The CTA/NEA Micro-Certification Library

The following micro-certification stacks—sequences of related self-paced courses—feature important topics for educators in California public schools. They are available free of charge for CTA members. Check back regularly for new offerings!

Please Note: You will encounter some references to “micro-credentials” in our library. We use the term “micro-certification” wherever possible to distinguish these short, elective professional learning opportunities from California’s system for teacher credentialing. 

Click an image below to view the Micro-credentials within the corresponding stack or view them all in the PDF Library.

Featured Stacks

 

NEA Full Stack Library

Click an image below to view the Micro-credentials within the corresponding stack or view them all in the PDF Library.

Click to View StackDetailsKey Lessons and Audience

Adult Social Emotional Learning

These micro-credentials recognize the importance of adult learners developing and strengthening their social-emotional skills, which are critical for personal growth, professional success, and overall well-being.

Last Updated Date: 03/14/2024
Number of MCs: 5

What You'll Learn

  • The five core social and emotional competencies and how they are essential in personal and professional settings
  • A deeper awareness of your SEL strengths and areas for personal and professional growth
  • Strategies and resources for developing your own social and emotional competencies


Who Should Apply

  • All Educators
Adult Social Emotional Learning

Adult Social Emotional Learning

These micro-credentials recognize the importance of adult learners developing and strengthening their social-emotional skills, which are critical for personal growth, professional success, and overall well-being.

Last Updated Date: 03/14/2024

Arts Integration

Develop skills to support art integration and apply these strategies into your own classroom context.

Last Updated Date: 03/16/2022
Number of MCs: 8		What You'll Learn

You will learn what art integration looks like and how to engage students in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Art Teachers
  • Music Teachers
  • Specialists
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
Arts Integration

Arts Integration

Develop skills to support art integration and apply these strategies into your own classroom context.

Last Updated Date: 03/16/2022

Assessment Literacy

Develop formative assessment, utilize learning targets and provide constructive feedback to your students.

Last Updated Date: 03/16/2022
Number of MCs: 6		 What You'll Learn

You will learn to reclaim classroom assessment to propel meaningful teaching and learning.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Student Teachers
  • Teacher Leaders
  • PLC Leaders
  • School Administrators
Assessment Literacy

Assessment Literacy

Develop formative assessment, utilize learning targets and provide constructive feedback to your students.

Last Updated Date: 03/16/2022

Building Winning Teams: Effective Paraeducator-Teacher Teams

The micro-credentials in this stack are meant to be completed by paraeducator-teacher teams.

Last Updated Date: 03/31/2023
Number of MCs: 7		What You'll Learn

You will learn and apply the components for effective teamwork, including how to define and delineate roles and responsibilities, communication skills, problem solving and conflict resolution strategies.

Who Should Apply
  • Teams of Paraeducators (Education Support Professionals) and Teachers


Building Winning Teams: Effective Paraeducator-Teacher Teams

Building Winning Teams: Effective Paraeducator-Teacher Teams

The micro-credentials in this stack are meant to be completed by paraeducator-teacher teams.

Last Updated Date: 03/31/2023

Bully Free Schools

Support a bully free environment for your students

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 7		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to create a safe and bully free environment for your students.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Education Support Professionals
  • Aspiring Educators
Bully Free Schools

Bully Free Schools

Support a bully free environment for your students

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Classroom Management

Develop skills to create a successful learning environment for your students.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 6		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to create a student centered learning community that is supportive of all students.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Education Support Professionals
  • Aspiring Educators
Classroom Management

Classroom Management

Develop skills to create a successful learning environment for your students.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Instructional Practice

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 6		What You'll Learn
Classroom strategies and skills that support your classroom practice in these four areas:
  • The Learner and Learning
  • Content Knowledge
  • Instructional Practice
  • Professional Responsibility
Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Teachers
  • Aspiring Educators
Classroom Practice (InTasc): Instructional Practice

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Instructional Practice

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Learner and Learning

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 2		What You'll Learn
Classroom strategies and skills that support your classroom practice in these four areas:
  • The Learner and Learning
  • Content Knowledge
  • Instructional Practice
  • Professional Responsibility
Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Teachers
  • Aspiring Educators
Classroom Practice (InTasc): Learner and Learning

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Learner and Learning

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Professional Responsibility

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 4		What You'll Learn
Classroom strategies and skills that support your classroom practice in these four areas:
  • The Learner and Learning
  • Content Knowledge
  • Instructional Practice
  • Professional Responsibility
Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Teachers
  • Aspiring Educators
Classroom Practice (InTasc): Professional Responsibility

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Professional Responsibility

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Understanding Content

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 6		What You'll Learn
Classroom strategies and skills that support your classroom practice in these four areas:
  • The Learner and Learning
  • Content Knowledge
  • Instructional Practice
  • Professional Responsibility
Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Teachers
  • Aspiring Educators
Classroom Practice (InTasc): Understanding Content

Classroom Practice (InTasc): Understanding Content

Develop skills to support effective classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Climate Change & Environmental Justice

This stack of micro-credentials will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to effectively understand and teach about climate change.

Last Updated Date: 07/07/2023
Number of MCs: 6		What You'll Learn

In this stack of micro-credentials you will gain awareness of the impacts of climate change, how climate change is an equity issue, what it means to adapt and mitigate climate change, how to engage the community in finding solutions for climate change and strategies to teach climate change to your students.

Who Should Apply
  • All Educators
Climate Change & Environmental Justice

Climate Change & Environmental Justice

This stack of micro-credentials will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to effectively understand and teach about climate change.

Last Updated Date: 07/07/2023

Computer Science

Computer science moves beyond using technology tools towards an understanding of how they work and ultimately designing new solutions to enduring human problems.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 6		What You'll Learn

In this stack you will learn to teach and integrate computer science into your current lesson plans.

Who Should Apply
  • All educators
Computer Science

Computer Science

Computer science moves beyond using technology tools towards an understanding of how they work and ultimately designing new solutions to enduring human problems.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Cooperating Teacher

Develop skills to support and mentor a student teacher

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 7		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to successfully support a student teacher and develop effective classroom practices.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Mentors
  • Cooperating Teachers
  • Mid Career Teachers
  • Veteran Teachers
Cooperating Teacher

Cooperating Teacher

Develop skills to support and mentor a student teacher

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Co-Teaching

These micro-credentials will provide the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in co-teaching and help educators create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

Last Updated Date: 04/13/2023
Number of MCs: 4		What You'll Learn
In this stack of micro-credentials you will learn the foundations of co-teaching as well as how to co-plan, co-instruct and co-assess.
Who Should Apply
  • All Educators
Co-Teaching

Co-Teaching

These micro-credentials will provide the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in co-teaching and help educators create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

Last Updated Date: 04/13/2023

Diversity, Equity, and Cultural Competence (DECC)

Diversity, equity, and cultural competence (DECC) is integral to being a skilled and informed educator. In today's global and interconnected society, educators must constantly grow in their ability to teach culturally diverse students and groups.

Last Updated Date: 11/16/2021
Number of MCs: 6

What You'll Learn

  • About culture and its predominant impact on individuals and groups of people .
  • How the dominant culture can enjoy privilege and oppress individuals and groups of people
  • To expose and address inequity in the educational system
  • To collaborate purposefully with individuals and groups from other cultures
  • To create and support policies and practices that give rise to culturally sensitive and equitable learning environments

Who Should Apply

  • All educators
Diversity, Equity, and Cultural Competence (DECC)

Diversity, Equity, and Cultural Competence (DECC)

Diversity, equity, and cultural competence (DECC) is integral to being a skilled and informed educator. In today's global and interconnected society, educators must constantly grow in their ability to teach culturally diverse students and groups.

Last Updated Date: 11/16/2021

Education Support Professionals: Professional Growth Continuum

Develop your self as an ESP Professional

Last Updated Date: 06/21/2023
Number of MCs: 16

What You'll Learn

You will learn how to connect the ESP Universal Standards to your role and responsibilities at your worksite, interview co-workers to further develop your understanding of the skills for the competency, and how competency in these skills has an impact on your effectiveness, school and student success.  

Who Should Apply

  • Education Support Professionals (ESPs)

Education Support Professionals: Professional Growth Continuum

Education Support Professionals: Professional Growth Continuum

Develop your self as an ESP Professional

Last Updated Date: 06/21/2023

Elevating the Profession Through Educator Ethics

Participants examine various ethical situations including: technology dos and don'ts; relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, and; the dichotomy of a school employee's life.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 8		What You'll Learn

In this stack your will learn how to make ethical professional decisions and understand the complex intersectionalities of relationships.

Who Should Apply
  • All Educators
Elevating the Profession Through Educator Ethics

Elevating the Profession Through Educator Ethics

Participants examine various ethical situations including: technology dos and don'ts; relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, and; the dichotomy of a school employee's life.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Exceptional Learner

Develop the skills you need to support exceptional learners in your classroom.

Last Updated Date: 02/13/2022
Number of MCs: 6		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to navigate federal policy, create functional behavior plans, collaborate with stakeholders and use universal design principals to create accessible lessons for all students.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Art Teachers
  • Music Teachers
  • Specialists
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Educational Support Professionals
Exceptional Learner

Exceptional Learner

Develop the skills you need to support exceptional learners in your classroom.

Last Updated Date: 02/13/2022

Family Engagement

Participants examine various ethical situations including: technology dos and don'ts; relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, and; the dichotomy of a school employee's life.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 8		What You'll Learn

In this stack you will learn how to build relationships and engage families and community members in school related activities.

Who Should Apply
  • All Educators
Family Engagement

Family Engagement

Participants examine various ethical situations including: technology dos and don'ts; relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, and; the dichotomy of a school employee's life.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Five Core Propositions (NBCT)

Dig into the foundations of National Board Core Propositions
Number of MCs: 5		What You'll Learn

You will learn the basics of each of the 5 Core Propositions developed by National Board.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Teachers
  • Aspiring Educators
Five Core Propositions (NBCT)

Five Core Propositions (NBCT)

Dig into the foundations of National Board Core Propositions

Math Practices

This stack will explore each of the eight Standards of Mathematical Practice and how teachers apply these practices to the mathematical content they are teaching.

Last Updated Date: 12/13/2023
Number of MCs: 8		What You'll Learn

In this stack you will learn how to select and use instructional materials that support the mathematical practices, create tasks that require students to use mathematical practices, and assess student learning in a way that reflects the mathematical practices.

Who Should Apply
  • K-12 educators of mathematics
Math Practices

Math Practices

This stack will explore each of the eight Standards of Mathematical Practice and how teachers apply these practices to the mathematical content they are teaching.

Last Updated Date: 12/13/2023

Multilingual Learners

This stack equips educators to advocate for multilingual learners, incorporate culturally relevant pedagogy, strengthen family connections, utilize standards-based instruction, and implement equitable assessments.

Last Updated Date: 07/01/2024
Number of MCs: 7		What You'll Learn

By taking these micro-credentials, educators will learn to advocate for multilingual learners' rights, implement culturally relevant teaching practices, build strong family partnerships, understand and support second language acquisition, and use effective, equitable assessment strategies tailored for multilingual students.

Who Should Apply
  • K-12 educators who work with multilingual learners
Multilingual Learners

Multilingual Learners

This stack equips educators to advocate for multilingual learners, incorporate culturally relevant pedagogy, strengthen family connections, utilize standards-based instruction, and implement equitable assessments.

Last Updated Date: 07/01/2024

Native Education

This series of micro-credentials serves a two-fold purpose: 1) provide knowledge and tools to help educators be more culturally responsive in teaching for and about American Indian/Alaska Native people and 2) highlight the truths of the impact of federal policy and US education on Native communities to better represent AI/NA history, culture, and resilience in all classrooms.

Last Updated Date: 02/08/2023
Number of MCs: 8

What You'll Learn

In this micro-credential stack, topics covered include the impact of federal policy on American Indian/Alaska Native education, culturally responsive pedagogy and classroom management, and teaching culturally through content areas such as ELA, Social Studies, and STEM. While each course is free-standing, the courses are scaffolded to build an understanding of teaching for and about Native students as well as the historical contexts that still impact the modern Native education experience.

Who Should Apply

  • This course is applicable to all educators who desire to be more culturally responsive. However, it is specially designed to support those who teach in communities with American Indian/Alaska Native students or teach Native culture or history in schools and other educational settings.

Native Education

Native Education

This series of micro-credentials serves a two-fold purpose: 1) provide knowledge and tools to help educators be more culturally responsive in teaching for and about American Indian/Alaska Native people and 2) highlight the truths of the impact of federal policy and US education on Native communities to better represent AI/NA history, culture, and resilience in all classrooms.

Last Updated Date: 02/08/2023

Restorative Practices

Develop the skills you need to implement restorative practices in your classroom and/or school.

Last Updated Date: 04/13/2023
Number of MCs: 5		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to use restorative practice strategies such as restorative circles and conferencing, to build a loving and positive classroom and/or school community.

Who Should Apply
  • All Educators
Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices

Develop the skills you need to implement restorative practices in your classroom and/or school.

Last Updated Date: 04/13/2023

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

Support your LGBTQ students by creating inclusive spaces and curriculum

Last Updated Date: 03/26/2023
Number of MCs: 5		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to support LGBTQ students by creating a safe space and a culture of inclusivity.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Education Support Professionals
  • Administrators
  • Association Leaders
  • Teacher Leaders
  • Higher Ed Instructors
  • Aspiring Educators
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

Supporting LGBTQ+ Students

Support your LGBTQ students by creating inclusive spaces and curriculum

Last Updated Date: 03/26/2023

Teacher Leadership: Association Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 03/19/2022
Number of MCs: 5		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to advocate for diversity, equity and cultural competence as you develop leadership skills in instruction, policy and/or association.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Higher Ed Instructors
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Administrators
Teacher Leadership: Association Pathway

Teacher Leadership: Association Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 03/19/2022

Teacher Leadership: Diversity Equity and Cultural Competence Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 07/20/2021
Number of MCs: 3		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to advocate for diversity, equity and cultural competence as you develop leadership skills in instruction, policy and/or association.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Higher Ed Instructors
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Administrators
Teacher Leadership: Diversity Equity and Cultural Competence Pathway

Teacher Leadership: Diversity Equity and Cultural Competence Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 07/20/2021

Teacher Leadership: Instructional Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 03/19/2022
Number of MCs: 3		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to advocate for diversity, equity and cultural competence as you develop leadership skills in instruction, policy and/or association.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Higher Ed Instructors
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Administrators
Teacher Leadership: Instructional Pathway

Teacher Leadership: Instructional Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 03/19/2022

Teacher Leadership: Overarching Competencies

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 10/16/2021
Number of MCs: 8		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to advocate for diversity, equity and cultural competence as you develop leadership skills in instruction, policy and/or association.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Higher Ed Instructors
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Administrators
Teacher Leadership: Overarching Competencies

Teacher Leadership: Overarching Competencies

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 10/16/2021

Teacher Leadership: Policy Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 03/19/2022
Number of MCs: 4		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to advocate for diversity, equity and cultural competence as you develop leadership skills in instruction, policy and/or association.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Higher Ed Instructors
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Administrators
Teacher Leadership: Policy Pathway

Teacher Leadership: Policy Pathway

Develop teacher leadership skills based on the NEA Teacher Leader Competency Guide

Last Updated Date: 03/19/2022

Teaching with Primary Sources

Primary sources lead students naturally into inquiry, helping them to confront the complexity of the past, engage with it in a personal way, and reflect on how it relates to the present and future.

Last Updated Date: 05/30/2022
Number of MCs: 8

What You'll Learn

You will learn how to integrate inquiry learning with primary sources into instruction across grades and disciplines using a variety of frameworks and strategies.

Who Should Apply

  • K12 Educators
  • Education Pre-service Educators
  • Instructional Coaches
  • Content Specialists
  • Education Support Professionals
  • Aspiring Educators

     

Teaching with Primary Sources

Teaching with Primary Sources

Primary sources lead students naturally into inquiry, helping them to confront the complexity of the past, engage with it in a personal way, and reflect on how it relates to the present and future.

Last Updated Date: 05/30/2022

Technology for Educational Leaders

Develop skills to help coaches facilitate online learning experiences

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 9		What You'll Learn

You will learn technical skills needed to facilitate professional learning in a variety of settings as well as how to grow your own professional network and troubleshoot basic technology problems.

Who Should Apply
  • Teacher Leaders
  • Technology Coaches
  • Mentors
  • Classroom Teachers
  • Higher Ed
Technology for Educational Leaders

Technology for Educational Leaders

Develop skills to help coaches facilitate online learning experiences

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022

Technology Integration

Develop the skills and understanding to successfully integrate technology into your classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 10/08/2022
Number of MCs: 7		What You'll Learn

You will learn how to leverage digital tools and to support your students using critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills.

Who Should Apply
  • K12 Educators
  • Art Teachers
  • Music Teachers
  • Specialists
  • Early Career Educators
  • Mid Career Educators
  • Veteran Educators
  • Higher Ed
Technology Integration

Technology Integration

Develop the skills and understanding to successfully integrate technology into your classroom instruction

Last Updated Date: 10/08/2022

Trauma Informed Pedagogy

The impact of traumatic experiences is so significant that it can hinder the brain’s normal development.

Last Updated Date: 01/28/2022
Number of MCs: 6

In this stack, you will learn:

  • How to create a healing-centered learning environment that supports all students 
  • How trauma can cause the brain to be rewired
  • The social emotional impacts of trauma
  • About various forms of trauma and how to support your students who may be exhibiting symptoms of trauma
  • How to protect yourself from secondary trauma 
  • How to seek help when you need it

 

Who Should Apply

  • All educators
Trauma Informed Pedagogy

Trauma Informed Pedagogy

The impact of traumatic experiences is so significant that it can hinder the brain’s normal development.

Last Updated Date: 01/28/2022

Using your Voice to Advocate for Student Success

This stack of micro-credentials is aligned to iNTASC standard 10 and the Red4ed Goals. The purpose of the stack is to support educators to use their voice to advocate for student success.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022
Number of MCs: 9		What You'll Learn

In this stack you will learn how to:

  • Create and organizing plan
  • Activate your stakeholders
  • Utilize technology for communication and collaboration
  • Create a communication plan
  • Engage members in advocating for student success

Who Should Apply
  • All Educators
Using your Voice to Advocate for Student Success

Using your Voice to Advocate for Student Success

This stack of micro-credentials is aligned to iNTASC standard 10 and the Red4ed Goals. The purpose of the stack is to support educators to use their voice to advocate for student success.

Last Updated Date: 03/17/2022