What are micro-credentials?
In addition to 100 field hours, all teacher candidates must complete 2 micro-credentials (formerly referred to as "badges") before they are approved for student teaching. Each credential requires a 50-hour commitment. Due to state licensing regulations, the Diversity Credential is compulsory, but you have your choice on the other(s) to complete. In addition to Diversity, teacher candidates can opt to complete: Service, Tutoring, Leadership, Professional, STEM, and an occasional Special Topics credential. While the 100 field hours and the 100 badge hours are two separate requirements, the 20 required hours from Human Relations (EDU340) will be the only allowed "double-dipping."
Why micro-credentials?
Credentials are used in other organizations to showcase experience and expertise. It is our hope and prayer that these options will provide you with flexibility and opportunity to live out our "Teacher as Servant" ideal. Credentials will also help us to celebrate with you and honor you as more licensure requirements are completed. With that in mind, special recognition will be awarded to graduates who earn 5 or more micro-credentials.
Paperwork with further details is available on this website and in the education common space. If you have questions about the credentials, please contact Chris Nonhof.
How can I get hours?
You can get hours through many different activities. Attending conferences, volunteering on and off campus, participating in SSPs are some of the ways our students earn credential hours. Other opportunities will be advertised throughout the semester in e-mails and on this website. Ultimately, however, the hours are your responsibility, so please start early and submit your paperwork as you go.
Really, the only two caveats to earning credential hours in addition to limitations on coursework is that they may not come from a paid position (including scholarships/grants), and you may not claim more than 50 hours (or one badge-worth of hours) for any single activity (an SSP, for example).
When are credential hours due?
At least two micro-credentials (one being the Diversity credential) need to be completed before student teaching. The due dates will vary depending on the semester, but in prior semesters the paperwork has been due about a month and a half before the end of the semester preceding the student teaching semester (October 15 or March 15). This is to ensure that we have enough time to confirm both your required hours and your student-teaching placements.
Of course, you may continue to earn credential hours throughout the student teaching semester in order to add weight to your résumé and portfolio or to reach the 5-credential recognition.
Where do I turn in my paperwork or if I have questions?
Paperwork should be turned into Chris Nonhof.