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Google Certification exams are FREE (for a limited time)
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β¨ Master Google Gemini! Join me for the Google Certification Academy! β¨ Hi Reader! Welcome to 2026! Google kicked off the new year with a flurry of updates to their certification exams and programs. There will be some more exciting updates later this month! π€« 2026 is a GREAT year to become a Google Certified Educator! Here are some important updates you should know. π¦ Don't feel like reading? Here's my YouTube summary of these updates! If you are using tools like Gemini, Drive, and Google Classroom on a daily basis, it might be a fun goal to become a Google Certified Educator in 2026! You can join me for my upcoming course, or work on your certification with colleagues at your school! π Three Certifications: which one is right for you?Google now offers three teacher certifications! These certifications are independent (you can earn them in any order). Earning all three demonstrates a strong understanding of classroom technology:
π All three of these exams are FREE for a limited time! Special note: Google also released a Gemini certification for students (13+) AND a Gemini certification for university students! Performance based labs (new for 2026)Google is bringing back performance based labs on the L1 and L2 exams. Both exams will feature two distinct sections:
During these labs you will use various Google tools (Gmail, Calendar, Classroom, etc) to complete a series of tasks (example). Google's exam software is able to evaluate your performance to confirm if you completed each task. This two-section exam is a great approach that balances general knowledge (MC questions) with practical application (labs). The Gemini exam consists of a single set of 35-40 multiple choice and matching questions. All three exams are open book / open notes. Consulting external resources can be helpful on the multiple choice section, but you still need to be able to actually complete tasks using Gmail, drive, calendar, etc. during the lab portion of the exam. AI can't do that for you! Updated study resourcesWant to pass the first time? Here are some key resources to help you get ready! These resources have been updated with all of the new exam changes!
Why get certified? Is it worth it?Earning a Google certification provides official validation that you are a proficient user of essential classroom tools. Educators who pass the certification exam earn a verified certificate from Google (here's mine). This is great documentation to include on your professional resume. πͺ There's nothing magical about getting certified, but it's a nice external goal that can increase your credibility and personal confidence. These initial certifications are also the gateway to becoming a Google Certified Trainer or Innovator. These programs have had an incredible impact on my life. π― If some external motivation and support helpful, please consider signing up for the Google Certification Academy in February. I would love to help you become a Google Certified Educator! John R. Sowash π¨ Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to add your name to my monthly email list!
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βThe Google EDU Update
Tired of missing out on the coolest Google updates and new features? Join thousands of other teachers who rely on my monthly newsletter to stay ahead of the curve. Get the top 10 updates, teaching inspiration, and time-saving links delivered straight to your inbox.
β¨ I'm going on tour this summer! Join me for the Gemini Academy! β¨ Hi Reader! Earlier this month I was able to attend the KAST conference in Kentucky and the MACUL conference in Michigan. It was great to get out of the office and see many of you in person! I'm on spring break this week which means heading up to our campground in northern Michigan to get ready for the summer camping season! Before I left, I put together a list of updates, links and lesson ideas to summarize the month of March!...
β¨ Host the Gemini Academy for Teachers at your school this summer β¨ Hi Reader! I know youβve been busy in the classroom, so Iβve been scouring the web for the latest updates, new tools, and tech tips for YOU Reader! Here are my top 10 updates for February 2026! π‘ Don't feel like reading? Watch on YouTube or Listen to the Podcast! π‘ 1. Record audio and video in Google Classroom - the new βAVSβ (audio, video, screencapture) button is now LIVE in Google Classroom for EDU Plus domains. This new...
β¨ Registration for my winter Google Certification Academy + AI is open! β¨ Happy holidays and Merry Christmas, Reader! The holiday season kicked off for our family last weekend with our local production of the Nutcracker featuring four of my five kids in various roles. It's holiday parties, family gatherings, and festive celebrations from here on out! For the December EDU Update, we'll look BACK at what happened in the past year and FORWARD to some new tools you can expect to see in 2026. Here...