Washington, D.C.—May 23, 2018—Today, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) announced its first-ever teacher certification based on the ISTE Standards. ISTE Certification for Educators is a competency-based, vendor-neutral certification focused on digital age pedagogy and based on the ISTE Standards for Educators. This certification recognizes educators who demonstrate the effective use of technology for learning in meaningful and transformative ways.

This unique certification is designed to help PK-12 educators rethink and redesign learning activities with technology to engage students in real-world, authentic and active learning. The vendor- and device-neutral certification program focuses on the content and learning activities of the seven Educator Standards: Learner, Leader, Citizen, Collaborator, Designer, Facilitator and Analyst. Educators who successfully complete the certification will have the opportunity to earn graduate-level credits through ISTE’s partnership with Dominican University of California.

“As technology plays an increasingly important role in education, teachers across all content areas now have opportunities to create powerful learning experiences that were once impossible,” said ISTE CEO Richard Culatta. “This new certification embodies the idea of learning first, technology second, and sets forth a nationally recognized set of expectations for educators. This is an exciting opportunity for educators who want to have their work recognized and validated, as well as for those who are ready to take their practice to the next level when it comes to using technology to support learning.”

ISTE Certification for Educators was developed to support systemic change in schools and districts by preparing cohorts that can serve as models and mentors for their peers. Candidate educators will participate in a rigorous process that includes both in-person and online training. After completing the training, participants have six months to compile artifacts and reflections into a portfolio for submission to the ISTE evaluation team to earn certification.

ISTE has selected Certification Authorized Providers to deliver the training for participants. Each provider will offer the program at various dates and sites throughout the United States. Four providers will begin offering training this summer: Midwest Education Technology Community (METC), Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE), New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) and Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA). Later this year, ISTE will be expanding the provider network to reach more educators.

“ISTE Certification for Educators not only provides direction and consistency in teaching and learning with technology, but is entirely tied to student outcomes,” said Stephanie J. Madlinger, Ed.S., director of educational innovation, METC EducationPlus. “Educators at all levels within all regions and content areas will benefit from this high-quality professional learning. This certification will help guide educators to create technology lessons and activities that have real-world implications and are engaging to students.” 

Educators and leaders interested in learning more about ISTE Certification for Educators may visit iste.org/certification.

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The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation. Our worldwide network believes in the potential technology holds to transform teaching and learning.

ISTE sets a bold vision for education transformation through the ISTE Standards, a framework for students, educators, administrators, coaches and computer science educators to rethink education and create innovative learning environments. ISTE hosts the annual ISTE Conference & Expo, one of the world’s most influential edtech events. The organization’s professional learning offerings include online courses, professional networks, year-round academies, peer-reviewed journals and other publications. ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org. Subscribe to ISTE’s YouTube channel and connect with ISTE on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.