Amplifying the Teacher's Voice: A Journey with CarolinaCrED Micro-Credentials

by Cathy Lacey

Imagine a world where professional development is not just a checkbox on a to-do list but a personal empowerment and validation journey. What if the skills you master today could revolutionize your teaching tomorrow?

CarolinaCrED’s micro-credential program transformed my career and reignited my passion for education by providing this opportunity.

My journey with CarolinaCrED began when I piloted micro-credentials for Richland School District One in the fall of 2019. These bite-sized, competency-based micro-credentials allowed me to engage in meaningful personalized professional learning. Unlike traditional professional development, which often feels generic and one-size-fits-all, micro-credentials allowed me to focus on specific skills and competencies that directly enhance my teaching.

Earning micro-credentials is a journey of personal growth.

Each micro-credential I pursued required me to demonstrate mastery of a particular skill through practical, job-embedded application. This process reinforced my knowledge and provided tangible proof of my personal and professional growth. Knowing my hard work was validated was empowering. As I continued to pursue micro-credentials, others recognized my expertise, and I became qualified to assess the work of my colleagues.

My responsibility as an assessor furthered my understanding of the micro-credential process and allowed me to celebrate the achievements of others. Reviewing submissions from my peers was an inspiring experience, revealing the diverse and innovative ways educators implement classroom strategies. Assessing is a powerful reminder of the incredible talent and dedication that exists within our teaching community. Each submission is a testament to the unique approaches and solutions educators bring to their classrooms.

Taking on the role of a developer was equally rewarding. Crafting micro-credentials requires a deep understanding of educational standards, research, practical classroom applications, and teachers’ varied needs. This process allowed me to contribute to my colleagues’ professional growth by creating meaningful, high-quality learning experiences. Witnessing the impact of micro-credentials that I developed highlights the ripple effect that well-designed professional development can have on individual teachers and entire schools and districts.

Quantitative data further supports the impact of this method of professional learning. Since the fall of 2019, I have earned seven micro-credentials, demonstrating mastery in various stacks and highlighting specific skills and competencies. The micro-credentials I pursued accounted for 84 hours of professional development that directly improved my teaching practice. As an assessor, I evaluated over 60 submissions from fellow educators, providing constructive feedback and recognizing their achievements. Additionally, I contributed to developing and editing 40 micro-credentials, many of which were used statewide by educators to enhance their professional growth.

In an era where public education often faces criticism and scrutiny, it is easy for teachers to feel undervalued and unheard. CarolinaCrED, however, provides a platform where educator voices matter. Through this micro-credential program, I can showcase my skills and expertise, receive constructive feedback, and continuously improve my practice. This validation has reignited my passion for teaching and reinforced my commitment to providing the best possible education for all learners.

CarolinaCrED’s commitment to amplifying educator expertise is evident in its approach to professional development. They understand that teachers are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active contributors to the education landscape.

By involving teachers in developing and assessing micro-credentials, CarolinaCrED ensures that professional development is relevant, practical, and grounded in the realities of the classroom.

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities CarolinaCrED has provided. They have amplified my voice and empowered me to amplify the voices of my peers. Through personalized learning and competency-based micro-credentials, I am better equipped to meet the diverse needs of learners and help them achieve their full potential. The sense of community and collaboration fostered by CarolinaCrED cannot be understated. Being part of a network of passionate educators committed to continuous improvement and innovation has been incredibly inspiring. It has provided me with new perspectives and ideas that I have brought back to my teaching practice.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of professional development and the continued evolution of micro-credentials. CarolinaCrED is a powerful example of amplifying teachers’ voices and ensuring their professional growth is recognized and valued. Focusing on personalized, competency-based approaches can create a more dynamic and effective educational system that benefits teachers and students. The potential for growth and innovation in education is truly exciting.

CarolinaCrED and its micro-credential program have not just been a part of my professional life; they have transformed it. They have validated my work as a public school teacher, amplified my voice, and provided me with the tools and support needed to grow and excel continuously.

As educators, we often tell our learners that their voices matter. Thanks to CarolinaCrED, I now know that my voice matters, too.

Reflect on your own professional learning journey. What if you could take control of your growth and see real, transformative results? Advocate for micro-credential programs like CarolinaCrED in your school and district to empower educators, enhance teaching practices, and amplify every voice.