FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 -- Certification Highlights Online and Blended Teaching, Innovative Leadership  --

WALNUT CREEK, CA (January 17, 2012) – Leading Edge Certification (LEC), a national Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies, today announced the launch of its national educational technology certification program. A first-of-its kind program, Leading Edge Certification provides educators a demonstrable way to show they know how technology changes teaching and learning in today’s classroom. Leading Edge Certification is grounded in educational technology and curriculum innovation, and is both vendor and platform neutral.

“We developed Leading Edge Certification to give K12 educators a recognition that would demonstrate the powerful use of innovative technology in their students’ learning,” said Mike Lawrence, Founding Chair of Leading Edge Certification.  “It provides a national certification program specifically for forward-thinking educational professionals in educational technology and curriculum innovation.”

Leading Edge Online Teacher Certification is based on the iNACOL National Standards for Online Teaching. The certification will give schools and districts assurance that Leading Edge Certified Online Teachers have the skills to effectively facilitate online courses, along with a solid understanding of how to enhance the learning opportunities for all students enrolled in their courses.

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Leading Edge Certification for the Online Teacher is currently available, and is delivered by both Core and Stakeholder Alliance Members through online training or a blend of online and face-to-face trainings.  Future certifications will be available for the Administrator, Classroom Teacher, Teacher Librarian and Leading Educator (Professional Developer).

Leading Edge Certification for the Administrator will launch in mid-2012, and is being led by innovator Rowland Baker, Director of the Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership (TICAL).

To find out more about Leading Edge Certification, upcoming trainings, or to become an Alliance Member, visit www.leadingedgecertification.org.

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About Leading Edge Certification

Leading Edge Certification (LEC) is a national certification program in educational technology and curriculum innovation. Created by an Alliance of nonprofits, universities and educational agencies, LEC is the first national certification program of its kind, and is platform and vendor neutral. LEC for the Online Teacher is currently available, and future certifications for the Administrator, Classroom Teacher, Teacher Librarian, and Leading Educator (Professional Developer) are forthcoming. Visit www.leadingedgecertification.org to find out more.

Leading Edge Alliance Members, Online Teacher Certification

Core Alliance Members: Alameda County Office of Education, California Technology Assistance Project, CUE, Contra Costa County Office of Education, Lesley University, Orange County Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Technology Information Center for Administrative Leadership.

Stakeholder Alliance Members: @One, Alliance for Distance Education in California, California Department of Education, Fresno Pacific University, iNACOL, International Society for Technology in Education, K12 High Speed Network, New Tech Network, NYSCATE, Pepperdine University, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, University of California Extension, Berkeley, University of California Extension, Irvine

Supporter Alliance Members: California Learning Resource Network, Center for Digital Education, Curriki, Education Support Systems, Julian Charter Schools, Saddleback Valley Unified School District

Media Contact:

Beth Cherry, B. Cherry Communications

301-500-9189

beth@bcherrycommunications.com