Google Launches Free Curriculum for Certified Ed Tech Coach Credential

Google has kicked off a new Google for Education Certified Coach Program, for instructional coaches, and specifically the individuals who work with educators to help them integrate technology appropriately into their instruction.

The program is free and will take about 20 hours of self-study, spread out through the school year. However, participants need to have first earned their Google Educator certifications, both levels one and two, and those programs have nominal fees attached.

The curriculum uses what Google calls a "research-based five-step coaching model," intended to help coaches develop skills they’ll use over the school year. Those include:

  • Aligning coaching with school and district goals;

  • Building strong teacher relationships; and

  • Measuring coaching impact.

Once somebody has earned the certification, they'll join a community of coaches, be invited to professional development events and get a listing in the Google for Education Directory.

Coaches pursuing the credential may also choose to work with "coaching partners," companies that will provide mentoring for a fee.

"The Certified Coach Program is centered around a coaching model that lends itself to rich and meaningful experiences between teachers and their coach," said Rachel McVeagh, a coach herself in the program, in a statement on the website. "Its individualized, challenge-based and non-evaluative approach really helps teachers feel supported and ready to step out of their comfort zone."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • a cloud, an AI chip, and a padlock interconnected by circuit-like lines

    CrowdStrike Report: Attackers Increasingly Targeting Cloud, AI Systems

    According to the 2025 Threat Hunting Report from CrowdStrike, adversaries are not just using AI to supercharge attacks — they are actively targeting the AI systems organizations deploy in production. Combined with a surge in cloud exploitation, this shift marks a significant change in the threat landscape for enterprises.

  • mathematical formulas

    McGraw Hill Launches AI-Powered ALEKS for Calculus

    McGraw Hill has added ALEKS for Calculus to its lineup of ALEKS digital learning products, bringing AI-powered personalized learning support to the calculus classroom.

  • teenager’s study desk with a laptop displaying an AI symbol, surrounded by books, headphones, a notebook, and a cup of colorful pencils

    Student AI Use on the Rise, Survey Finds

    Ninety-three percent of students across the United States have used AI at least once or twice for school-related purposes, according to the latest AI in Education report from Microsoft.

  • open laptop with various educational materials like charts, quizzes, and documents emerging from the screen

    Pear Deck Learning Debuts New AI Features

    GoGuardian recently introduced new artificial intelligence features within its Pear Deck Learning curriculum and instruction platform, designed to aid educators throughout their teaching journey — from lesson planning to assessment.