Certification

Google Launches Free Curriculum for Certified Ed Tech Coach Credential

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 06/29/20

Google has kicked off a new Google for Education Certified Coach Program, for instructional coaches, and specifically the individuals who work with educators to help them integrate technology appropriately into their instruction.

The program is free and will take about 20 hours of self-study, spread out through the school year. However, participants need to have first earned their Google Educator certifications, both levels one and two, and those programs have nominal fees attached.

The curriculum uses what Google calls a "research-based five-step coaching model," intended to help coaches develop skills they’ll use over the school year. Those include:

• Aligning coaching with school and district goals;

• Building strong teacher relationships; and

• Measuring coaching impact.

Once somebody has earned the certification, they'll join a community of coaches, be invited to professional development events and get a listing in the Google for Education Directory.

Coaches pursuing the credential may also choose to work with "coaching partners," companies that will provide mentoring for a fee.

"The Certified Coach Program is centered around a coaching model that lends itself to rich and meaningful experiences between teachers and their coach," said Rachel McVeagh, a coach herself in the program, in a statement on the website. "Its individualized, challenge-based and non-evaluative approach really helps teachers feel supported and ready to step out of their comfort zone."