You’ve probably heard of the skills gap – the lack of qualified candidates to fill open technology jobs. What has government leaders and technology companies even more concerned is that the gap is projected to grow.
But how do you begin to fill the gap? A great place to start is with teachers. In order to prepare students for a future in technology, education institutions need to know that teachers have the skills to deliver the necessary training. To that end, Microsoft has launched the global Microsoft Certificated Educator (MCE) exam—a professional development and certification offering that validates educators’ competence in the six areas outlined in the UNESCO ICT-Competency Framework for Teachers, Technology Literacy Approach. Microsoft also offers curriculum to help educators prepare for the exam.
“We are currently in conversations with governments on every continent who are looking for a reliable mechanism to help their educators build the foundational competencies to impart 21st century skills in their students. The eLearning curriculum, along with a valid and reliable measure like MCE, is a good place to start,” said Lauren Woodman, general manager for Microsoft’s Partners in Learning program.
The MCE offering can help educators stand out in their field, and boost the value they offer current and future employers. More important, it will help our educators prepare a technology workforce of the future and open new opportunities for generations to come.
Learn more about this new certification program and other educator development programs on the Microsoft in Education blog.
Deborah Pisano
Microsoft News Center Staff