Compared to the “one size fits most” approach of traditional professional learning programs, competency-based micro-credentials empower earners to be recognized for their skills. Earners can select and demonstrate skills and competencies they already have or identify new skills to meet the needs of their personal goals. As a result of this personalized approach, earners experience professional skill validation and increased satisfaction, which can lead to professional growth and opportunities. Often, earners who complete micro-credentials become advocates for competency-based professional recognition in their contexts.
“I think the most important thing I got from the micro-credentialing experience was something that I’ve tried to do my entire career: How can you continue to improve your craft? You don’t want to remain static in what you’re doing.”
Jamie Dudash
“I think it’s really something that you can do on your own, set your own pace, set your own schedule, and take it where you want to go, versus being told what to do.”
Tracey Albert
“I would do a micro-credential again because it has helped me to not only reflect better and be more intentional and thoughtful but it’s actually given me practical choice in what I get to do and pursue.”
Allison Ball
“Micro-credentials offer a way to legitimize your skills when breaking into a new role, company, or industry. It’s like a badge of honor and gives individuals more confidence when walking into an opportunity.”
Lorena Cuffy
Throughout the past 10 years, educators across the country have shared the impact micro-credentials have had on their practice, classrooms, and students. Check out some of these testimonials:
This video highlights the impact of Digital Promise Micro-credentials on learners.
“I was frustrated with the limitations of professional learning offered by my district. Most teachers have been successfully implementing personalized learning for students for years, yet our own learning remains regimented. Micro-credentials have been an extraordinary part of my journey as an educator.” -Jennifer Vandiver
“Professional learning fits into my day to day. I was able to do it after school. Learn a little bit more, and then take the knowledge that I grabbed from my micro-credential and put it in right into the classroom.” – Rosa lgna Fernandez
“The power of micro-credentials, for me, is the ability to be reflective on my teaching, to really look at what I have done in the past, what I want to do in the future, identify my areas of weakness, and see still, how can I improve as an educator.” – Karen Grimm
“The power of micro-credentials for me, is just strengthening a community of teacher learners within a building. I have first grade teachers collaborating with fifth grade teachers. And we’re all working together towards the same goal.” – Ashley Carter
“I observed my kids in the classroom to see how they responded to the changes that I had made. I saw a lot of benefits for the kids. The micro-credential opened my eyes to ways I could’ve rearranged the room so that students could have easier access to the learning activities that I was presenting to them.” – Betsy Bluhm
“I think that micro-credentials are a great way to allow people to have the opportunity to achieve things that maybe otherwise they couldn’t. I go back to the whole concept of making it micro, making it smaller, condensing the information so that you experience success quicker versus having a string of courses and months before you can see any gratification that comes from being able to successfully complete it.” – Yolando Ingram
Micro-credentials