Independent Study

Are you looking for a way to grow your professional practice on your own timeline in independent study? Are you interested in earning PDUs or graduate credits? Check out these opportunities with micro-credentials and self-paced tutorials:

Micro-credentials:

A micro-credential is a short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area such as Trauma Informed Pedagogy, Bully Free Schools, English Language Learners. NEA micro-credentials are created by educators, for educators, and are grounded in research and best-practices designed to be:

  • Personalized: Create your own learning journey, based on your interests and career goals; gaps in your skills; and the needs of your students, school, district.
  • Flexible: You can study when it’s convenient for you, alone or with your peers.
  • Performance-based: Unlike “sit-and-get” training, micro-credentials are awarded based on demonstrated mastery of the subject matter.

Browse the NEA micro-credential catalog at nea.certificationbank.com. Choose any micro-credential. Submit your work on the NEA certification bank website. When you are awarded your micro-credential, send confirmation of your micro-credential to OEALearn@oregoned.org and receive 15 PDUs from OEA.

There are some micro-credentials you can complete even when school is out of session. Check out these options here.

Tips for micro-credential success:

  • Choose your micro-credential wisely. Consider the evidence required, what you already know, and the submission requirements.
  • Study the guidelines and scoring rubrics carefully. There is a lot of information and a close read will improve the quality of your work.
  • Answer all the prompts completely, and ensure you provide all the required evidence.

If you don’t pass the first time, you can resubmit your evidence using the feedback you receive from the educator reviewers to improve your submission. Read our FAQs on micro-credentials or access the following short help videos from NEA:

Self-paced Tutorials:

OEA offers 1 PDU each for completing the following short NEA self-paced tutorials:

  • Remote Learning 101
  • Trauma Informed Remote Learning
  • Communication and Collaboration Tools for Remote Learning

Each tutorial takes between 45 and 90 minutes. See details and registration links on the Distance Learning page.