Becoming a Google Certified Educator

Working to become a Level 1 Google Certified Educator was my personal growth goal for this year!  It was an amazing journey to go through the training and to highlight the work being done within my classes and with other teachers.  I had it on my list of things to do for several years but there was always a lesson or a teacher that I was working with to create and utilize GAFE (Google Apps For Education).  So, why get certified if I was already doing the work?  I decided that I needed to prove to myself that I could earn the certification and put my money where my mouth had been for so many years.  I am so glad I did and you will be too!

Work through the Fundamentals Training Center to review what you know about the G Suite and to see ideas and applications from other teachers.  You can quiz yourself, try the apps and get ready for the test!  I used this timeline to pace myself through the year with the goal of taking the test in April

I followed the timeline put out by my district Instructional Integrator Team and worked through Google Classroom with others who were on this journey with me.  We practiced a Google Hangout and answered each other's questions.  Check to see if your district or state offers a cohort like this.

Use this checklist to see what you already know and target new learning to prepare for the test.

I found Slyvia Duckworth's Blog post helpful and created the google folder and list of sites to have at the ready before the test.  I made a folder on my bookmark list and added the google sites in alphabetical order for easy access during the test.  The test was like nothing I have ever done before.  It is a three hour timed test and once you login, you have to finish in one sitting!  You get to show what you know and work through the test. You need to pass with an 80% and the test is scored while you wait so you will know right away whether or not you pass.  You have the opportunity to re-take the test if you need to after 14 days.

These exams are worth taking and you will learn more about GAFE, even if you feel like you already know what you are doing.  The process will help you see what areas you know and what you need to work on.  If you pass, you get to proudly display your badges wherever you want.  So, I am proudly displaying the badge that I earned taking the Google Educator Level I test!  I can't wait to see your badge!