ISTE+ASCD's Edtech Leader Certification is for educators who shape how technology gets used across a school or organization, not just inside their classroom. Grounded in the ISTE Educator Standards, the certification focuses on how you lead, evaluate, and advocate for technology integration that actually serves learners.
The Edtech Leader Certification validates expertise in leading technology integration that puts student learning first. Built on the ISTE Educator Standards and evaluated by the organization that created them, it is the only certification of its kind.
Tool agnostic
Built for any technology, any context, any grade level. The credential holds its value regardless of what tools a school or district uses.
Competency based
Candidates demonstrate mastery through a portfolio of real artifacts from their practice, not coursework or exams.
Credible and Recognized
Built on the ISTE Educator Standards and backed by the organization that created them. Recognized internationally across K-12 and beyond.
Instructional coaches supporting colleagues in meaningful technology integration
Edtech leaders driving strategy at the building or district level
Higher education faculty and corporate trainers who work with groups of learners
The ISTE Educator Standards
The framework adopted by schools and districts worldwide for meaningful technology integration, and the foundation this certification is built on. Candidates demonstrate mastery across seven roles:
Learner: Model and advocate for digital equity and belonging
Leader: Inspire others and shape the future of technology integration
Citizen: Promote responsible digital citizenship
Collaborator: Build professional learning networks and leverage technology for collaboration
Designer: Create authentic, learner-driven activities and environments
Facilitator: Facilitate learning with technology to support diverse learners
Analyst: Use data to improve instruction and student outcomes
"The certification program allowed me to understand the needs of teachers better so that I can be more relevant in my approach to collaborating with them. I didn't have the time, bandwidth, or budget to pursue another degree — and I didn't need to."
Jamie SolisInstructional Technology Coach, Cathedral School of St. John the Divine
"Anyone wanting to grow in their use of educational technology should definitely go through this program. It completely changes how you approach lessons, create activities, and engage with your students and the world at large."
Janelle A. Simpson-LunaLibrarian/Media Specialist, East Ramapo Central School District
"The [Certification] process fundamentally changed how I approach professional development and technology integration. I now focus less on the 'tool' and more on designing learning experiences that prioritize digital citizenship, design thinking, and student agency."
Heidi BarberInstructional Technology Coach, Wayne County Public Schools
"Since becoming [certified], my teaching practice has become more intentional in promoting equity through technology. Through the knowledge I gained during the certification process, I developed a deeper understanding of how digital tools can bridge language barriers and create more inclusive learning experiences."
Melissa SchubertTeacher, Southeast Bulloch High School, Bulloch County
Edtech Leader Certification at a Glance
WHOEducators with school-aged or
adult learners
TIME9 months to complete
FORMATFully online with expert coaching
support
Flexible Pathways for Every District
Individual Enrollment
$825 per educator
9-month access to course and portfolio modules
Monthly cohort office hours with ISTE+ASCD Experts
Expert portfolio evaluation and digital badge upon completion
Up to 4 graduate credits available
Access to an exclusive global community of Certified Educators
The Edtech Leader Certification is a two-phase, portfolio-based professional learning experience that certifies educators' ability to transform instruction through technology, aligned to the seven ISTE Educator Standards. It is formerly known as the ISTE Educator Certification.
The program is designed for anyone who works with a group of learners—including K–12 classroom teachers, instructional coaches, department chairs, higher education faculty, building administrators, and corporate trainers.
Unlike tool-specific certifications that test platform knowledge, this program tests what educators can do with pedagogy. Certification is earned through a curated portfolio of real-world artifacts evaluated by ISTE+ASCD expert evaluators—not a quiz.
Phase 1 is a 10-week online facilitated course (~40 hours) with 3 synchronous sessions and 8 assignments aligned to the ISTE Educator Standards. Phase 2 is a 6-month portfolio curation process (~40 hours) with monthly office hours and expert evaluator review.
Plan for approximately 80 hours total—about 40 hours during the course phase and 40 hours during the portfolio phase.
Edtech Leader Certification is the middle (Growth) tier in a three-tier pathway—following the Edtech Teacher Certification and leading into the Instructional Leader Certification for system-level leaders.
