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STEM Certificate Program

Expand Your Skills with Professional Certificate Opportunities!

ESS has partnered with Accelerate Learning to offer several professional certificate opportunities at a deeply discounted rate through the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE). If you pursue one of these in-demand STEM programs, ESS will cover nearly 75% of the cost! You will receive the special rate of $166.50, saving you $458.50.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn and earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units) or college credits in a 100% online, convenient, self-paced format. STEM represents a modern approach to education with principles that can be applied to any lesson plan and enhance any teaching situation. STEM teaching will help you engage students in ways that other areas cannot, to develop unique cognitive skills, habits of mind, and attitudes that will benefit learners throughout their lives.

Below, you can learn more about each certificate program, including the time commitment. Once you start a program, you have one year to complete it. As a frame of reference, it takes many participants 3-4 months to complete their certificate program.

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Option #1: National Certificate for STEM Teaching (NCST)

The NCST is a professional recognition for 90 hours of online study focused on 38 instructional K-12 strategies. NCST graduates have the option to apply their certificate as six credits toward a graduate-level STEM degree program with the American College of Education (ACE).

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Option #2: STEM Essentials Micro Certificate Series

Explore the topics of scientific inquiry, literacy, thinking, innovation, argument, and collaboration. Each micro certificate features two courses, accounting for three hours of study per course (36 hours total).

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Option #3: Teaching Online Micro Certificate Series

Dive into the topics of establishing, building community, achieving 21st-century outcomes, and implementing meaningful assessments in the virtual classroom. Each micro certificate features two courses, accounting for three hours of study per course (24 hours total).

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Interested? Next Steps:

  • Click here to register for the certificate program of your choice at the ESS special rate.
  • You will receive an email from NISE with a link and credentials to sign in to your NISE portal. From here, you will be directed to proceed with purchasing your course.
  • Your purchased item(s) will be available to access from the homepage of your NISE portal. Your learning journey will officially start on the first or second business day of the following month when you join a virtual Launch Session with NISE and your monthly learning cohort. This will help set you up for success!

Upcoming Webinars

NISE is hosting a series of webinars to help you decide if one of these programs is right for you – and to support you every step of the way if you decide to sign up. To find an upcoming webinar, click the “Webinars” button below, select the type of session you’re looking for, and find a date that works for you!

Information Sessions

If you want to learn more about the STEM Certificate Programs before signing up, you’re invited to attend an Information Session. A representative from NISE will elaborate on each certificate option and answer all of your questions.