the skills, and collecting evidence.
Leverage BloomBoard Reports.
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Use Program Reports to see an overview of progress or to discover detailed information as you support educators in their micro-credential work. Here are some recommended actions you can take to support educators based on their micro-credential submission status. Using BloomBoard Reports to Support Educators
Recognize efforts big and small and be a cheerleader.
- While it’s great to celebrate educators who earn micro-credentials, it’s also important to celebrate educators for their efforts along the way (getting started, uploading evidence, collaborating with peers, etc.). Find a list of suggestions here! Celebrate the Accomplishments of your Educators
Communication is Key!
- Use email, newsletters, in-person meetings, PLCs, coaching conversations, existing PD, webinars and any other tools at your disposal to communicate with and support educators in earning micro-credentials.