Micro-Credentialing & Certification

Domain 1: Developing a Creativity-Inspiring Environment for Learning

Recognition - SNSTA Creativity Innovator

The SNSTA Creativity Innovator badge is an esteemed recognition awarded to educators who have shown exceptional dedication and proficiency in fostering creativity and innovation in teaching. Recipients of this badge have not only completed two full-day Professional Learning Series (PLS) courses within the creativity domain, but have also provided compelling evidence demonstrating the integration of creative and innovative approaches into their classrooms.

This accolade represents a dedication to continuous creativity and an in-depth understanding of effective teaching methods that inspire curiosity, exploration, and experimentation among students. Creativity Innovators excel in igniting imagination, sparking innovation, and optimizing the teaching process, cultivating an atmosphere that encourages inventive thinking and meaningful collaboration among students. They possess a comprehensive grasp of the neuroscientific foundations of human creativity and adeptly apply creative pedagogical strategies to engage and empower their students. Beyond the traditional classroom boundaries, Creativity Innovators actively expand their knowledge of diverse learning cultures and curricula, recognizing the significance of connecting learning experiences beyond conventional settings. Their holistic approach to education fosters dynamic and immersive learning environments that motivate both students and colleagues.

Earning the SNSTA Creativity Innovator badge is a testament to the recipient's passion, expertise, and dedication to fostering creativity and innovation in education. It signifies their remarkable contributions to the teaching profession and their steadfast commitment to enhancing student learning experiences through creativity and innovation.

• Foster creativity
• Establish cooperative learning
• Integrate technology
• Nurture student autonomy
• Connect learning outside the classroom

Domain 2: Building Scientific Understanding

Recognition - SNSTA Science Promoter

The SNSTA Science Promoter e-badge celebrates educators who excel in building scientific understanding among their students. Recipients of this badge have not only completed two full-day Professional Learning Series (PLS) courses within the science  domain, but have also demonstrated exceptional proficiency in implementing inquiry-based learning, utilizing assessment strategies effectively, checking for understanding, encouraging student contribution, and connecting learning beyond the classroom.

• Implementing Inquiry: Science Promoter badge recipients have effectively incorporated inquiry-based learning approaches, fostering curiosity and critical thinking among students as they explore scientific concepts through hands-on investigations and experimentation.
• Utilizing Assessment: They have skillfully utilized various assessment methods to gauge student understanding and progress, using formative and summative assessments to inform their instructional practices and provide targeted support to learners.
• Checking For Understanding: Recipients have consistently checked for student understanding during lessons, adjusting their teaching strategies as needed to ensure comprehension and engagement.
• Student Contribution: They have actively encouraged student contribution and participation in classroom discussions, labs, and group activities, creating a collaborative learning environment where every student's voice is valued.
• Connect Learning Outside the Classroom: They have made deliberate efforts to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, helping students see the relevance of science beyond the confines of the school setting.

Earning the SNSTA Science Promoter e-badge is a testament to an educator's dedication to fostering scientific curiosity, inquiry, and understanding among their students. It recognizes their ability to create meaningful learning experiences, empower students to become active participants in their own learning, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for science and discovery.

• Implementing Inquiry
• Utilizing Assessment
• Checking For Understanding
• Student Contribution
• Connect learning outside the classroom

Domain 3: Engaging Students In Scientific & Engineering Practices

Recognition - SNSTA Engineering Implementor

The SNSTA Engineering Implementor badge represents a significant achievement for educators who have showcased exemplary skills in engaging students in scientific and engineering practices. Recipients of this badge have not only completed two full-day Professional Learning Series (PLS) courses within the engineering domain, but have also provided compelling evidence demonstrating the integration of creative and innovative approaches into their classrooms, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to teaching, incorporating various strategies to foster a deep understanding of engineering concepts among their students.

The Engineering Implementor badge recognizes educators who have:

• Identified Engineering Problems: They have shown an ability to identify real-world engineering problems that challenge students to think critically and apply their knowledge creatively.
• Implemented Engineering Design Process: Recipients have effectively guided students through the engineering design process, encouraging them to brainstorm, prototype, test, and refine their solutions.
• Fostered Data Utilization: They have integrated data analysis and interpretation into their teaching, helping students understand the importance of data in making informed engineering decisions.
• Implemented Project-Based Learning (PBL): Through project-based learning, they have engaged students in hands-on, inquiry-based activities that simulate real engineering challenges, promoting collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Ensured Authenticity of Driving Question: Recipients have crafted driving questions that are authentic and meaningful, driving student inquiry and investigation throughout the learning process.
• Connected Learning Outside the Classroom: They have established connections between classroom learning and real-world applications, exposing students to engineering practices beyond the school environment.

Earning the SNSTA Engineering Implementor badge signifies a teacher's dedication to equipping students with essential skills for their success and acknowledges teachers’ ability to inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and empower students to become competent problem solvers and critical thinkers in the realm of science and engineering.

• Identify engineering problems
• Implement engineering design process
• Foster data utilization
• Implementing project-based learning (PBL)
• Authenticity of driving question
• Connect learning outside the classroom

Domain 4: Mastering the Craft of Teaching: Reflection, Research & Relevance

Recognition - SNSTA Reflective Practitioner

The SNSTA Reflective Practitioner badge is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and proficiency in the field of teaching. Recipients of this badge have not only completed two full-day Professional Learning Series (PLS) courses in the Reflective Practitioner domain,  but have also submitted compelling evidence showcasing the implementation of the course content into their classrooms.

This award symbolizes a commitment to continuous improvement and a deep understanding of effective teaching practices. Reflective Practitioners excel in renewing, invigorating, and maximizing the teaching process, creating an environment that fosters questioning and meaningful discourse among students. They possess a thorough understanding of the basic neuroscience of human learning and skillfully apply constructivist pedagogical approaches to engage and empower their students. Beyond the classroom, Reflective Practitioners actively build their knowledge about the culture and curricula of schooling, recognizing the importance of connecting learning experiences outside traditional settings. Their holistic approach to education creates dynamic and engaging learning environments, inspiring both students and fellow educators.

Earning the SNSTA Reflective Practitioner badge is a testament to the recipient's dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in education. It is a mark of distinction that signifies their outstanding contributions to the teaching profession and their unwavering pursuit of enhancing student learning outcomes.

• Renew, invigorate, & maximize the teaching process
• Facilitate questioning & discourse
• Understand basic neuroscience of human learning 
• Apply  constructivist pedagogical approaches to teaching 
• Build knowledge about the culture and curricula of schooling, and the contexts in which teaching and learning occur
• Connect learning outside the classroom