Voices of Readiness Podcast

Education is the scaffolding around which students can build a successful life. However, students and young people often don't see the big picture. Educators, particularly in the CTE space, need to connect students' experiences more explicitly with relevant job roles and future career pathways. But how do you open your students' eyes to the skills they have and the future jobs they can pursue? Offering context and integrating your classroom with the workforce is crucial.

In this episode, we were privileged to discuss skills contextualization with Dr. Krystal Rawls. Dr. Rawls is the designer of the Workforce Integration Program at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Building on a foundation of theoretically sound and data-driven practices, Rawls endeavors to create transparency and equity in workforce development programming to develop a more diverse, digitally competent, and skilled class of worker. Dr. Rawls draws on her transdisciplinary background in Education, Psychology, and Business to inform her innovative approach to empowering students to take their place in the modern workforce. Using labor market information to identify the skills needs of employers and curriculum data to evidence skills developed in the academic experience, Krystal creates community through skill-based language. In her role as an analyst and faculty member, Krystal gets to indulge her passion for building opportunities and relationships that are beneficial to the student, educator/worker, as well as industry and community partners. Dr. Rawls welcomes opportunities to create meaningful workforce partnerships and develop pathways for positive economic outcomes for all.

With Dr. Rawls we discussed how to help students contextualize and understand their skillset, and how to let go in the classroom, and create authentic learning experiences. With context, your students will see that they're not "just" students, but professionals in training.

Dr. Rawls mentioned some incredible resources to continue your learning. Check them out here

1. American Council on Education: https://acue.org/?acue_courses=acues-effective-practice-framework
2. "Growing Fairly: How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development" by Stephen Goldsmith and Kate Markin Coleman: https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Fairly-Opportunity-Development-Innovative/dp/0815739486

Want to know more about implementing a Legacy project of your own? Contact Dr. Rawls on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/professorrawls/), via email at [email protected], or through the CSUDH Workforce Integration Network (https://www.linkedin.com/company/csudhwin/)

The Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) program is a professional development program that bridges the gap between technology skills and innovative teaching. Microsoft provides educators with the tools needed to prepare for the Microsoft Certified Educator exam. In this episode, we discussed MCE with Jennifer Stubblefield, 2019 Certiport Educator of the Year, KY Business Educator, KBEA President, and Certiport's new Customer Success Manager. We talked through the 21st Century Learning Design curriculum and how you can prepare for your Microsoft Certified Educator exam.

You can access the MCE curriculum (for free!) from Microsoft here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/21st-century-learning-design/.

You can also get information about practice tests and the certification exam here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Certifications/Microsoft/MCE/Overview.

It's no secret that employers are increasingly looking for employees with coding skills. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced coding and tech jobs such as software development are expected to grow 22% over the next decade. Preparing students with coding skills is no longer optional.

Now, there are educators out there who know everything about coding—and then there's the rest of us—asked to teach coding because we've had limited exposure to coding in some form. So, how does someone who's not an expert teach coding like a genius? Coding in Minecraft is the answer.

In this episode, we sat down with Jennifer Brown, Product Specialist for Coding in Minecraft, to dive deeper into this new program. Jennifer has 18 years' experience as both an educator and a trainer. She is a Global Minecraft Mentor, Microsoft Master Trainer, and Minecraft Certified trainer and has trained hundreds of teachers on game-based learning through Minecraft: Education Edition. As a former computer science and CTE teacher, Jennifer is dedicated to the ideal that all students should have access to computer science courses. As the Product Specialist for Coding in Minecraft, Jennifer continues this dedication by training teachers how they can bring computer science to their students through the engaging, game-based curriculum of Coding in Minecraft.

Listen and learn about the value of coding education (and it's not always about learning to code), and how the Coding in Minecraft program can make coding accessible and fun for teachers and students everywhere.

Learn more about Coding in Minecraft here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Certifications/Credentials/Coding-in-Minecraft/Overview.

You can also request a free demo of the program here: https://codingcredentials.com/.

Creativity is consistently one of the top requested job skills. However, creativity is not an end unto itself. Companies are looking for creative individuals because they think of new and out of the box ways to solve problems and improve the companies in which they work.

Design thinking can help students use creativity to solve problems in the workplace and beyond. Design for Delight is Intuit's version of design thinking, a method of creative problem solving that focuses on the need to create better products and experiences. Design thinking is an in-demand business skill and a powerful tool used by Intuit and other leading organizations and teams around the world.

In this episode, we sat down with Marshall University's Dr. Ben Eng and his students; Amethyst Cochran, Bella Schrader, Maddy Branham, and Paige Leonard. Together we discussed the value of creativity and design thinking skills, and how it's applied both inside and outside the classroom.

You can learn more about the Intuit Design for Delight Innovator certification here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Certifications/Intuit/Certifications/Certify/Design-for-Delight.

It's not an uncommon trend, professionals deciding they want to pay it forward and use their knowledge to teach the next generation. However, if you're a professional diving back into the classroom, it may feel overwhelming.

In this episode, we sat down with professional engineer turned educator, Mike Tyler. Mike started his career as an electrical engineer. When his son started school, Mike noticed the lack of STEM resources and teaching available in Chicago. Inspired to make a change, Mike decided to go back to school to study education and use his skills to improve the science and technology teaching in Chicago Public Schools. He's been teaching Robotics, Physics, and Computer Science classes for over six years now.

Mike shared his experience transitioning from an industry professional to professional educator. He talked about the difficulties he came across, and the advice he would give to other teachers just starting in the classroom. Plus, get advice on how to capitalize on industry experience to make your classroom more engaging and, as Mike would say, "edutaining".

Mike mentions several professional organizations that supported him as he started teaching. You can find several of those here:

1. National Society for Black Engineers: https://www.nsbe.org/
2. Computer Science Teachers Association: https://www.csteachers.org/
3. IEEE: https://www.ieee.org/
4. Society for Women Engineers: https://swe.org/

You can also find support from fellow Certiport educators in the CERTIFIED Educator Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8958289/.

The flipped classroom movement started back in 2007, with many valuable benefits for teachers and students. Teachers spend less time introducing new topics, students develop independent learning skills, and teachers can provide a more tailored classroom experience for their students. However, many teachers remain hesitant about this pedagogical approach.

In this week's episode, we get into the nitty-gritty of the flipped classroom with Dr. Toinette Flowers. Dr. Flowers is a long-time educator at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. Her foray into teaching started with a class in web design but has now blossomed into so much more. Find out how she has successfully flipped her classroom, even letting students decide what applications and subjects they want to study. She also gives valuable, practical ideas to help you empower your students to guide their own learning.

Get all the details about Certiport here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/

Find out more about our CERTIFIED Educator Conference here: https://certified.certiport.com/.

Ready to connect? Join CERTIFIED: Certiport's Educator Community here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8958289/.

Project Management Institute® (PMI) is the world's leading association for those who consider project, program or portfolio management their profession. PMI has a portfolio of certifications for project management professionals, but knew they wanted to offer a chance for students to get involved in project management while still in school. That's where the PMI Project Management Ready™ certification comes in.

The PMI Project Management Ready™ certification is a way for students to immerse themselves in the project management industry and connect with this passionate community of professionals. As part of Month of PMI, we wanted to introduce you to the PMI Project Management Ready certification program. We sat down with Certiport's PMI Project Management Ready certification Product Managers, Ty Palmer and Nicole Whitehead.

Together we talk about the future of project management, how these skills are helpful for all students, and what students and educators can expect to see throughout the PMI Project Management Ready course.

Ty and Nicole mentioned a few resources during our episode. You can find relevant links below.

1. Request a Classroom Kit: https://gocertiport.pearsonvue.com/programkit
2. Request a Curriculum Demo: https://gocertiport.pearsonvue.com/PMILearningAndPracticeTestDemo
3. PMI Certified Associate of Project Management Certification details: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certified-associate-capm

Learn about PMI Project Management Ready badges: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Certifications/PMI/Certifications/Badging

Entrepreneurial spirit is growing across the United States. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 5.4 million new business applications were filed in 2021, a new record over 2020's 4.4 million applications.

Unfortunately, most schools don't have courses in entrepreneurship, so most students don't learn about being an entrepreneur until college or even when they decide to start their own company. With an ever-changing economic landscape, it's more important now than ever to teach students these skills before they leave the classroom behind.

In this episode, we're bringing in veteran teacher Jennifer Stubblefield to have talk about how she used her existing business courses to teach entrepreneurship skills. She also dives into the Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification, what resources she leveraged to teach entrepreneurship, and how her students are using their entrepreneurship skills after graduating. You'll be inspired by these stories of success, trust us.

Learn more about the resources Jennifer mentioned in this episode. You can get all the details about the ESB certification here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Blog/2021/February/Getting-to-Know-the-ESB-Certification. Get information about practice test resources here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Blog/2021/February/What-Practice-Tests-Are-Available-for-ESB. And last, but certainly not least, learn why states should prioritize entrepreneurship education here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Blog/2021/March/How-to-Prioritize-Entrepreneurship-Education.

Do you run a successful certification program? Are you an innovative teacher who loves to go above and beyond the call of duty? Is your school forging new paths or setting new standards in excellence that you just can't wait to tell others about? Then it's time for you to become a CERTIFIED Ambassador.

In this week's episode, we sit down with our CERTIFIED marketing team: Ben Lambert, Director of Field Marketing; and Matt Richards, Senior Field Marketing Manager. We talk about the history of Certiport's CERTIFIED program, and why we're so excited about the new addition of CERTIFIED Ambassadors. Learn what types of applicants we're looking for, and what's in it for you.

Apply to become a CERTIFIED Ambassador here: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Blog/2022/February/Become-a-CERTIFIED-Ambassador.

You can also register for our 2022 CERTIFIED Educator Conference here: www.certified.certiport.com

Get CERTIFIED updates through our CERTIFIED Educator Community here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8958289/.

Happy Black History Month from Certiport!

At Certiport, we are determined to help students of color rise to new levels of success and education, while listening and learning from others on the best ways to become true anti-racist advocates. Shifting our classroom and education mindset is crucial to correct racial and economic inequities. 

For this week’s episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with two amazing professionals from the Chicago Public School system: Dr. Nadine LeBlanc and Robert “Rob” Lee. 

Dr. Nadine L. Leblanc’s professional career spans more than 25 years as an educator, building a track record of outstanding performance in teaching as well as in administration. Her most recent efforts are on a project she has labeled “Racism, Response and Responsibility” as an act of resistance to the systemic issues that still threaten Blacks within the U.S. The project includes an equity initiative called “When Black and Brown Men Teach” which engages male educators of color in the Business and IT department in Chicago Public Schools, while they mentor and coach male students of color. She lives and breathes her philosophy that is etched in the belief that all children can and will learn, given the opportunity and resources.

Rob Lee has been teaching at Michele Clark Magnet High School for the past three years and has been an instrumental part of the When Black and Brown Men Teach program. Born and raised on the westside of Chicago, Rob has always had a knack for technology and that knack drove him to make a career switch from the transportation industry to technology. He received his bachelor’s in information technology from the University of Phoenix and his Master's in Information Security from Phoenix University. He started his career at CPS in 2014 and has been dedicated to his students every day since. 

In this special episode, we talk about the “When Black and Brown Men Teach” initiative, what Rob and Dr. LeBlanc have done to help their Black students thrive, and how creating brave and authentic classrooms can show Black students that there isn’t one way to be a successful Black professional. 

You can learn more about empowering students of color on our blog: https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/Blog/2020/August/Empowering-Students-of-Color. 

Read through additional information about the “When Black and Brown Men Teach” initiative here: https://blog.cps.edu/2021/11/17/black-and-brown-men-teach/. 

Dr. LeBlanc has also graciously offered her Journey to Justice presentation, for teachers who want to spark conversations and trainings at their schools: https://certiport.filecamp.com/s/JourneytoJustice_DrLeBlanc/d