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Professional Credentials

Elevate Your Expertise. Transform Learning.

Ready to lead the future of learning? ISTE+ASCD’s Professional Credentials program empowers educators to excel in today's dynamic educational landscape.

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ISTE Educator Certification

Become a certified leader in educational technology with the only credential focused on pedagogy and practice, not tools or devices. This certification is designed for educators who work directly with learners of all ages, from grade school to adult learners, aligning your practice to the ISTE Educator Standards and empowering you to integrate meaningful strategies into your educational approach.

Who’s it for:

  • Coaches and teachers

  • Administrators

  • Library media specialists

  • Teacher education faculty

Learn More
Iste cert about 2024
Instructional Leader Certification

Lead transformative change in your school or district with this competency-based program designed to elevate instruction and aligned to improve student outcomes. Designed for building leaders, instructional coaches, and district leaders, this certification empowers you to inspire growth, drive innovation, and create lasting impact in education.

Who’s it for:

  • District leaders

  • Building leaders

  • Coaches

Learn More

Professional Credentials by the Numbers

2,300 Certified Educators
2,300
Certified Educators 
50 States
50
States
100 Countries
100
Countries

Professional Credentials will help you:

  • Deepen your expertise in cutting-edge instructional strategies
  • Apply your learning directly to your current role
  • Lead, inspire and transform your educational community
  • Adapt confidently to evolving educational needs

Your Journey to Educational Excellence

  1. Choose Your Credential
  2. Engage in Competency-Based Learning
  3. Receive Expert Coaching
  4. Demonstrate Your Mastery
  5. Lead Transformational Change

Credentials Training Dates and Locations

Credential Types

ISTE Educator Certification
  • Approx. 80 hours
  • Cohorts available year-round
  • $825
  • Includes 1 year of basic membership

 

Instructional Leader Certification
  • Approx. 50 Hours
  • Cohorts available 4-6 times a year
  • $1,250

Download the Syllabus:


Enroll a Team of Educators in a Private Cohort!

Private cohorts offer flexible start dates and times, allowing your team to learn together and build cohesion.

Schedule a meeting with the Credentials Team to learn more about our private cohort options.

Schedule a Meeting


Ambika gulati5x7

“The Instructional Leader Certification Program validated the processes and practices of my school against ISTE+ASCD’s instructional leader framework. As I worked my way through the District Leader pathway, the portfolio helped me to pause, think and reflect on how various elements of the framework were unfolding within our school community. The resources were useful in providing not only a theoretical lens but also some practical strategies with respect to the Instructional Leadership Framework.”

Dr. Ambika Gulati
Principal/ CEO, The Millennium School, Dubai
Janelle A Simpson Luna 5x7

"Anyone wanting to grow as an educator and in their use of educational technology should definitely go through ISTE Educator Certification. It completely changes how you approach lessons, create activities and engage with your students and the world at large."

Janelle A. Simpson-Luna
Librarian/Media Specialist
Eric Walters Headshot

“Completing the Instructional Leader Certification program was transformative for me. The program gave me space to reflect deeply on my leadership style and better understand how I connect with and support all learners in my school. I know where I've been as a leader and where I'd like to go!”

Eric A. Walters
Director of STEM Education, Marymount, New York
Dani Filas 2023 headshot

"Both the classroom learning portion and the portfolio creation portion of the certification process were robust and rewarding. They challenged me to reflect on my own practices at a granular level and with a broader scope with pedagogy at the forefront and technology as an amplifier."

Dani Filas
Technology Coordinator/Specialist/Facilitator
Jessica Holloway5x7

“The Instructional Leader Certification has been a powerful process for improving my coaching moves. The program has empowered me to drive innovation in schools and support teachers' and leaders' professional growth. By focusing on data-driven decision-making and effective instructional practices, I'm able to make a positive impact on the entire school community.”

Jessica Holloway
District Innovation Coach, Hamilton County Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

See the full list of FAQs here.

How do ISTE+ASCD credentials support the Transformational Learning Principles?

The Transformational Learning Principles (TLPs for short) are a set of evidence-based practices highlighting the most essential elements of effective learning. These principles serve as our North Star, guiding educators to create impactful and joyful learning experiences for all students.

ISTE+ASCD credentials are designed to recognize and empower educators to truly embody and implement these Transformational Learning Principles in their daily practice. Participation in our credentials is your commitment to reimagining learning, creating schools where authentic experiences are prioritized, equity is ensured, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.

What is the primary focus of the Instructional Leader Certification?

The Instructional Leader Certification focuses on enhancing leadership skills, in educational settings, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and curriculum development.

How does ISTE Educator Certification differ from the Instructional Leader Certification?

ISTE Educuator Certification centers on integrating technology into teaching practices through the ISTE Standards for Educator framework, ensuring educators are equipped to leverage digital tools effectively in the classroom.

Who is the target audience for each certification program?

The Instructional Leader Certification is aimed at school, district leaders and instructional coaches, while ISTE Educator Certification is designed for classroom educators,librarians, instructional coaches, school leaders and higher ed professors of teacher prep and masters programs.

What key areas does the program focus on for each certification program?

This Instructional Leader Certification focuses on enhancing student learning experiences, leveraging data-driven decision-making, advancing curriculum development, improving teaching quality, and managing innovation and change. While the ISTE Educator Certification emphasizes the effective integration of technology in teaching practices, fostering digital citizenship, and ensuring that educators are equipped with strong pedagogy around best practices with technology to use digital tools to enhance learning experiences.

How do the certification programs differ from traditional training?

Unlike theoretical courses or vendor-specific training, our programs emphasize hands-on skill development, reflection, and personalized coaching to enhance practical application in real-world settings.

How much time commitment is required for each certification program?

Participants can expect a robust, engaging learning experience. The Instructional Leaders Certification is an approximate 50-hour commitment. The ISTE Standards for Educators Certification is an approximate 80-hour commitment over a 9-month period.

What type of support will I receive during the certification programs?

Participants will receive expert coaching and resources to ensure the immediate application of learned strategies in their institutions.