Micro-Credentialing & In-District Credit

What is micro-credentialing?

Micro-credentialing is the act of completing a sequence of professional development opportunities designed to increase your expertise on a specific topic.  The opportunities that lead up to earning a micro-credential can take many forms.  You might participate in a book study, take an online “class,” read a book and implement an idea in your classroom, do some focused research on a topic, or a plethora of other experiences that may come up throughout the year.  Our hope is that some of you may even propose your own micro-credentials and pathways toward meeting them!

Microcredentials are designed to equate to 10 hours of work and include a reflection or example  how the knowledge you’ve gained will be applied in your own classroom with your own students.

Why earn a micro-credential?
Micro-credentialing allows you to focus on the elements of Kaneland 2020 that are most appealing to you and applicable to your work.  It allows you to narrow your focus and hone in on the pieces of the puzzle that will help you grow most as an educator or be most meaningful to your students.  In addition, by earning a micro-credential you can gain 1.0 hour of in-district salary advancement credit!  You can earn up to 12 credits in this manner on the salary schedule bachelor lanes and another 12 credits in this manner in the master’s degree lanes.  More information on this type of advancement can be found in the current KEA Agreement in section 5.10B.

How can I start earning?
The first opportunity to begin earning micro-credentials is planned to come as part of some optional Canvas training sessions over the summer (more news to come as this is finalized!)  After that, more opportunities will come on the heels of Personalized Learning Academy 2.0.  After completing the required components of Academy 2.0, you will have the opportunity to expand your learning by completing pre-determined pathways of study (or creating one of your own choosing).  Each of these pathways will consist of 5 experiences designed to take no longer than 2 hours each and will culminate in an opportunity to demonstrate your learning in order to earn the microcredential.