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STEM Certificate Renewal Requirement

Meet the STEM certificate renewal requirement with courses from WEA. WEA's Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) provides online professional learning via Zoom. Register for each course using the link listed next to the course title. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom registration link.

Courses are available to all. Courses are free.

After the completion of a course, it will take up to 10 business days to receive your evaluation. Once you submit your evaluation, it will take up to another 3 business days to receive the link to download your clock hour form. Please check your junk/spam/promotions folders if you don't see our emails in your inbox.

Evaluation emails and clock hour form emails come from Thera Bradley at tbradley@washingtonea.org via Cvent. After 10 business days, if you have not received the emails and you have checked all your email accounts and spam/junk folders, please complete the following form for assistance: https://forms.washingtonea.org/Forms/pdtrainingrecord.

For questions and registration assistance, email Thera Bradley. For STEM-related questions, email Arlyn Palomo.

Synchronous Learning

These courses are held real time, online.

Essentials of Game-Based Learning in the Inclusive Classroom
Register here

May 2, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

This course will serve as an introduction explaining the role of game-based learning in the inclusive classroom. Research will be presented to explain how this instructional practice can be applied to engage and reach ALL learners. Participants will be building a game and sharing their creations.

 Participants will:

  • Understand what game-based learning is and how it positively impacts student learning.
  • Identify what does and what does not constitute game-based learning (GBL).
  • Explore how to increase inclusion and engagement so that all students can access game-based learning.
  • Explore evidence-based strategies for implementing game-based learning in their classroom environment

Implementing Game-Based Learning in the Inclusive Classroom
Register here

May 3, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

This course will dive into game-based learning (GBL) as participants build games in order to work with their content and teach students. We will be examining game mechanics as well as game development.

Participants will:

  • Explore evidence-based strategies for implementing game-based learning in the classroom
  • Explore how game mechanics influence and guide the design of game-based learning
  • Learn how to increase inclusion and engagement so that all students can access game-based learning
  • Create a game-based learning experience designed to engage all students

eSports in the Inclusive Classroom
Register here

May 15, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

In this course, participants will learn how to bring eSports to their classroom or school. Participants will learn how to use Minecraft Education Edition to leverage esports competition in any STEM classroom.

Participants will learn how to start an eSports program in their school. Examples will be given for using other games, and career connections will also be explored in this course. Participants will learn how to bring eSports to their classroom or school. Participants will learn how to use Minecraft Education Edition to leverage esports competition in any STEM classroom.

Participants will learn how to start an eSports program in their school. Examples will be given for using other games, and career connections will also be explored in this course.

Essentials of Gamification in the Inclusive Classroom
Register here

May 9, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

If you are curious about what constitutes gamification and how gamification can excite and engage more learners in your classroom, this introductory course on gamification is for you.

In this course, participants will learn what gamification is and what it is not. Participants will explore the different aspects of gamification to get ideas for ways they can gamify their classroom, including any STEM curricula. Participants will see examples of ways to gamify any course, including planning documents, technology that supports gamification, and career pathways.

Implementing Gamification in the Inclusive Classroom
Register here

May 10, 4:30-7:30 p.m.

For those who understand the difference between gamification and game-based learning and who have some to a good amount of experience with gamification, this course will provide examples of how to launch a gamified lesson, unit, and/or complete course.

Participants will see how to gamify any course and any STEM curricula. In this course, participants will have an opportunity to develop a gamified lesson, unit, or course. Participants will share their ideas and get feedback.

Participants will:

  • Explore evidence-based strategies for implementing elements of gamification in the classroom.
  • Learn how to increase inclusion and engagement so that all students can access learning that has been influenced by gamification.
  • Create a gamified learning experience designed to engage all students in any STEM course, providing examples of career opportunities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Series (STEM)
Register here

May 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Series provides educators with the knowledge and skills to harness the potential of AI in the educational setting. 

Through this five-part series, educators will gain a deep understanding of the foundational concepts and significance of AI in education and explore various AI tools. 

Educators will learn to integrate these AI tools into their instructional practices, personalizing learning, and increasing student engagement. Ethical considerations are also addressed, delving into crucial aspects such as data privacy, originality use, and equity in AI use.

 As educators reflect on their schools and classrooms, they will gain valuable insights into the future implications and opportunities of AI in education, preparing them for an evolving role as facilitators of cutting-edge, technology-driven learning environments.

Asynchronous Learning

WEA is providing professional development asynchronous courses on the Canvas learning management system (LMS). Clock Hours are available at no charge. Register for each course using the link listed next to the course name. You will receive an email confirmation from WEA as well as a registration email from Instructure/Canvas. Once you complete the course, you will receive a clock hour verification form within 7-10 business days.

Important Deadlines

Monday, May 27, 2024            

  • Last day to register for a course

Monday, June 3, 2024             

  • Last day to complete course and submit assignments

Monday, June 17, 2024            

  • Last day to complete the Evaluation and Completion Confirmation for clock hours

Sunday, June 30, 2024             

  • Last day to record clock hours in OSPI eCertification for certificates Washington state educator certificates expiring this year have an expiration date of June 30. Please inquire with the OSPI Certification Office at cert@k12.wa.us or (360) 725-6400 for steps you need to take to renew your certificate.

Registration

Please note that it may take up to week to process your registration. You will not be immediately added to the course or courses for which you have registered. If you are not added to the course after a week, email canvassupport@washingtonea.org. Please do not register more than once per course.

STEM for Primary (K-6) Educators (15 hours) | Registration

Scientific studies have shown that children learn faster than adults. Most of that early learning is focused on developing language skills and communications skills. There is little to no emphasis on STEM learning.  As it turns out, there are a lot of benefits of introducing STEM at an early age. This training, geared towards K-6 teachers, will provide strategies, ideas, and examples of how to introduce STEM in early educator classrooms and include connections to inclusionary practices. You will be submitting work as assignments, taking surveys and quizzes, and participating in discussion boards for this class. The ultimate goal is that you can walk away with an integrated STEM lesson plan that will be important and usable in your classroom.

This training meets the STEM certificate renewal requirement (RCW 28A.10.2212).

STEM for Secondary (6-12) Educators (15 hours) | Registration

This course aims to teach participants about science, engineering, math, and inclusionary practices with a little dose of technology. The participant will then reflect on their current practice, identify areas of growth, and fully incorporate these ideas into an integrated science, engineering, math lesson, project, or unit plan with a focus on Universal Design for Learning inclusionary practices.

This training meets the STEM certificate renewal requirement (RCW 28A.10.2212).

STEM Integration and Inclusionary Practices (15 hours) | Registration

The application of STEM in the classroom can transcend beyond learning science and math facts. STEM integration provides students the opportunities to learn 21st century skills such as questioning the world around them, processing what they learned, collaborating well with others, and communicating with peers and adults alike. Additionally, a focus on Inclusionary Practices, where all students are afforded the chance of a dynamic, important education, are intrinsically linked with STEM in the classroom.

This training meets the STEM certificate renewal requirement (RCW 28A.10.2212).

STEMizing your Instruction (15 hours) | Registration

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Standards as they learn how to STEMize a classroom. Participants will create a personal resource bank of ideas, activities and materials and learn how to take an existing unit of instruction in any content area and STEMize the unit to include STEM models and computational thinking.  

This training meets the STEM certificate renewal requirement (RCW 28A.10.2212).

STEM Certificate Renewal Requirement 

To renew a certificate, teachers with STEM-related endorsements must complete at least 15 clock hours, the equivalent in credit, or at least one goal from a professional growth plan (PGP) emphasizing STEM integration. STEM integration combines at least two STEM components (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Learn more about the STEM certificate renewal requirement from the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). For questions on your individual certificate renewal, contact the OSPI certification office. 

Whether or not a teacher needs to meet the STEM requirement depends on their endorsements, not on their job assignment. Teachers with one or more of the following endorsements must meet this requirement:

  • Agriculture Education
  • Business and Marketing Education
  • Computer Science
  • CTE (All Areas)
  • Designated Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth & Space Science
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Education
  • Mathematics; Middle-Level Mathematics
  • Science; Middle-Level Science
  • Technology Education 

NBCTs meet the STEM certificate renewal requirement by maintaining a valid National Board certificate. 

WEA offers asynchronous and synchronous learning that meets the STEM requirement. WEA also provides support in completing PGPs, which may meet this requirement. 

Connect with us! 

Contact Arlyn Palomo, WEA's Education Policy and Practices coordinator, for more information on WEA STEM programs.