Candidates for the Google for Education Certified Innovator program are selected based on their professional experience, their passion for teaching and learning, their innovative use of technology in school settings, their potential to impact other educators, and their desire to tackle some of the biggest challenges in education. They are ambassadors for change who empower other educators and students through a thriving innovation culture within their own classrooms, schools and organizations.

Eligibility

Innovation occurs at all levels in the school system, so we welcome applicants from all roles: classroom teachers to superintendents. As participants in a community of educators working together to improve schools, Innovators will transform the organizations they’re serving, advocate for change and grow their own capacity as thought leaders.

Benefits

• Certified Innovator digital badge + pin
• Visibility in the Google for Education Directory
• Monthly learning and development resources
• Membership in a collaborative community of Innovators
• Exclusive looks at new Google for Education launches
• Serve as product ambassadors in focus groups
• Online showcase of your Innovation Project

Requirements

While the program is about much more than our products, having a solid background in how to integrate Google for Education technologies in the classroom is an important starting point for inspiring transformative change. Take the Advanced course and Google Certified Educator Level 2 exam prior to applying.

Program Activities

More than just a one-time event, the Google for Education Certified Innovator program will provide you with 12 months of ongoing support for an Innovation Project that you’re passionate about, a 3-day Google for Education Innovation Academy at a Google office, rich programming and ongoing opportunities for growth and collaboration, and access to a global community of other innovators.

1. Attend a Google for Education Innovation Academy.
2. Design and launch an Innovation Project.
3. Participate in ongoing learning and development opportunities.
4. Contribute to the Innovator group and in other edtech communities.
5.  Present completed Innovation Projects in a final blog and showcase.

Innovation Projects 

Innovation Projects are the tools through which Innovators implement and measure their impact. Although the mission and outcomes of each Innovation Project will vary from person to person, here are some principles that will guide development:

• Have a mission that matters: Your mission should be something you care about and has the potential to touch many lives
• Think big, but start small: No matter how ambitious the plan is, you have to start somewhere
• Iterate and fail fast: We’re not looking for perfection, we’re looking for continual innovation
• Share everything: Encourage discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas
• Spark with imagination, fuel with data: Use data to back up your insights or help you pivot directions.