Five Reasons to Become a Google Certified Educator

​In 2015, Google introduced Google Educator certifications, giving classroom teachers an opportunity to be recognized by Google for their ability to implement Google for Education tools in the classroom. Many educators quickly started working through the training modules and obtaining Google Certified Educator status. 

Other educators, like me, put off the the certifications saying things like "I know that I know it, so why take the tests?" or "I don't have time do mess with that".  For a while I was in the latter group. However, after seeing so many of my colleagues and friends from other districts take the assessments and earn Google certifications, I dedicated a few days to working through Google's training modules and taking the Level 1 and Level 2 assessments.  Now I'm glad that I invested time into the Google certification exams. Here are 5 reasons why YOU should work towards Google Educator certifications, too. 

1. Google Certification gives teachers confidence in their abilities. 

Over the years I've worked with hundreds of teachers on meaningfully integrating Google for Education tools and other technology into their classroom. One of the most common things teachers have told me about their reluctance to integrate technology into their classes is a lack of confidence in their abilities. Working through the Google training modules and passing the Level 1 exam gives educators confidence to implement new tools into their classrooms.  Once teachers have the confidence to implement Google tools in their classroom, the sky truly is the limit for student collaboration and content creation. 

2. OMG! Google can do that!!??!!

Google is known for regularly rolling out updates and improvements to their suite of products.  With all of these updates, sometimes even the most Google-savvy teachers can learn something new from working through the training modules.  As Jen Walter, a middle school Science teacher in my district, was working through the training modules she was surprised how many new skills, tips, and tricks she was able to learn, even though she had been implementing Google tools in her classroom for a few years. 

3. Google certification can open the door for new opportunities. 

5 years ago I decided that I wanted to start looking for a job in educational technology.  At that time, Google for Education hadn't quite taken over classrooms with Chromebooks and GSuite for EDU accounts; it was rare to see schools issue Google accounts to all their students, so I wasn't advised to work to achieve Google certification.  Now, though, whenever teachers ask me about getting into an edtech role, I suggest that they do as much learning as possible and as much PD as possible.  Google certification goes hand in hand with both of those.  Having Google certification on your resume can help get selected to present at conferences, lead building-wide PD, and even help get a tech coaching job!

4. Google certification gives teachers the skills to empower their colleagues.

For the past 6 years I have been leading PD around technology and innovation in my district and around the Midwest.  One thing I have learned is that if you know what you are doing (or look like you know what you are doing), people will ask for help.  Becoming a Google Certified Educator helps teachers learn the skills they need to empower their colleagues. After taking the Google Level 1 and Level 2 exams, Jen Walter said, " I like that I have been able to be helpful to my staff and co-workers. Now I feel more confident offering advice and troubleshooting assistance. "

5. Google educator certification is the first step to becoming a Certified Trainer or Innovator.

Many educators I talk to want to become a Google Certified Innovator and/or a Google for Educator Certified Trainer.  The first step to either of those certifications is to pass the Google Educator Level 1 and Level 2 exams. These certifications show Google that an applicant knows their stuff and are great practice for the exams and applications for Certified Innovator and Certified Trainer.

What other benefits come along with being a Google Certified Educator?  Sound off in the comments below and be on the lookout for an upcoming post where I share MY journey to become a Google for Education Certified Trainer!