Micro-credentials for Educators

More than 200 NEA Micro-credentials are now available to WEA members! 

Attend WEA Micro-credential orientation to learn about the process and find the micro-credential that is right for you. Specific micro-credentials may be used to meet the STEM or Equity certificate renewal requirements. 

What is a micro-credential? 

A micro-credential is a short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate knowledge or skill in a particular area. NEA micro-credentials are grounded in research and best practice and are created by educators for educators. Micro-credentials are:  

• Personalized. You can create your own learning journey based on your interests and goals; gaps in your skills; and the specific needs of your students, school, and district.  
• Flexible. You can study when it’s convenient for you, alone or with your peers.  
• Performance-based. Unlike “sit-and-get” professional learning, NEA micro-credentials are awarded based on demonstrated competence of the subject matter, not just for showing up. 
• Clock hours. A way to earn Washington state clock hours, and with certain micro-credentials, meet the Washington state STEM or equity certification requirements. 

A micro-credential is not a state endorsement or certificate to teach a specific subject or serve in a particular role. 

While all micro-credentials are available to all WEA members, see the Featured Stacks on NEA's Washington Micro-credential library to find micro-credentials of particular interest to substitutes, paraeducators, ESAs, and early career educators. You can also find stacks featuring the micro-credentials which meet the STEM and Equity certificate renewal requirements. 

What do I need to do?  

1. Complete WEA Micro-credential Orientation. Learn about the process and select a micro-credential. Complete orientation ONCE.  
2. Register for an NEA micro-credential AND register for WEA clock hours for the specific NEA micro-credential you selected.  
3. Complete the WEA Micro-credential Workshop. You need to complete the workshop every time you complete a micro-credential.

1. Complete WEA Micro-credential Orientation 

Participants will attend this course ONCE to learn about how to access and choose an NEA micro-credential. After completing this course, participants will be ready to start work on an NEA micro-credential, and will understand the WEA support structure required in order to earn Washington state clock hours for the learning experience. Participants must register separately for an NEA micro-credential and the micro-credential workshop. This course is designed for ALL certificate and job roles. 

• Monday, April 15, 4:30-6 p.m. Micro-credential Orientation. 1.5 clock hours. Register.

2. Register for an NEA micro-credential AND register for clock hours for that micro-credential 

NEA offers micro-credentials in a wide variety of areas! Find micro-credentials in climate justice, social emotional learning, effective teacher-paraeducator teams, classroom management, and much more. Register for a micro-credential through NEA's Washington Micro-credential library. 

You will also need to register for Washington state clock hours for your micro-credential. Register for clock hours for your specific micro-credential.  

3. Complete the WEA Micro-credential workshop 

Get support with your micro-credential! In this course, you will choose to either 1) Follow along with a trainer to start work on a micro-credential, or 2) Get feedback, share ideas with other participants, and ask questions as you work towards demonstrating the identified competencies in the micro-credential.

You will attend this workshop one time for each NEA Micro-Credential you intend to complete. You may attend and earn clock hours for this course as many times as you attend, as you will be working on something different each time. After completing this workshop, you will be eligible for the clock hours for this session, and will be eligible for clock hours for successfully completing an approved NEA Micro-Credential. This course is designed for ALL certificate and job roles. 

• Monday, April 22, 4:30-6 p.m. Micro-credential Workshop. 1.5 clock hours. Register. 

Micro-credential submission deadlines for the 2023-24 school year 

• Last date for participants to submit micro-credentials to the NEA: Friday, April 26, 2024 
• Last date for participants to submit any micro-credential revisions to the NEA: Friday, May 24, 2024 

Find out more 

• For inquiries on NEA micro-credential registration or submission, select the “Help Center” at the top of NEA’s Washington micro-credential portal. 
• For inquiries on WEA course registration or Washington state clock hours for NEA micro-credentials, contact Sheila Beaver. 
• For inquiries on the WEA micro-credential program, contact Maren Johnson.