The best certifications for education professionals

If you are an education professional who wants to boost your career, improve your skills, and increase your impact on student learning, you may have wondered what certifications you need and how to get them. This blog post introduces you to three of the best credentials for education professionals: National Board Certification, TESOL Certification, and CETL Certification. We will explain what they are, who they are for, how to get them, and what benefits they can bring to you, your students, and your organization. By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear idea of whether these certifications are worth pursuing and how to start your journey.

By the way, if you are interested In certifications in other areas than this one, you might want to read this article.

National Board Certification

What is it?

National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. It is based on five core propositions that describe what teachers should know and be able to do:

• Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
• Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
• Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
• Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
• Teachers are members of learning communities.

To achieve National Board Certification, teachers must demonstrate their mastery of these propositions through four components:

• A portfolio of classroom practice that includes student work samples, video recordings, and written reflections.
• A computer-based assessment of content knowledge that covers the subject and developmental level of the certificate area.
• A portfolio of professional accomplishments that showcases the teacher’s impact on student learning, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement with families and communities.
• A computer-based assessment of pedagogical skills that requires the teacher to analyze teaching scenarios and student work.

Who is it for?

National Board Certification is for teachers with at least three years of teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher. It is available in 25 certificate areas that cover different subjects and grade levels. Some examples are:

• Art/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
• English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood
• Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
• Science/Early Adolescence
• World Languages Other than English/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood

Teachers can choose the certificate area that best matches their current teaching assignment or professional goals.

How to get it?

To get National Board Certification, teachers must complete the four components within a three-year period. They can choose the order and pace that suits them best. The components are scored by trained assessors who are also National Board Certified Teachers. The score reflects the degree to which the teacher has met the National Board Standards for their certificate area.

National Board Certification costs $1,900, which covers the registration fee and four component fees¹. However, many sources of financial support are available for candidates, such as state subsidies, district incentives, union grants, scholarships, and loans. In addition, candidates can also benefit from various resources and supports provided by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), such as:

• The NBPTS website (https://www.nbpts.org/) that offers comprehensive information about the certification process, standards, components, policies, and procedures.
• The ePortfolio system that simplifies and enhances the way candidates compile and submit their portfolio materials for evaluation¹.
• The Assessment Center network that delivers computer-based assessments at locations across the United States.
• The Candidate FAQs that answer the most common questions about certification.
• The Candidate Resources that include certificate-specific standards, overviews of the components, instructions, rubrics, exemplars, guides, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and more.
• The Candidate Support Providers (CSPs) who are trained mentors who can offer guidance and feedback to candidates throughout their journey.
• The Candidate Support Networks (CSNs) that are groups of candidates who meet regularly to share ideas, resources, and encouragement.
• The NBCT Directory that allows candidates to connect with other National Board Certified Teachers in their area or across the country.

What benefits can you expect from it?

National Board Certification can benefit teachers, students, schools, and communities. Some of these benefits are:

For teachers:

• Increased confidence, competence, and effectiveness in their teaching practice.
• Enhanced professional growth and learning opportunities.
• Greater recognition and respect from peers, administrators, parents, and policymakers.
• Higher salary potential and career advancement prospects.
• Access to a network of accomplished colleagues who share a common vision of excellence in teaching.

For students:

• Improved academic achievement and engagement in learning.
• Exposure to rigorous and relevant curriculum and instruction that meets their diverse needs and interests.
• Increased opportunities to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and citizenship skills.
• Support from caring and committed teachers who act as role models and advocates for them.

For schools:

• Improved school culture and climate that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Increased teacher retention and satisfaction rates that reduce turnover costs and enhance stability.
• Strengthened professional development programs that leverage the expertise of National Board Certified Teachers as leaders, mentors, coaches, or facilitators.
• Enhanced school reputation and performance, attracting more students, families, resources, and partnerships.

For communities:

• Increased public trust and support for public education as a vital social institution.
• Enhanced civic engagement and social responsibility among students as future citizens.
• Greater involvement of parents and stakeholders in school affairs as partners in education.
• More equitable access to quality education for all students regardless of their background or circumstances.

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

What is it?

TESOL certification is a credential that shows that you have completed a course of training in the theory and practice of teaching English to non-native speakers. It is recognized by employers and teaching organizations worldwide as a standard qualification for TESOL teachers. It covers a range of essential topics, such as:

• English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
• English grammar and vocabulary
• Language teaching methods and approaches
• Lesson planning and materials development
• Classroom management and assessment
• Teaching different levels and ages of learners
• Teaching specific skills or purposes (e.g., business English, academic English, etc.)
• Teaching in different contexts and cultures

Who is it for?

TESOL certification is for anyone who wants to teach English to speakers of other languages, either abroad or in their own country. It is suitable for:

• New teachers who have little or no experience in TESOL
• Experienced teachers who want to update their skills or specialize in a particular area of TESOL
• Teachers who need a formal qualification to meet the requirements of their employers or visa regulations
• Teachers who want to enhance their professional development and career prospects

How to get it?

There are many ways to get TESOL certification, depending on your preferences, budget, and availability. Some of the most common options are:

• Online courses: You can complete these courses entirely online, at your own pace and convenience. They are usually cheaper and more flexible than other options. Still, they may not include any practical teaching experience or feedback. Therefore, they are ideal for teachers with some teaching experience or who want a basic introduction to TESOL.
• In-person courses: These are courses that you attend in a classroom setting, either full-time or part-time. They usually include some form of observed teaching practice and feedback from trainers and peers. They are more expensive and less flexible than online courses, but they offer more interaction and support. They are ideal for teachers with little or no teaching experience or who want more comprehensive and intensive training.
• Hybrid courses: These are courses that combine online and in-person elements. They usually consist of an online theoretical component and an in-person practical component. They offer the best of both worlds: convenience and flexibility of online learning with hands-on experience and feedback of in-person learning.
• University courses: These are courses accredited universities or colleges offer as part of a degree or diploma program. They usually require a higher academic qualification and English proficiency than other options. They are more rigorous and prestigious than other options but also more costly and time-consuming. Therefore, they are ideal for teachers pursuing further education or research in TESOL.

Which TESOL certificate is the best?

This question has no definitive answer, as different TESOL certificates may suit different teachers’ needs and goals. However, here are some factors to consider when choosing a TESOL certificate:

• Accreditation: This is the quality assurance that the course meets specific standards of content, delivery, assessment, and recognition. It is essential to choose a course accredited by a reputable external body, such as TESOL International Association, British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, etc.
• Length: This is the duration of the course, which can range from a few weeks to a few years. Generally speaking, the longer the course, the more comprehensive and in-depth it is. However, the length also depends on the mode of delivery (online or in-person) and the intensity (full-time or part-time). The minimum standard that international employers generally accept is an online TESOL certification that includes at least 100 hours of study time.
• Reputation: This is the recognition and respect that the course has among employers and teaching organizations worldwide. It is influenced by factors such as accreditation, length, content, trainers, alumni, etc. Some of the most well-known and respected TESOL certificates are CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Trinity CertTESOL (Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), SIT TESOL Certificate (School for International Training TESOL Certificate), etc.
• Support: This is the guidance and feedback you receive from trainers, tutors, mentors, peers, etc., during and after the course. It can make a big difference in your learning outcomes and satisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a course that provides adequate support throughout the course and beyond.

What benefits can you expect from it?

TESOL certification can bring many benefits to your personal and professional life. Some of these benefits are:

For yourself:

• Increased knowledge and skills in teaching English to speakers of other languages
• Enhanced confidence and competence in your teaching practice
• Greater opportunities for employment and travel around the world
• Higher salary potential and career advancement prospects
• Access to a network of fellow TESOL professionals who share your passion and interests

For your students:

• Improved language learning outcomes and experiences
• Exposure to effective and engaging teaching methods and materials
• Increased motivation and confidence in using English for communication
• Support from qualified and committed teachers who care about their needs and goals

For your employers:

• Improved quality of teaching staff and services
• Increased student satisfaction and retention rates
• Enhanced reputation and performance as a language-teaching organization
• More competitive edge in the global market

CETL (Certified Educational Technology Leader)

What is it?

CETL certification is a credential that shows that you have completed a training course and passed an exam in the theory and practice of educational technology leadership. It is the only accredited practice-based certification program available to education technology leaders. It bridges technical knowledge, understanding of the educational environment, leadership and vision, and the management of technology and support resources needed to integrate technology across the curriculum to advance student outcomes. It is based on a framework of essential skills that describe what education technology leaders should know and be able to do:

• Leadership and Vision: The ability to inspire and lead the development and implementation of a shared vision for the extensive use of technology to support a digital-age education for all students.
• Understanding the Educational Environment: The ability to understand the organization’s culture, operations, policies, procedures, and stakeholders; assess the current status of teaching, learning, and technology; and use data-driven decision-making to inform strategic planning and change management.
• Managing Technology and Support Resources: The ability to plan, implement, manage, monitor, and evaluate technology systems and services; ensure adequate interoperability, security, privacy, accessibility, equity, and sustainability; and provide effective technical support for end users.
• Planning and Designing Learning Environments and Experiences: The ability to collaborate with teachers, administrators, curriculum specialists, and other stakeholders to plan, design, integrate, facilitate, evaluate, and advocate for effective use of technology-enhanced learning environments and experiences that support student achievement of academic standards.
• Professional Learning and Program Evaluation: The ability to design, implement, evaluate, communicate, and improve professional learning programs that model principles of adult learning; align with organizational goals; promote best practices in teaching; foster collaboration; support diversity; leverage data; and measure impact on teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
• Digital Citizenship: The ability to model and promote digital citizenship by ensuring equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources; addressing the diverse needs of all learners; fostering safe, healthy, legal, ethical, and responsible use of technology; encouraging social awareness; supporting global collaboration; developing digital literacy skills; protecting data privacy; managing digital identity; advocating for digital rights; and engaging in lifelong learning.

To achieve CETL certification, you must demonstrate your mastery of these skills through a two-part exam:

• Part 1: A multiple-choice exam that covers the core concepts found on the CETL Exam Detailed Content Outline
• Part 2: A scenario-based exam that requires you to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world situations

Who is it for?

CETL certification is for education technology leaders with at least four years of field experience and a bachelor’s degree or higher. It is suitable for:

• Current or aspiring chief technology officers (CTOs), directors of technology or information systems (IT/IS), or other senior-level administrators who are responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology planning and implementation in their organizations
• Technology coordinators or specialists who are involved in providing instructional technology support or professional development for teachers or administrators
• Technology consultants or vendors who work with schools or districts to provide technology solutions or services

How to get it?

To get CETL certification, you must complete the following steps within a three-year period:

• Apply for the program by submitting an online application form along with a non-refundable fee of $50
• Meet the eligibility criteria by providing proof of your education level and work experience
• Register for the exam by paying a fee of $299 for CoSN members or $499 for non-members
• Prepare for the exam by reviewing the CETL Exam Detailed Content Outline, taking a self-assessment, and accessing various resources and supports provided by CoSN, such as webinars, study guides, practice tests, study groups, mentors, etc.
• Take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you
• Pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher
• Receive your CETL certificate and digital badge
• Maintain your certification by adhering to a Code of Conduct, earning 60 continuing education units (CEUs) every three years, and paying a recertification fee of $150

What benefits can you expect from it?

CETL certification can bring many benefits to your personal and professional life. Some of these benefits are:

For yourself:

• Increased knowledge and skills in education technology leadership
• Enhanced confidence and competence in your leadership practice
• Greater recognition and respect from peers, administrators, parents, and policymakers
• Higher salary potential and career advancement prospects
• Access to a network of fellow CETLs who share your vision and passion

For your students:

• Improved learning outcomes and experiences
• Exposure to innovative and effective use of technology to support their academic standards
• Increased motivation and confidence in using technology for communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking
• Support from qualified and committed leaders who act as role models and advocates for them

For your organization:

• Improved organizational culture and climate that fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Increased staff retention and satisfaction rates that reduce turnover costs and enhance stability
• Strengthened professional development programs that leverage the expertise of CETLs as leaders, mentors, coaches, or facilitators
• Enhanced organizational reputation and performance that attract more students, families, resources, and partnerships

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about these three certifications for education professionals. As you can see, each certification has its own features, requirements, and advantages. Still, they all share a common goal: to help you become a more knowledgeable, skilled, and effective educator who can make a positive difference in student learning outcomes.

Whether you are interested in teaching English to speakers of other languages, becoming an accomplished teacher in your subject area, or leading technology integration in your organization, there is a certification that suits your needs and goals. If you are ready to take the next step in your professional development and career advancement, we encourage you to visit the websites of the organizations that offer these certifications and learn more about how to apply and prepare for them. We wish you all the best in your certification journey and hope to hear from you soon.