Helping Your Educators to Recognize Student and Classroom Success.

John Medved Certiport Marketing 22 September 2018

Jennifer Stubblefield Business Education Teacher August 11, 2015

Helping Your Educators to Recognize Student Classroom Success Tips and Tricks for Microsoft Certification

My School-Calloway County High School Demographics 22 years teaching, brought Microsoft Certifications to my school in 1997 Nationally recognized Future Business Leaders of America chapter 900 students, 51% on free/reduced lunch, 93% Caucasian University town in Kentucky, low unemployment rate, recently Voted as the “Most Friendly Town in America.”

Logistics for our Testing Center 10-12th grade only are allowed to sit for MOS test Students earn Accountability points for our school by getting MOS Certified Block Schedule, 18 weeks course Students do not pay for the tests- we use grant money and/or partnerships with the Microsoft IT Academy

Why Certify?

Reason #1 – It’s a Big Deal! Tip #1 THE BIG ONE Make it a BIG DEAL at your school -Clout -Culture - Buy in -Prerequisite class for other classes -Part of College Credit Articulation with MSU “Only for MOS kids” “Raise your hand if…” “Oh, you’re not MOS certified yet…” “Can a MOS kid please go help Mrs. Jones with her computer?” It can become a BIG DEAL at your school -Clout -Culture -Buy in -Prerequisite class for other classes -Part of College Credit Articulation with local universities “Only for MOS kids” “Raise your hand if…” “Oh, you’re not MOS certified yet…” “Can a MOS kid please go help Mrs. Jones with her computer?” “Take one step forward if your are MOS…”

Reason #2 - Excellent Public Relations SHOUT IT OUT! PR, Pictures, Newspaper, Social Media, etc., that your community sees. If done correctly, incoming students WILL know about MOS and will want it! Simplifies your recruitment efforts. Local business/industry will pay attention.

Reason #3 – Proven Success Let’s be honest about why some people get hired over others: Because their personality is a better fit, appear to “mix well” Because they have excellent work ethic and drive Because they have a skill that the other person didn’t have Former students’ stories: College, Interviews, Thank you Notes Employers’ stories: “Only send me MOS certified…”

Reason #4 – It’s a Game, Help them Play It! As educators, one of our most important roles is to help our students with their futures! Certifications open doors: Scholarships College Applications Self Esteem Conversation pieces in professional circles Tangible Evidence

Truth: Kids like to get things! Give them something! Reason #5 – They are KIDS! Truth: Kids like to get things! Give them something! Graduation cords (ONLY for…) Reminder that scarcity makes things more valuable Print the certificates and have a huge presentation ceremony My experience is that students will work hard to get this MOS Cord. The result? Positive climate, competitive environment, high scores, happy parents!

Reason #6 – They FAIL! A fact…NOT EVERYONE IS A WINNER AND NOT EVERYONE DESERVES A TROPHY. Students need to learn to FAIL. Failure is a reality. Microsoft testing is REAL. Not everyone will pass. The good news is they can learn from their mistakes and retake each test 24 hours later (after they have time to pout, study, and get DETERMINED). So many lessons here for our future workforce!

Reason #7 – Name me one person who hasn’t heard of Microsoft? Don’t we want our students to have a credential from the largest computer company in the world?

Certiport 101 Teacher Friendly Excellent Customer Service Treats teachers as if they are Business Professionals! Orlando Airport Experience

Some final thoughts for you: Want to start or enhance a MOS Certification program at your school? Get your PARENTS on board early Get an enthusiastic teacher who is positive, firm, and who doesn’t take no for an answer. (It is contagious!) Show your Administration, School Leaders, and local business owners what you can do for THEM. Get your honor students to help pitch the idea-they have a strong voice (better than yours)

Jennifer Stubblefield Business Teacher jennifer.stubblefield@calloway.kyschools.us