Certification for Highly Effective Teaching

Sustainability for our Highly Effective Teaching (HET) schools and districts is dependent upon building a solid core of in-house HET Certified Coaches. Many of our model schools want to develop HET to a level of self-sustainability where their own staff members can gradually assume the training for their own district. This can be achieved by completing an organized, unified plan under the realm of professional development training. Our leadership training provides essential opportunities for educators to grow in knowledge and practice of the bodybrain-compatible Highly Effective Teaching (HET) Model. Certification candidates are mentored by an HET Master Associate and participate as instructors during a signature training event known as Model Teaching Week (MTW). The Center for Effective Learning cooperatively works with the teachers and administrators at your school/district in following an organized four-stage process toward HET Certification:

1. Essential Spring Training – updated brain research and refinement of MTW curriculum
2. Shadow coach under an HET Master Educator
3. Participate as an Intern – working side-by-side with an HET Master Educator
4. Solo coach for the district under observation, mentoring, and immediate feedback

This training sequence is a requirement to attain the progressive levels of HET certification. Support your school district growth and sustainability by becoming an HET Certified Coach.

What is HET?
Highly Effective Teaching is a comprehensive, bodybrain-compatible education model  that has two main goals: 1) to create responsible citizens, willing and able to engage in our democratic processes to improve life now and for future generations, 2) to help educators translate current brain research into practical strategies for the classroom and school. (Exceeding Expectations: A User's Guide to Implementing Brain Research in the Classroom, p xii, 2005)

What is HET Certification?
The HET Certification process is one in which an individual follows a planned program within various aspects of the HET Model which upon satisfactory completion results in earning HET Certification.

What are the Benefits of HET Certification?
HET Certification serves as verification to others that you are a knowledgeable, proficient, effective, highly-specialized professional. It assures others that you have reached a high level of competency in implementing a bodybrain-compatible education for bolstering student success. Previous work completed for National Board Certification may be applicable by submitting these documents when applying for HET Certification (requires prior approval and authorization from The Center for Effective Learning / Susan Kovalik & Associates, Inc.).

Timelines:

• One to Three years from initial application to completion (allows for flexibility in schedules)
• Basic Certification is valid for three years from date of completion

Requirements of the HET Basic Certification process for Teachers:

Training – Attend at least two official HET-hosted-and-staffed Training Events to accumulate CE unit requirements. (These may be attended at the local level and/or a national annual event).

Coaching – Participate in a specified number of coaching sessions. (Options may include attendance at your local school when professional development services are arranged by the district).

Experience – Complete satisfactory assignment as specified by the The Center for Effective Learning corporate office and under the direction of an HET Master Associate.

ListServ – Become a member of the Center for Effective Learning HET ListServ (FREE). Join now

Reflection Journal – Keep a reflective journal throughout the basic HET Certification process. This must be handed in for review by an HET Master Associate for assessment and final approval.

PERK – Professional Educators Reading for Knowledge (PERK): Read a variety of professional literature as required. (Selections may be taken from our Highly Recommended List of Resource Materials).

Self-Reflection Coaching Video/DVD – Candidates must arrange to have a video made of themselves showing them in-action while providing direct instruction. This is used for self-assessment, reflection, setting goals, implementation, and repeating the process for attaining mastery. Videos/DVDs are uploaded or submitted to the assigned HET coach/mentor for review and feedback during the Certification process.

Final Approval – Requesting final approval requires a Classroom Assessment by an HET Master Educator/Coach. Stages One and Two of the HET Implementation process must be in place and evident through the classroom environment, student engagement, conceptual curriculum, and instructional strategies. An assessment document may be provided and used as a rubric.

Final Reflection – Candidates create a mind map representing the HET Basic Certification Journey.

ONLINE Course to be available in the Fall of 2011.
Completion of the HET Basic Certification may include:

• Basic HET Certification status
• Notification to District Office
• Recognized and listed on official HET Website
• Recognition at an HET sponsored event
• Eligible to apply for Advanced HET Certification I Program

HET Certification is available for Teachers (Basic, Certification I, Certification II/advanced) as well as for Administrators, and Schools. To attain HET Certification is the achievement of an elite professional accomplishment and high national recognition. Request more information by filling out a Request Form.

Interns
Internships may be available through The Center for Effective Learning based on the skills/talents of the individual applying and the current needs of The Center staff.  Some examples of internship duties might include:

• Researching RFPs, current brain information, or social/political action projects
• Linking local service organizations with Center projects and/or people in need
• Organizing materials/equipment for presentations
• Submitting Center events to local communications/media for promotional publication