Let’s talk about how to get Google Certified!

Today, I’ll dig into what certifications there are, how to get them (and how hard it is), and what resources can help.

If you’re interested in becoming a Google Certified Educator (level 1, level 2, trainer, innovator, or coach), this is the episode for you!

And if you’re wondering why you should care or be interested, here’s a fun fact: this entire blog wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t become Google Certified.

Neither would my books or podcasts. I wouldn’t be talking to you today if I hadn’t taken those steps!

Let’s dive in! First, I’ll explore what Level 1 certification means and what you can expect from the test. I’ll then talk about some ways to prepare for the exam. I’ll then do the same for Level 2.

From there, I’ll talk about becoming a Google Certified Trainer. I’ll cover the various requirements (one of which I didn’t meet the first time I applied!) as well as the six steps to becoming a Certified Trainer.

I will also talk about Certified Coach, and the Innovator Academy and what it takes to reach the most coveted level of Google Certification!

I’ve helped thousands of people become Google Certified, and I can help you, too! I hope this episode has answered a lot of your questions and explained why the programs are so great, and I look forward to taking the next steps with you.

This episode is sponsored by WriQ.

Texthelp is challenging you and your students to write a little more each day! With the WriQ Word Challenge, classes around the world are working together to smash the record for the most words written in the school year. You can join them too. Download WriQ to measure your students’ writing and watch them soar to the top of the global leaderboard! There are lots of hints, tips, and writing prompts available too.

Visit: text.help/shakeupwriq

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Shoutout

Shoutout to Kellie Lahey on Twitter for sharing some awesome student engagement with Pear Deck!

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Have you noticed how easy it is to give access to Google files directly from Gmail? You don’t need to open Drive or any other app–do it right from Gmail!

Here’s a quick video to show you how it works!

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How to Get Google Certified (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, Innovator, and Coach!)

There are now FIVE different certification options for educators: Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certified Educator, Google Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Google Certified Coach.

(Note: There are many other Google certifications outside of education.)

Why Get Google Certified?

There are many benefits to the various certifications that can help you improve as a teacher and even take your career to the next level.

Related: 10 Ways Google Certification Can Support Remote Learning

Here’s a quick overview of just a few of the benefits:

• Support Remote and Blended Learning
• Gain Confidence with Digital Learning Strategies and Google Tools
• Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning & Creativity
• Create a Paperless Classroom
• Collect Data & Improve Feedback
• Learn How to Find Answers & Support
• Increase Digital Citizenship Skills in the Classroom
• Increase Efficiency & Save Time
• Engage in Professional Growth & Leadership
• Prove Your Skills
• Get the Badge &  Join the Google Certified Family!

Related: The Benefits of Google Certification

Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2

Let’s break this down!

Google Certified Educator Level 1

Level 1: can “successfully implement Google for Education into their teaching practice to enhance
teaching and learning.”

Preparation:

• Enroll in the Level 1 Academy for hands-on training
• On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources

Level 1 Exam:

• Multiple choice
• Drag and drop
• & Performance-based scenarios
• 180 minutes
• $10 fee
• Pass with 80% or above
• Good for 3 years

Google Certified Educator Level 2

Level 2: can “successfully integrate a wider range of Google for Education tools and other
technologies to transform their teaching practice.”

Preparation:

• Enroll in the Level 2 Academy for hands-on training
• On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources

Level 2 Exam:

• Multiple choice
• Drag and drop
• & Performance-based scenarios
• 180 minutes
• $25 fee
• Pass with 80% or above
• Good for 3 years

Google Certified Trainer

The Google for Education Certified Trainer program is designed for educators with a strong history of providing Google training in schools, including creating informative learning materials, and enthusiasm for digital learning and technology.

6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer

1. Trainer Course Curriculum
2. Trainer Skills Assessment ($15, 25 questions, 90 minutes)
3. Level 1 Certificate
4. Level 2 Certificate
5. Record Trainer Video (3 minutes)
6. Apply

For details on each of these six steps, see this related post: 6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer.

Preparation:

• Enroll in the Trainer Academy for hands-on training
• On your own, using the Google Teacher Center and free resources

Google Certified Innovator

The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program supports educators in developing new projects for their classrooms and school districts. Members participate in a year-long mentorship program that begins with workshops called Innovator Academies, where teachers, coaches, and Google experts learn from each other.

Innovator candidates must go through a lengthy application process, including project and video, Level 2 certificate, and be accepted to attend a 3-day academy on a Google campus.

Google Certified Coach

The Google Certified Coach program empowers instructional coaches to work 1:1 with educators and drive impactful technology use in their schools. Coaches get access to research-backed strategies and tools so that new and veteran educators alike can transform instruction across every classroom.

• Coach curriculum
• Coach skills assessment
• Create coaching portfolio and submit application
• Create a short video, provide three coaching artifacts, and submit an administrator letter of reference that illustrate successful use of the 5-step coaching model in action.
• Then, apply!

FREE Webinar: How to Get Google Certified

Do you want to learn more about the certifications and what it takes to achieve each one?

Getting Google Certified can be daunting and confusing, so I put together this free webinar on How to Get Google Certified!

In this webinar, I will give you an overview of Google Certification, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and Google Certified Trainer.

REGISTER for the Webinar

Google Certification Academies

I also teach online boot camps to walk you through all the skills and help you prepare for the exams. I have helped thousands of educators through these online, self-paced courses!

What’s Included in the Google Certification Courses?

Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 1!

• 50 Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Testing Tips
• 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS 1: Includes the ENTIRE Google Classroom Master Class!
• BONUS 2: Level 1 Challenges (performance tasks designed to mimic the exam)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Bulk discounts! Get your whole school Google certified!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 2!

• 40+ Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Testing Tips
• 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS: Level 2 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Trainer Academy

All You Need to Know to Prepare for the Trainer Skills Assessment and Application!

Becoming a Google Certified Trainer was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it transformed my learning and my career! This self-paced, online course includes EVERYTHING you need to know to pass the Trainer Skills Assessment AND complete the application requirements, including:

• 18 Video Lesson
• Lesson Checks
• Exam Tips
• Application and Video Tips
• 12 Hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS 1: How to Design Google PD That Works
• BONUS 2: How to Market Yourself as a Trainer
• BONUS 3: The Ultimate Google Certified Trainer Planner and Check List (27-page, downloadable ebook!)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Don’t Pay Out of Pocket!

Teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of their own pockets to get the professional learning and training they need.

On each of the course pages listed above you will find information about scholarships, as well as editable documents to “Make the Case” with your administrator to pay for your training.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES: Purchasing these courses helps support the HUNDREDS of free resources that Shake Up Learning provides–free ebooks, cheat sheets, podcasts, blog posts, lesson plans, templates, tips, tutorials, and more. Thank you for supporting Shake Up Learning. We are a small, woman-owned business whose mission is to serve teachers.

Google Training for Schools

We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire Google suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!

COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and Google was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.

Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, Google skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.

Get your entire campus or district on board with Google! Help your teachers learn more about Google tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!

GoogleTrainingforSchools.com

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post How to Get Google Certified (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, Innovator, and Coach!) appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

People wonder why I talk so much about Google Certifications.

It’s not just the badge, it’s the connections; it’s a growth mindset; it’s the confidence it gave me to push myself further.

I want to share with you the benefits that I have experienced as a Google Certified Educator Level 1, Level 2, Google Certified Trainer, and Google Certified Innovator.

But I also want to share with you the benefits that others have shared in the Shake Up Learning Community.

Digital learning skills are more important than ever!

I shared my thoughts on how certification can help support remote learning during the wake of COVID-19 in this post and podcast episode.

My Experience and Perspective on Google Certification

First, let me share with you my experience and perspective on the benefits I have experienced from Google Certification.

The following would not have happened if I hadn’t pursued Google Certification:

ShakeUpLearning.com would not exist.

When I decided to pursue becoming a Google Certified Trainer, I knew I needed to stand out and show that I was contributing to the educational community. The blog was born the same year I became a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator (2014).

The Google Teacher Podcast would not exist.

In fact, I would not even know Matt Miller. We began collaborating and exchanging ideas during our first meeting at the Google Certified Teacher Academy in Austin in 2014. This was the seed for the tribe!

I would never have become an international keynote speaker.

I have had the honor of speaking to thousands of educators. The experience and confidence I gained as a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator helped get me there. And it is the global connections that I made as a connected educator that helped others find me.

The Shake Up Learning book would not exist.

I never thought I would write a book, let alone be asked to write one. As I began to speak, share my passions, and help educators, I began to believe not only could I do it, but that it could have an impact.

I could go on, but I state these things not to brag, but to emphasize the impact that Google Certification has had on my journey.

Yes, some of these things may have happened without the certification. It wasn’t a requirement or prerequisite, but I know I would never have had the confidence or connections to make these things happen on my own.

So when someone says, “It’s just a badge,” it’s not just a badge to me.

Benefits Shared by the Shake Up Learning Community

And if you don’t want to take my word for it, here are the benefits that others have shared in the Shake Up Learning Community. (You can join the community on Facebook here.)

Nikki Lyons:  “As a classroom teacher, it’s made me a much better teacher. I’ve definitely implemented things in my classroom that I never would have otherwise.”

Lyndi Christensen Valicek: “I love the PLN that I have become a part of.”

Jeremy Badiner: “Connections with like-minded “cool kids,” networking all over the world, and sometimes a little “peek under the hood” on things. My #1 perk is that Google Trainers get a G Suite Domain to train with. I use it for all kinds of things.”

Dee Thomas: “I love the shared resources!”

Gretchen Orwig: “Getting google certified is a way to motivate teachers to use the tools. It’s not as much about the certification, but the benefits of using g suite. It absolutely improves the teaching of every teacher I have ever known in their own opinion. It offers a tremendous amount of enriching opportunities for collaboration, creativity, communication, and real-time feedback. You can make engaging activities that create spaces for student agency and engagement. When you use g suite, every student can be “seen and heard.” I can’t even imagine what it would be like to not use it. Personally, it offers me the opportunity to be creative, and I find that to be a really satisfying part of my job. Also, it keeps me organized in ways that I was terrible at before. Okay, enough already! I swear I’m not being paid for this. :)”

Cornelius Krahn: “It allowed me to give myself permission to do new and innovative things. It also gave me a responsibility to do new and innovative things.”

Laura Cahill: “The pedagogy that comes with the training puts the technology into the context, not at the center of the learning. Creating, delivering, and reflecting on trainings for the Trainer Certification is a huge learning experience and has taught me how to constantly reflect and grow. The Camtasia license is a great bonus, and the Google Certified Trainer’s group is a great place to collaborate and learn.”

Susan Kerr Vincentz: “Access to numerous resources and people in the PLN for collaborative sharing has been huge for me. Developing all the skills and applying them as I train Teachers has been so helpful.”

Kelley Briceño: “Access to resources contributed by Google Certified trainers worldwide!”

Pam Matteson Hubler:

“My reasons:
⓵ Learn the most up-to-date information about GSuite tools for educators.
⓶ Professional development at your own pace in your own place.
⓷ Find a network of like-minded educators to connect with, and learn from across the globe. https://www.spedtechgeek.com/…/love-everything-google…”

See Pam’s Success Story in this blog post and the video below.

Jill Acklen: “Learned so many skills, cool tools that I could use right away, motivated others to do the same(if I can do it, you can too.)”

Jennifer Mortellaro: “Incredibly useful ways to implement tech in my classes using tools that are not only free but easily accessible and teachable.”

Martha Lackey: “My level 1 certification has allowed me to design lessons that engage my students on various levels of learning and are student-centered rather than teacher centered! The G Suit tools have been game changers in my classroom.”

Chris Thailand: “Confidence to use many google apps in my classes. If you pass level 1 and have a bit of creativity, you really can make your classes more engaging.”

James Sanders: “The most valuable element of the program is A connection to a network of educators that has helped me throughout my career.”

Kyle Anderson: “It makes me stay current and try new things so I can share my knowledge and passion, as well as learn from others.”

Julie Harris Cobb: “As a Google for Education Certified Trainer, it keeps me in the loop with new features so I can provide the best support to my teachers. It also gives me a chance to meet and share with people I would not have otherwise.”

Thank you to everyone who participated in this conversation! I love sharing the benefits of becoming a Google Certified Educator, Trainer, and Innovator.

What DO YOU THINK? Are you ready to get started?

(See also, 10 Reasons to Become a Google Certified Educator.)

FREE Webinar: How to Get Google Certified

Do you want to learn more about the certifications and what it takes to achieve each one?

Getting Google Certified can be daunting and confusing, so I put together this free webinar on How to Get Google Certified!

In this webinar, I will give you an overview of Google Certification, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and Google Certified Trainer.

REGISTER for the Webinar

Google Certification Academies

I also teach online boot camps to walk you through all the skills and help you prepare for the exams. I have helped thousands of educators through these online, self-paced courses!

Learn more about each course using the links below:

• Level 1 Academy
• Level 2 Academy
• Trainer Academy

Google Training for Schools

We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!

COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and G Suite was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.

Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, Google skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.

Get your entire campus or district on board with Google! Help your teachers learn more about Google tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!

GoogleTrainingforSchools.com

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post The Benefits of Google Certification – Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, and Innovator appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

I chat a lot about Google Certification, but I haven’t taken a deep dive into it yet on the Shake Up Learning Show!

Let’s talk about how to get Google Certified!

Today, I’ll dig into what certifications there are, how to get them (and how hard it is), and what resources can help.

If you’re interested in becoming a Google Certified educator (level 1, level 2, trainer, or innovator), this is the episode for you!

And if you’re wondering why you should care or be interested, here’s a fun fact: this entire podcast wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t become Google Certified.

Neither would my book. I wouldn’t be talking to you today if I hadn’t taken those steps!

Let’s dive in! First, I’ll explore what Level 1 certification means, and what you can expect from the test. I’ll then talk about some ways to prepare for the exam. I’ll then do the same for Level 2.

At that point, you might be wondering about the differences between the training that Google offers compared to my courses. Don’t worry, I’ll explain exactly how they’re different!

From there, I’ll talk about becoming a Google Certified Trainer. I’ll cover the various requirements (one of which I didn’t meet the first time I applied!) as well as the six steps to becoming a Certified Trainer.

I will also talk about the Innovator Academy and what it takes to reach the most coveted level of Google Certification!

I’ve helped thousands of people become Google Certified, and I can help you, too! I hope this episode has answered a lot of your questions and explained why the programs are so great, and I look forward to taking the next steps with you.

...

In This Episode:

[00:28] – Welcome back to the podcast! Today’s episode is all about Google certification, Kasey explains.

[02:02] – Before we talk about Google Certification, Kasey takes a moment to send a shout out to all of the new Google Certified Innovators from the Sydney class of 2019!

[03:25] – It’s time to talk about how to get Google Certified! Kasey explains why the process is so important to her.

[05:30] – Kasey explains that there are four different certifications for educators: Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, Google Certified Trainer, and Google Certified Innovator.

[06:18] – Kasey offers listeners a FREE ebook: The Complete Guide to Google Certifications!

[06:46] – We learn about the Google for Education Teacher Center.

[07:34] – Let’s talk about Level 1 and Level 2 certification first! Kasey explains what a Level 1 educator can do, and chats about how to prepare.

[11:11] – Kasey goes deeper into what’s covered in the Level 1 exam.

[13:26] – We move onto Level 2, which requires being able to “successfully integrate a wider range of Google for Education tools and other technologies.”

[15:40] – Kasey talks about the requirements for becoming Level 2 Certified, and mentions what’s covered in the exam.

[17:38] – We learn about Kasey’s Level 2 Toolkit, which is another three-in-one download.

[18:27] – Kasey takes a moment to talk specifically about the self-paced, video-based courses that she offers for Level 1 and Level 2.

[21:34] – We hear about the differences between the Google Teacher Center and Kasey’s courses.

[23:19] – Kasey moves onto talking about Google Certified Trainer, explaining who it’s designed for and talking about what’s offered in her course.

[25:34] – If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Google Certified Trainer, check out Kasey’s Google Certified Trainer Academy!

[25:46] – Kasey explains that there are six steps to becoming a Google Certified Trainer.

[29:11] – We hear more about Kasey’s Google Certified Trainer Academy, and how it compares to her other courses.

[31:37] – The enrollment period for all three of Kasey’s courses will open on May 21 for a limited time, she explains. To learn more or sign up, check out:

The Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy

Become a Google Certified Trainer Online Course

Interested in more than one course? Kasey offers special deals when you bundle courses!

[33:56] – Kasey takes a moment to talk about the Certified Innovator program, and why she doesn’t offer a course for it.

[39:01] – Kasey points out that Google doesn’t pay your way to the locations for the Certified Innovator academies.

[40:32] – We hear about how many people Kasey has helped to become Google Certified.

[42:04] – Thank you for tuning in! Please take a moment to leave a review on iTunes (using the word “y’all” for bonus points!).

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

The Shake Up Learning Show

The Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook

Join the Shake Up Learning Book Study!

Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning from Static to Dynamic by Kasey Bell

Education Podcast Network

#Syd19 on Twitter

Google for Education Teacher Center

Google for Education Teacher Center (Certified Innovator)

The Google Certified Educator Level 1 Toolkit

The Google Certified Educator Level 2 Toolkit

Google Certified Trainer Academy

Google Certification Courses Open Nov. 19th!

Online Google Boot Camps–BUT BETTER!

All 3 Courses Will Open on November 19!

Mark your calendars! These courses (Level 1, Level 2, and Trainer) will open for limited enrollment on Nov. 19, 2019, and will close on Dec. 3, 2019. (It will not open again until May!)

Work on certification during your summer break!

What’s Included in the Google Certification Courses?

Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 1!

• 50 Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• Testing Tips
• Level 1 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• BONUS: Includes the ENTIRE Google Classroom Master Class!
• and much more!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 2!

• 40+ Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• Testing Tips
• Level 2 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• and much more!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Trainer Academy

Completely updated and redesigned for 2019!

All You Need to Know to Prepare for the Trainer Skills Assessment and Application!

Becoming a Google Certified Trainer was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it transformed my learning and my career! This self-paced, online course includes EVERYTHING you need to know to pass the Trainer Skills Assessment AND complete the application requirements, including:

• 30+ Video Lessons (including the archive)
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• The Ultimate Google Certified Trainer Planner and Check List (27-page, downloadable ebook!)
• Exam Tips
• Application Tips
• Video Tips
• 2 BONUS LESSONS
  • How to Design Google PD That Works
  • How to Market Yourself as a Trainer
• and much more!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Pricing & Bundles

Below are the prices for individual licenses for each course. (Payment plans available.)

• Level 1 Academy: $329 (or two payments of $179)
• Level 2 Academy: $329 (or two payments of $179)
• Trainer: $329 (or two payments of $179)

Campus and District licenses available! (Click here to inquire.)

Request to pay with a purchase order.

BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

Opening all of these courses at once also gives you another advantage–bundling! If you want to purchase multiple courses at once, you can save BIG TIME!

I’m also introducing some new bulk licensing options, so you can find more affordable ways to meet the needs of your campus or district.

NOTE: To purchase a bundle, you must purchase from the bundle page.

Here’s how it works (click on the links to purchase a bundle):

• Level 1 and Level 2 Bundle: $558 (SAVE $100)
• Level 2 and Trainer Bundle: $558 (SAVE $100)
• Level 1, Level 2, and Trainer Bundle: $737 (SAVE $250)

Request to pay with a purchase order

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post How to Get Google Certified! (Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, and Innovator) – Bonus Episode appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

I get asked all the time to share more about my story and how I started Shake Up Learning. I’m an introvert, and sharing my personal story is difficult, but I firmly believe in the power of sharing your voice. Everyone has something unique to share, including YOU! Listen in to learn all about the Shake Up Learning story and how I got out of my comfort zone.

First, I have to let y’all know that I did not initially intend to pursue education as a career path. I had a couple of careers out of college, but I quickly realized that my passion was in teaching others. I then decided to obtain my teaching certification and sought my first job in education. And it was a doozy. I was hired as a middle school language arts teacher and cheer coach in the middle of a hiring freeze. I loved helping my students, but I was definitely in over my head.

As I began my teaching career, I also learned how much I loved using technology in the classroom. I was always signing up for the computer lab and jumping in (head first) into new tools and ideas. Other teachers began to rely on me for help with technology and designing lessons. After three years of teaching language arts, I realized my true love was technology integration. And it was that love that drove me to pursue a Masters in Educational Technology. 

My district then promoted me to the role of Instructional Technologist, and I began building a library of resources for the teachers and students I was supporting. Each time I directed a student or teacher to one of my favorite blogs, I was asked why I didn’t start my own blog. It wasn’t immediate, but I finally realized they were right, and Shake Up Learning was born. 

Listen in to learn all about how creating Shake Up Learning and becoming a Google Certified Trainer didn’t just change my career path but also my life. I have always been a lifelong learner, and it is my goal to encourage others to do the same. Listen to the end to hear my regrets, the lessons I’ve learned while building Shake Up Learning, and the key takeaways I hope you leave with after listening. 

Listen to this article:

...

The Shake Up Learning Story

In This Episode:

[00:29] – Get ready to learn more about the Shake Up Learning story.

[01:10] – Don’t miss the bonus episode: How to Get Google Certified: Level 1, Level 2, Trainer, and Innovator.

• Learn more: Get Google Certified – the courses are open now.

[02:47] – Shout out to Mark Stone, an education technology specialist and consultant in Azerbaijan who left the sweetest message about how Shake Up Learning is helping there.

[04:08] – Kasey shares the inspiration for this episode.

[04:56] – Learn more about Kasey’s background, career, and why she moved into education.

[06:32] – She started as a middle school language arts teacher.

[07:51] – Then Kasey decided her true love for technology and learning and decided to pursue her Master’s degree in edtech.

[09:07] – Just before graduating with her Master’s, she was promoted to an Instructional Technologist for her school district. Learn more about what that meant for her career.

[10:37] – Learn why Kasey started blogging, and read her first blog post here.

[12:41] – Hear an excerpt from the Shake Up Learning book about starting and building her blog.

[20:55] – Kasey shares how becoming a Google Certified Trainer started a new facet of her career.

[23:54] – But she wasn’t happy with just training, she also wanted to be a Google Certified Teacher. (Now called a Google Certified Innovator) – See her video application here.

[26:52] – Kasey reminisces about her first keynote presentation.

[28:06] – This led to building into Shake Up Learning and creating fantastic resources for teachers.

[30:12] – Share your voice! Get out there! Throw out the perfectionism.

[31:25] – Kasey leaves you with the lessons she has learned and a few key takeaways she hopes you take to heart. 

Podcast Question of the Week

[36:23] – Kasey shares the podcast questions of the week: 

What are you holding back? How can you share more of YOU with the world? 

Post your answer to your favorite social media platform using the hashtag #ShakeUpLearning, or share it in the Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook!

[49:09] – Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on iTunes. (Bonus points if you use  the word “y’all” in your review!)

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

The Shake Up Learning Show

The Shake Up Learning Community on Facebook

GetGoogleCertified.com

FREE Webinar: How to Get Google Certified

Do you want to learn more about the certifications and what it takes to achieve each one?

Getting Google Certified can be daunting and confusing, so I put together this free webinar on How to Get Google Certified!

In this webinar, I will give you an overview of Google Certification, Google Certified Educator Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, and Google Certified Trainer.

REGISTER for the Webinar

Google Certification Academies

I also teach online boot camps to walk you through all the skills and help you prepare for the exams. I have helped thousands of educators through these online, self-paced courses!

What’s Included in the Google Certification Courses?

Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 1!

• 50 Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• Testing Tips
• 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS 1: Includes the ENTIRE Google Classroom Master Class!
• BONUS 2: Level 1 Challenges (performance tasks designed to mimic the exam)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Bulk discounts! Get your whole school Google certified!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 2!

• 40+ Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• Testing Tips
• 12 hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS: Level 2 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Trainer Academy

All You Need to Know to Prepare for the Trainer Skills Assessment and Application!

Becoming a Google Certified Trainer was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it transformed my learning and my career! This self-paced, online course includes EVERYTHING you need to know to pass the Trainer Skills Assessment AND complete the application requirements, including:

• 18 Video Lesson
• Private Community & Study Group
• Lesson Checks
• Exam Tips
• Application and Video Tips
• 12 Hours of Professional Learning Credit
• BONUS 1: How to Design Google PD That Works
• BONUS 2: How to Market Yourself as a Trainer
• BONUS 3: The Ultimate Google Certified Trainer Planner and Check List (27-page, downloadable ebook!)
• and much more!
• Payment plans and scholarships available
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Pricing & Bundles

Below are the prices for individual licenses for each course. (Payment plans available.)

• Level 1 Academy: $329 (or two payments of $179)
• Level 2 Academy: $329 (or two payments of $179)
• Trainer: $329 (or two payments of $179)

Don’t Pay Out of Pocket!

Teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of their own pockets to get the professional learning and training they need.

On each of the course pages listed above you will find information about scholarships, as well as editable documents to “Make the Case” with your administrator to pay for your training.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES: Purchasing these courses helps support the HUNDREDS of free resources that Shake Up Learning provides–free ebooks, cheat sheets, podcasts, blog posts, lesson plans, templates, tips, tutorials, and more. Thank you for supporting Shake Up Learning. We are a small, woman-owned business whose mission is to serve teachers.

Google Training for Schools

We have many programs to help your teachers learn how to meaningfully integrate Google tools and the entire G Suite in the classroom. From online courses to books, to face-to-face training, we got you covered!

COVID-19 forced many teachers and schools to scramble to find tools to deliver online assignments, design digital learning experiences, and G Suite was the number one suite of tools to help make this a reality.

Just in time resources and learning will help teachers, students, and parents survive the crisis. When we return to the new normal, G Suite skills will help set the foundation for more dynamic and meaningful learning in the classroom.

Get your entire campus or district on board with G Suite! Help your teachers learn more about G Suite tools, Google Classroom, and meaningful technology integration strategies. You can even help all your teachers become Google Certified Educators!

GoogleTrainingforSchools.com

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post The Shake Up Learning Story – SULS039 appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

Google Certifications Explained!

This is your complete guide to all of the Google Certifications for Educators: Google Certified Educator, Level 1 & 2, Google Certified Trainer, and Google Certified Innovator.

This guide will help answer all of your questions and clarify the differences between all of the certification options.

In this 19-page handbook, you will find details on each certification, what is required to prepare, what exams are required, and details about the application process.

If you have ever considered becoming Google Certified, read this guide first! There are four different certifications to choose from, and this guide will help you figure out which one is right for you.

[Tweet “Wanna Get Google Certified? Learn All About it with this FREE Guide!”]

Becoming Google certified was a game-changer for my professional learning and my career. I want to help more teachers reach their goal of becoming Google Certified!

My goal is to empower teachers to transform the learning in their classrooms and become digital leaders.

I receive a lot of questions about the Google Certification programs. I developed this guide to help clarify the different certification options for educators. To be clear, I, Kasey Bell, do NOT grant any Google Certifications, nor do I work for Google.

What I do have to offer is my own knowledge and experience with the certification programs. I am a Google Certified Innovator and a Google Certified Trainer. I was also a course developer for Google for Education Teaching Center. I have helped hundreds of other teachers across the U.S. become Google Certified through training, workshops, and boot camps.

I have synthesized the information about all of the Google Certification options into an easy-to-follow guide. This handbook was designed to help you determine which certification(s) are right for you. You will also find additional resources linked within this guide, as well as resources on my website: https://shakeuplearning.com/google-certifications/.

This guide will give you all the details you need to decide which Google Certification is the best for you! Fill out the form below to get your FREE copy!

Google Certification Courses Open Nov. 19th!

Online Google Boot Camps–BUT BETTER!

All 3 Courses Will Open on November 19!

Mark your calendars! These courses (Level 1, Level 2, and Trainer) will open for limited enrollment on Nov. 19, 2019, and will close on Dec. 3, 2019. (It will not open again until May!)

Work on certification during your summer break!

What’s Included in the Google Certification Courses?

Google Certified Educator Level 1 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 1!

• 50 Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• Testing Tips
• Level 1 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• BONUS: Includes the ENTIRE Google Classroom Master Class!
• and much more!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Educator Level 2 Academy

Everything you need to know to pass the exam and become a Google Certified Educator Level 2!

• 40+ Video Lessons (hands-on learning with Kasey Bell)
• 20+ PDF Downloadable Study Material
• Lesson Checks
• Private Community & Study Group
• Testing Tips
• Level 2 Challenges (testing scenarios)
• and much more!
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Google Certified Trainer Academy

Completely updated and redesigned for 2019!

All You Need to Know to Prepare for the Trainer Skills Assessment and Application!

Becoming a Google Certified Trainer was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it transformed my learning and my career! This self-paced, online course includes EVERYTHING you need to know to pass the Trainer Skills Assessment AND complete the application requirements, including:

• 18 Video Lessons
• Private Community and Study Group
• The Ultimate Google Certified Trainer Planner and Checklist
• Exam Tips
• Application and Video Tips
• PD Credit Certificate (12 hours)
• BONUS 1: How to Design Google PD That Works
• BONUS 2: How to Market Yourself as a Trainer
• Learn more and see the course curriculum

Pricing & Bundles

Below are the prices for individual licenses for each course. (Payment plans available.)

• Level 1 Academy: $329 (or two payments of $179)
• Level 2 Academy: $329 (or two payments of $179)
• Trainer: $329 (or two payments of $179)

Campus and District licenses available! (Click here to inquire.)

Request to pay with a purchase order.

BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE!

Opening all of these courses at once also gives you another advantage–bundling! If you want to purchase multiple courses at once, you can save BIG TIME!

I’m also introducing some new bulk licensing options, so you can find more affordable ways to meet the needs of your campus or district.

NOTE: To purchase a bundle, you must purchase from the bundle page.

Here’s how it works (click on the links to purchase a bundle):

• Level 1 and Level 2 Bundle: $558 (SAVE $100)
• Level 2 and Trainer Bundle: $558 (SAVE $100)
• Level 1, Level 2, and Trainer Bundle: $737 (SAVE $250)

Request to pay with a purchase order

Check out all of the FREE Google Certification Resources from Shake Up Learning!

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post FREE eBook: The Complete Guide to Google Certifications appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

5 Tips to Become a Google Certified Innovator

Wanna be a Google Certified Innovator?! We’ve got five tips to help you!

I am often asked what it takes to become a Google Certified Innovator, and it is not a one-size-fits-all answer like the other Google Certifications. The route to Innovator is different for everyone. I can’t teach a course or boot camp on this one. It is incredibly competitive, the most competitive of all of the certifications, and puts you in a family of an elite group of educators.

What is the Google Certified Innovator Program?

The Google Certified Innovator Academy is a two-day academy designed for innovative thought leaders in education–those with passion, drive, and a commitment to transformation. The academy has a very competitive application process, and only a few make the cut.

Google describes the program as:

“Candidates for the Google for Education Certified Innovator program are selected based on their professional experience, their passion for teaching and learning, their innovative use of technology in school settings and their potential impact on other educators. They are ambassadors for change who empower other educators and students through a thriving innovation culture within their own classrooms, schools and organizations.

Innovation occurs at all levels in the school system, so we welcome applicants from all roles: classroom teachers to superintendents. As participants in a community of educators working together to improve schools, Innovators will transform the organizations they’re serving, advocate for change, and grow their own capacity as thought leaders.” (Learn more about the Google Certified Innovator Program.)

Each certification has very specific requirements, to learn all about the application requirements for Google Certified Innovator, and all of the other certifications, download my free ebook: The Complete Guide to Google Certifications.

The program has changed a lot since my induction in 2014 (#GTAATX), so I asked a colleague, Mason Mason, from EdTech Teacher, to write this guest post for Shake Up Learning. Mason recently attended the Google Innovator Academy in Stockholm, Sweden. Below, Mason share’s five tips on becoming a Google Certified Innovator.

[Tweet “5 Tips to Become a Google Certified Innovator by @edtechmason #googleEI #gsuiteedu #googleedu #edtech”]

Below is a guest blog post from Mason Mason. Mason, M. Ed. is an Education Technology National Instructor with EdTechTeacher, Inc. and an Ed.D. student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He is passionate about helping educators transform teaching and learning through technology integration and closing the digital divide through equitable access to technology for all students. Connect with Mason through his website, www.edtechmason.com, and follow on Twitter @edtechmason.

I did not always know I wanted to be a Google for Education Certified Innovator. I just knew I was passionate about helping educators improve teaching and learning and wanted to affect positive change for all students, not just the students in my classroom. As a classroom teacher, I was invited by the instructional technology department to present at a local education technology conference. They wanted me to share with other educators how I was using Chromebooks and G Suite in Education in my high school English classroom.

That’s when I realized I had a bigger mission and a higher purpose. Google for Education Certified Innovators are thought leaders, change agents, and visionaries in their schools/districts, and at other educational institutions and organizations. If you are thinking about applying to attend a future innovator academy, here are five tips that helped me become a Google for Education Certified Innovator:

1. Find Your Passion and Purpose

The most challenging thing for me is narrowing down my passions. Tony Wagner, the Education Fellow at the Technology & Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard, says that our play leads to our passion which leads to our purpose. I have always liked technology and naturally incorporated it into teaching and learning, and once I bit the bug for facilitating education technology with adult learners, I found my purpose.

What’s your passion? What’s your purpose? Let your passion take you to your purpose. Your purpose will drive your innovation project, but your passion will help you endure the process. Because I have many passions: education technology, global collaboration, and professional development (just to name a few), I selected the passion that drives my current work and helps fulfill my purpose: effective professional learning for educators.

2. Choose Your Innovation Project

Certified Innovators are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and idealist. Your Innovation Project will be the manifestation of those ideas. You will be trying to solve a problem in education that positively affects many lives. But of course, that project proposal needs to be innovative. George Couros, the author of Innovator’s Mindset, defines innovation as a way of thinking that creates something new and better. Is your Innovation Project going to be new or, how is it going to improve on something that already exists?

The Innovation Project is the soul of the #GoogleEI program. Innovators have a mission and vision, go through the design process, work with their cohort, and are partnered with a coach and mentor who has been through the process. They share (a lot), have a growth mindset, use failure to propel them to success, and possess an immense amount of grit. Start thinking about your Innovation Project early and often.

3. Research Other Google Certified Innovators

When I decided I wanted to become a Google for Education Certified Innovator, I began looking at other Certified Innovators projects. I watched their Vision Videos, reviewed their Vision Decks, and spoke with them about the process and their projects. I had real models, ideas, and resources I could use to guide my thinking in developing and perfecting my innovation idea. The fact of the matter is, once you complete your Vision Deck and Vision Video, that’s only just the beginning.

Shake Up Learning has a YouTube playlist with some of the accepted Google Innovator application videos.

4. Get Feedback

Before submitting my application, I shared my ideas, vision deck, and vision video with several colleagues, mentors, and current innovators to elicit feedback. Their feedback helped me refine my thinking, elaborate on my ideas, and helped me clear up any misconceptions/misunderstandings in my application. I’d recommend having at least two other people review your materials before you submit your application.

5. Submit Your Application

When completing the Innovator application and applying to become a Google for Education Certified Innovator, there are four basic steps:

1. Be a Google for Education Certified Level 2 Educator

2. Develop your Vision Presentation

3. Film your Vision Video

4. Apply (on time)

Here is my Vision Presentation that I submitted with my application.

Below is my application video or Vision Video: Plane PD.

Keep in mind that being accepted to attend the Innovator Academy is only the first step in this year-long professional development process. And if you are not accepted your first time, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. Fail forward, use this as a learning experience to propel you to success. The same growth mindset we instill in our students must drive our will to succeed with grit, perseverance, and determination. Just don’t make the mistake I made: applications are usually due before midnight based on the local time of where the academy is held. I erroneously thought it was midnight my time, and missed the deadline, so I had to wait to apply to a future cohort.

I hope these five tips help prepare you as you travel down the road to becoming a Google for Education Certified Innovator. Remember, the journey is not always easy, but it’s always worth it. I look forward to connecting with you and can’t wait until you join the #GoogleEI family.

To find out about the 2018 cohorts and application dates, visit the Google for Education Training Center. (At the time of this post, the 2018 dates have not been announced.)

The Innovator Academy Experience

Be sure to check out Mason’s blog post about his experience at the Innovator Academy, reflections, pictures, and more.

Mason was also a recent guest on The Google Teacher Tribe Podcast, where he shared the experience with the Tribe in episode 28.

Kasey’s Experience

Here’s a throwback! My reflections on the Google Teacher Academy in 2014. While the program has evolved, this post still has relevant advice for those seeking to become Google Certified Innovators.

Looking for more Google Certification resources?

I am always working on new and FREE Google Certification resources. See more below or visit the Google Certifications resource page.

All Google Certifications

• The Complete Guide to Google Certifications (FREE E-BOOK)
• How to Get Google Certified (Video Walkthrough)

Google Certified Educator Resources

• 10 Reasons to Become a Google Certified Educator
• How to Become a Google Certified Educator (video walk-through)
• Google Certified Educator Boot Camp – ONLINE!
• The Google Certified Educator Capacity Matrix (Level 1)
• What is G Suite for Education? What You Need to Know!
• How to Pass the Google Certified Educator Exams (12 Tips!)
• The Google Certified Educator Academies

Google Certified Trainer Resources

• FREE Webinar: How to Become a Google Certified Trainer
• Top 10 Reasons to Become a Google Trainer VIP
• Everything You Wanted to Know About the Google Certified Trainer Application
• So You Want to Be a Google Certified Trainer?
• 6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer (Video Walkthrough)
• 6 Steps to Google Certified Trainer [infographic]
• BecomeAGoogleTrainer.com (Online Courses)
• How to Become a Google Certified Trainer (FREE eBook Download)
• Google Certified Trainer FAQ

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post 5 Tips to Become a Google Certified Innovator appeared first on Shake Up Learning.

So it’s official, I am a Google Certified Teacher!

What is a Google Certified Teacher?

The acceptance tweets were so exciting. I have Storified them here.

8 Tips for Google Teacher Academy Applicants

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

The post So You Want to Be a Google Certified Innovator? 8 Tips to Get You There! appeared first on Shake Up Learning.