There’s always more to learn in the classroom. Sometimes it’s a new instructional strategy or a feature that makes something you already do a little easier. And sometimes, what you learn becomes something worth sharing with the teacher down the hall.
The Epic Educator Certification Program helps educators build their knowledge of Epic, put what they learn into practice and eventually help other educators do the same.
The self-paced program takes educators through three levels, beginning with the basics of using Epic and progressing to classroom integration and instructional leadership.
Here’s how it works.
Start With the Foundations
If you’re relatively new to Epic or want to make sure you’re getting the most out of the platform, Level 1: Foundations is the place to start.
This level focuses on the core Epic skills educators can use in their classrooms, including setting up a classroom, assigning content, exploring key features and monitoring student reading.
Educators start with Epic’s Getting Started video and choose additional Epic 101 professional learning sessions covering topics such as engaging reluctant readers and using Epic data in the classroom.
Professional learning sessions include:
Epic 101: Getting Started with Epic for Schools
Epic 101: Hooked on Books: 5 Fresh Ways to Use Epic
Epic 101: Epic Impact: Hooking Reluctant Readers with Epic Originals
Epic 101: From Activity to Action: Using Epic Data in the Classroom
Then it’s time to put those skills to work.
You’ll complete a classroom activity using Epic and submit a short reflection on the experience. It’s a chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and see how Epic’s features can fit naturally into your classroom routines.
Educators who complete Level 1 earn a Foundations digital badge, printable certificate, credentials to flag on socials and unlocked access to Level 2.
Put Your Epic Skills Into Practice
Once you know the basics, Level 2: Classroom Integration focuses on using Epic more intentionally throughout instruction.
Educators explore ways to use Epic for differentiated instruction, literacy stations, cross-curricular learning and data-informed teaching practices.
Professional learning options go deeper, too. Sessions cover topics including building reading routines, using Epic in art, music and PE, supporting inquiry and research and using decodable texts with developing readers.
The goal isn’t simply to learn another Epic feature. It’s to figure out how the platform can support something you’re already trying to accomplish with students.
Maybe you create different reading opportunities for students during literacy stations. Or perhaps you use Epic books to help students research a question that came up during science.
Those everyday applications are where a tool can start becoming part of your teaching practice.
To complete Level 2, educators apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and submit evidence reflecting on student impact. Along with a Classroom Integration digital badge, an Epic newsletter shoutout and printable certificate, completing this level unlocks the final stage of the program.
Go From Epic Educator to Epic Leader
Level 3: Instructional Leader is about taking what you’ve learned and sharing it.
At this level, educators focus on leadership, mentorship and schoolwide literacy impact. Participants create a resource, strategy or learning experience they can share with other educators and lead an Epic professional development session.
It’s a natural progression. First, you learn how Epic works. Then you figure out how it works for your students. Eventually, you’re able to help someone else find what works for theirs.
A third-grade teacher might discover a particularly useful way to organize Epic books for a science unit, for example. Sharing that approach with the grade-level team could give several other teachers a starting point for their own classrooms. They can adapt it, change it and make it their own.
Educators who complete Level 3 earn an Educator Leader digital badge, printable certificate and recognition in Epic’s monthly newsletter as a Certified educator. Level 3 educators also have the opportunity to co-write an Epic blog highlighting their role as an Epic Leader on their campus.
Learn, Apply and Share
Each level of Epic Educator Certification follows a similar path: learn new skills, apply them and demonstrate what you’ve learned.
Level 1 builds confidence with Epic. Level 2 brings those skills deeper into classroom instruction. Level 3 gives educators an opportunity to help other teachers learn and grow.
Professional learning can have a much bigger impact when it doesn’t stop with one person. Ready to get started? Register for Epic’s Educator Certification Program today!
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is the Epic Educator Certification Program?
The Epic Educator Certification Program is a self-paced professional learning program that helps educators build their Epic skills, apply what they learn in the classroom and share their knowledge with fellow educators.
▶ Do I need to pay for the program?
No, the program is completely free! To get started, submit a request form here: https://go.getepic.com/EDUCertification
▶ What does it mean to become Epic certified?
Epic Certification recognizes the skills educators build through the program, from understanding core Epic features to applying the platform in classroom instruction and sharing what they’ve learned with other educators. Each level builds on the one before it, giving educators opportunities to grow their skills and put them into practice.
▶ What do I get when I complete the program?
Each level includes a digital badge and certificate recognizing your progress, with additional recognition and rewards available as you advance through the program.
