What is a Micro-Certification?
Micro-certifications are short, competency-based courses that allow educators to demonstrate mastery in a particular area. Choose those that interest you and complete them when and how you choose! Want to know more? Register for an upcoming micro-certification information session:
Access the Micro-Certification Portal
Access the CTA/NEA Micro-certification portal and our featured stacks (curated collections of related micro-certifications). Create for an account, browse offered micro-certifications, enroll in the one that interests you and you’re on your way!
Explore a Recent Training
Review a recent training on CTA/NEA Micro-certifications! The hyperlink below will take you to a .pdf of an introductory training covering the basics of micro-certifications. You can review the whole thing or jump to specific section!
Micro-Certification Units through CSU Chico
2021/2022 University Credit Program
- The qualifying micro-certifications are listed in the CTA Stack Library.
- Each micro-certification is at least 15 hours and 15 hours = 1 university credit through Chico State.
- Submit the application form when you’ve accumulated 15+ hours. Once verified, you’ll be enrolled for the appropriate number of units.
- You can spread the units you earn across the fall, winter, and spring terms, or earn them all in one term. It’s up to you!
- There is no need to submit certificates or other documents. CTA can verify your completed micro-certifications.
- The cost is $75/unit fee.
Application deadlines:
- For Fall ’21 Units: December 1
- For Winter ’21/’22 Units: January 21
- For Spring ’22 Units: May 9
Your grades can be viewed online through the Chico State Portal. If you have not activated a portal account, follow the steps below. You will need to enter your date of birth and the nine-digit Chico State Portal ID number you received with your registration confirmation.
Step 1. Go to the “Claim Your Account” page
Step 2. Enter your Chico State ID & date of birth
Step 3. Answer the security questions
Step 4. Your account should be activated
Step 5. Enter the Student Center
Step 6. Select “Grades” under Academic History
Step 7. Select the term you wish to view grades
If you did not supply Continuing Education with your date of birth you will not have access to activate an account. If you are experiencing difficulty and do not remember if you supplied us with your date of birth, you should contact our office so that this information can be added to the system. Once the system is updated, approximately 24 hours after you contact us, you should have access. If you do not, please contact the Help Desk at 530-898-HELP (4357) or helpstu@csuchico.edu
If you have already created a CSU, Chico Portal account, you can log in with your username (generally your first initial and last name) and the unique password you’ve already created.
Information regarding grades prior to summer 2004 will require a transcript request form available to download at www.csuchico.edu/sro
You can request an official, mailed transcript online. For questions regarding other services offered by Student Records and Registration please visit www.csuchico.edu/sro. Teachers requesting transcripts for salary increments should note the Special Instructions and review the processing outline to ensure timely receipt of transcripts. Your transcript shows CSU, Chico work for courses numbered 001-899. Courses numbered 800-899 do not apply towards a degree unless approved by the appropriate department. Successful completion of an 800 level course will appear on the transcript with a CR or Letter grade and a value in the attempted field that may not be reflected in the earned field or the summary totals. Credit/No Credit Grading: If you plan to transfer to graduate or professional schools, be aware that some schools in evaluating transfer credit may regard Credit (CR) grades as C’s and No Credit (NC) grades as F’s.
Approved Stacks for CSU Chico Units
Our micro-certificates are organized into stacks—sequences of related self-paced micro-certifications—featuring important topics for educators in California public schools. Check back regularly for new content!
Description
Quality classroom assessment practices renew a focus on day-to-day, minute-by-minute learning that improves student outcomes. Through formative assessment practices, students know where they are in their learning, where they need to go and how to get there. Teachers have information they need to inform their next instructional steps. And families have more useful information to know how their student is doing in school.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn to reclaim classroom assessment to propel meaningful teaching and learning.
Who Should Apply
- K12 Educators
- Student Teachers
- Teacher Leaders
- PLC Leaders
- School Administrators
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Classroom Embedded Performance Assessment [More Info]
- Descriptive Feedback for Student Learning [More Info]
- Eliciting Accurate Evidence of Student Learning [More Info]
- Formative Assessment in the Teaching/Learning Cycle [More Info]
- Foundational Principles of Quality Assessment [More Info]
- Learning Targets and Success Criteria [More Info]
Description
In order to respond responsibly to the recent focus on racial and social justice we have compiled a list of micro-certificates that uplift and highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and cultural competency. It is our hope that your personal and professional development provides space for both reflection and action in service to the students, families, and communities in which you serve.
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Exploring Restorative Practices [More Info]
- Positive Classroom Community [More Info]
- Restorative Circles: Building Classroom Relationships [More Info]
- Restorative Conferencing [More Info]
- Implementing Restorative Practices [More Info]
- Cultivating Socially Just Environments [More Info]
- Culturally Responsive Art Instruction [More Info]
Description
This stack is designed to help educators understand the complexities of teaching students who are learning English as a second language. This stack covers multiple topics that will support you in understanding language acquisition theories and then applying this knowledge to design effective assessment and instruction to support student’s learning English. You will also have an opportunity to explore ways in which to advocate for you English Language Learners and their families.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn how to support the learning for students who are learning English as a Second Language.
Who Should Apply
K12 Educators who work with students learning English as a second language
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Advocating for ELLs at the school level [More Info]
- Advocating for ELLs: Local, State, and Federal Policies [More Info]
- Analyzing Assessments to Support ELL Learning [More Info]
- Understanding Academic Language [More Info]
- Understanding Second Language Acquisition Stages [More Info]
- Using ELL Strategies in the Classroom [More Info]
- Using Formative Assessments to Support ELL Learning [More Info]
- Using Standards to Plan for ELL Students [More Info]
Description
This stack is designed to help classroom educators to develop skills to successfully build a community of learners. You will have an opportunity to explore classroom organization and routines, as well as discover new ways to support students who have behavioral challenges due to trauma or other circumstances.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn how to create a student centered learning community that is supportive of all students.
Who Should Apply
- K12 Educators
- Education Support Professionals
- Aspiring Educators
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Addressing Challenging Behaviors [More Info]
- Aspects of an Engaged Classroom [More Info]
- Classroom Expectations and Routines [More Info]
- Creating A Classroom Community [More Info]
- Organizing the Physical Layout of the Classroom [More Info]
- Trauma-Informed Pedagogy [More Info]
Description
Strengthening family, school, and community bonds is a critical factor in raising student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and attaining school improvement goals. In this stack you will learn a variety of ways that you can strengthen your relationships with families and community members.
What You’ll Learn
In this stack you will learn how to build relationships and engage families and community members in school related activities.
Who Should Apply
- All Educators
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Families in Society and Cultural Contexts [More Info]
- Family Engagement as Opportunities For All [More Info]
- Developing Relationships through Home Visits [More Info]
- Families as Co-Creators [More Info]
- Linking Family Engagement to Learning Outcomes [More Info]
- Community Partnerships for Learning and Well-Being [More Info]
- Leading with Professional Ethics [More Info]
- Family Engagement Systems [More Info]
Description
This stack was developed in partnership with Nevada Education Association and is intended to give educators an understanding of the 5 Core Propositions that were developed by National Board. Educators who would like to learn a little bit more about what National Board is about or start to get ready for applying for a National Board Certification would benefit from these Micro-credentials.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn the basics of each of the 5 Core Propositions developed by National Board.
Who Should Apply
- K12 Educators
- Early Career Educators
- Mid Career Educators
- Veteran Teachers
- Aspiring Educators
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Know Your Students [More Info]
- Knowing Your Content & How to Teach It [More Info]
- Managing & Monitoring Student Learning [More Info]
- Teachers are Members of Learning Communities [More Info]
- Thinking Systematically Practice [More Info]
Description
This stack is designed to help educators understand how to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment for LGBTQ students. You also explore how to advocate for LGBTQ policies for students and co-workers. You will have the opportunity to learn and use proper and respectful terminology as well as design lesson plans that are inclusive of LGBTQ students. You will also have the opportunity to learn about intersections of race, gender and sexual orientation and use this knowledge to create a positive classroom community of learners.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn how to support LGBTQ students by creating a safe space and a culture of inclusivity.
Who Should Apply
- K12 Educators
- Education Support Professionals
- Administrators
- Association Leaders
- Teacher Leaders
- Higher Ed Instructors
- Aspiring Educators
Stack Micro-Certificates
- Advocating for LGBTQ- Inclusive Policy [More Info]
- Advocating for LGBTQ- Inclusive Workplaces [More Info]
- Creating Safe Spaces Inclusive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer Students [More Info]
- Developing LGBTQ Anti-Bias Curriculum [More Info]
- Examining the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation [More Info]
- Proper Terminology to Talk About LGBTQ Topics [More Info]
Description
This stack is meant to help all educators support exceptional students in their classroom. The focus of this stack is collaboration with stakeholders, understanding federal policies and providing support to students with exceptional needs.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn how to navigate federal policy, create functional behavior plans, collaborate with stakeholders and use universal design principals to create accessible lessons for all students.
Who Should Apply
- K12 Educators
- Art Teachers
- Music Teachers
- Specialists
- Early Career Educators
- Mid Career Educators
- Veteran Educators
- Educational Support Professionals
Stack Micro-Certificates
- IEP Implementation: Communication & Collaboration [More Info]
- Understanding the IEP Process [More Info]
- Functional Behavior Assessment & Intervention Plans [More Info]
- IDEA- Determining Eligibility [More Info]
- Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder [More Info]
- Introduction to Universal Design and Learning [More Info]
Description
This stack of Micro-credentials is based off of the new ISTE Standards for Educators. The ISTE standards were created to support educators in preparing students for their futures. These micro-credentials focus on critical thinking and knowledge students need to thrive in a global and digital world.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn how to leverage digital tools and to support your students using critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.
Who Should Apply
- K12 Educators
- Art Teachers
- Music Teachers
- Specialists
- Early Career Educators
- Mid Career Educators
- Veteran Educators
- Higher Ed
Additional Information
Select a skill you have developed or would like to develop, and download or view the micro-certificate on nea.certificationbank.com/California. Read the micro-certificate carefully to familiarize yourself with the resources, submission guidelines, and evaluation criteria. If you choose to print the micro-certificate you may also want to view it digitally in order to access the clickable links in the research and resource sections.
Collect the required evidence demonstrating your competence in the selected area. For most micro-certificates, you will be required to collect evidence from real experiences in your classroom or worksite. Each micro-certificate requires different kinds of work to demonstrate your mastery. For example you may need to write a lesson plan, videotape a meeting, or collect data to analyze. It typically takes about 10-15 hours to complete the requirements to earn a micro-certificate.
Submit by uploading your evidence on nea.certificationbank.com/California. Once you click Start, you will see a place to upload each piece of evidence you have collected. It will then be reviewed by two reviewers. You will hear back from the reviewers in approximately two weeks.
You have six months from the time you click Start to complete your micro-certificate. If your time runs out, you will need to click Start again and re-upload anything you already completed.
Share your achievement with others! After you have successfully earned the micro-certificate, share it with your evaluator, post on social media and add to your resume. In many districts, micro-credentials could count as continuing education units. You will need to check with your district or state to see if they are accepted. You can view all of your micro-certificate badges on the “My Showcase” page.
Q: What’s the difference between a micro-certificate versus a micro-credential?
While you will encounter references to “micro-credentials” throughout our library. We use the term “micro-certification” wherever possible to distinguish these short, elective professional learning opportunities from California’s system for teacher credentialing.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for a micro-credential?
Micro-credentials are free to members. Non-members must pay a $75 fee to apply for a micro-credential.
Q: Will earning a micro-certification make me eligible for a raise?
It depends on the policies in the district where you work. Upon completion of the requirements of a micro-certificate, members will receive a certificate of completion and documentation of the course requirements met. If considering using micro-certificates for salary schedule advancement, it may make sense to check with your HR department prior to beginning.
Q: What happens if I can’t finish a micro-credential in the allowed amount of time?
After six months, your application will be reset. You will need to start over when you are ready to finish uploading your evidence. It is important that you save your work on your own computer or in an online storage space in case this happens.
Q: What happens if I don’t pass the micro-credential? Do I have to start over?
You will receive feedback from your peer reviewer and be invited to address the feedback and resubmit. You may submit as many times as you need in order to pass. The national first-time pass rate is about 40 percent, so you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t pass the first time. It is a process and the feedback is meant to help you improve your practice.