Certified: Certiport Educator Podcast

CERTIFIED: Certiport Educator Podcast is all about educators. This podcast will crack open the world of education, certification, and technology. At Certiport, we are dedicated to helping people succeed through certification, and we couldn’t do what we do without powerful and dedicated educators, like YOU! Whether you’ve been teaching for one month, one year, or decades, we have episodes for you. Join us as we interview other educators, students, and industry experts. Discover new ways to teach, connect with fellow technology educators, and get inspired. Teaching is a career that demands all that you have to give. So we’re here to give back to you. Listen. Learn. Grow. Become a part of the CERTIFIED community.

Launching an AI program at your school with Cyndi Krebs 08/12/2026

Creating a modern classroom with Vladimir Noda 06/10/2026

How to use data to close gaps in your classroom with Laura Green 05/28/2026

How to use data to close gaps in your classroom with Laura Green You work hard to identify and close gaps in learning and readiness. In this episode, Career and Technical Education (CTE) specialist Laura Green explores how certification and classroom data can tell the story behind those gaps—and how to act on it. Laura is an accomplished Career and Technical Education (CTE) specialist with over 20 years of experience bridging the gap between industry and the classroom. Currently serving as a CTE Specialist at Round Rock ISD, she leverages a deep background in live media production, having worked on high-profile events such as Super Bowl LVI, the NCAA Final Four, and with professional teams like the Houston Texans. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for excellence in teaching and leadership, notably being named the 2024 Teacher of the Year and the 2023 CTE Teacher of the Year. Beyond her technical instruction, Laura is a dedicated leader in curriculum design and educator mentorship who holds a master’s in educational leadership. She maintains multiple industry certifications and is deeply committed to supporting students in earning their own credentials. Her work extends to developing CTE programs and leading professional development to ensure students are prepared for the evolving demands of the modern workforce. In this episode, you’ll hear how to turn program results into targeted supports, measure what’s working, and build student confidence on the path from classroom to career. What you’ll learn How to use certification program data to spot trends, target instruction, and track impact over time. Practical ways to align classroom tasks with the skills industry credentials validate. A simple approach to evaluating your own practice—and knowing when to ask for admin support. Strategies to create growth opportunities for learners at every level. Get a sneak peek of what Laura will be sharing at the CERTIFIED Educator Conference next month in Nashville. Get other ideas for your classroom on our blog: .   Connect with your fellow educators, like Laura, in our CERTIFIED Educator Community here: .  Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference at . /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/41440725

Preparing students to be great interns with Matt Dombrowski 05/14/2026

Closing the gap between education and the workforce with Matt Dombrowski, Kimberly Forbes, and Cynthia Krebs 04/30/2026

Closing the gap between education and the workforce with Matt Dombrowski, Kimberly Forbes, and Cynthia Krebs Recent research from Pearson shows that nearly $165B is lost each year when students can’t find work after graduation. The transition from education to the workforce can be challenging to navigate. How can you help close the gap? We sat down with three powerhouse educators to get their thoughts. First, Matt Dombrowski. Matt is a Professor, Assistant Director, and Art Director for the nonprofit Limbitless Solutions, whose mission is providing cost free, accessible solutions to underserved communities. He leads an interdisciplinary student team in the creation of 3D printed, visually expressive bionic arms and video game training for children with limb difference. His work has been featured by Adobe, TEDx Youth, Huffington Post, Gamasutra, Fast Company, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, GDC, SXSWEDU, and the Gates Foundation. Matt is an Adobe Education Leader and an Adobe Partner By Design. Second, Dr. Kimberly Forbes. Dr. Forbes is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and a first-generation high school and college graduate. After a successful tenure in the banking industry managing startup operations, she transitioned to education, eventually earning her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction in 2024. A recognized leader in workforce readiness, Dr. Forbes has served on the national "Launch" committee and was named the NCDPI Piedmont Triad Region’s Administrator of the Year. She is deeply committed to administrative innovation and expanding industry credentialing to ensure all students, including special populations, are prepared for the modern economy. Third, Cynthia Krebs. Cynthia is the Program Director of Business Technologies and Education and a professor in the Information Systems and Technology Department at Utah Valley University. Since joining UVU in 1988, she has held multiple roles including Assistant Dean of the School of Business and Department Chair of the Digital Media Department and the Office Technology/Administration Department. In this episode, these three experts discuss strategies that prepare your students for real-world success. We hit a little bit of everything: Challenges students currently face Key skills your students need to prepare them for the workforce How to teach and empower students with AI expertise The role of certification and work-based learning experiences Creating a feedback loop between K12, higher education, and industry Ready to help your students confidently bridge the gap between education and the workforce? This episode is for you. Connect with educators like Matt, Kim, and Cynthia in our CERTIFIED Educator Community .    Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference .      /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/41064085

Spring clean your teaching with Kylie Kroukamp, Laura Green, Robert Lee, and Steve O’Neill 04/08/2026

Tips and tricks for teaching web development with Brittany Wood 03/11/2026

AI in the world of design with Miriam Reza, Sean Price, Kenny Call, and Claudio Zavala 02/26/2026

Why certification with Brittany Nicholson, Kurt Campbell, Raae Wolfram, and Kim Kayser 01/29/2026

Using data to improve your approach in the classroom with Nicole Rodenfels 01/14/2026

Using data to improve your approach in the classroom with Nicole Rodenfels Happy 2026! A new year means new goals. What goals are you making for your classroom? If you need ideas, this episode is for you. The answer’s in the data! Join us as we talk all about data analysis with Nicole Rodenfels. Nicole is a dedicated educator in the School District of Lee County in Ft. Myers, FL. She holds a master’s degree in educational technology from Florida Gulf Coast University and taught Microsoft Office applications at the high school and college levels for seven years. Currently, she works at the district level, providing essential support to teachers utilizing Certiport certifications. Nicole thrives on helping educators analyze data and navigate the extensive features of the Certiport platform, finding joy in empowering others to enhance their teaching practices. She is a Microsoft Office Specialist Expert (2019), a Microsoft Certified Educator, and has earned certifications in Entrepreneurship and Small Business, as well as Information Technology Specialist in Device Configuration and Management. In this episode, Nicole shares why data analysis matters in today’s classroom. She discusses what data points to track and how to use the data to adjust your teaching. Plus, what data you can capture from industry and where to get information on what matters most in the workforce. If you’re nervous about data or don’t know where to start, Nicole gives you a great introduction. Looking to get hands on experience with data analysis? Check out Nicole’s CERTIFIED presentation . Interested in learning from educators Nicole? Join our CERTIFIED Academy program. Get all the details .     Connect with other educators in our CERTIFIED Educator Community .          Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference .       /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/39719265

Let’s get social: Teaching marketing and business skills with Jodi Pelini 12/17/2025

Let’s get social: Teaching marketing and business skills with Jodi Pelini As a business educator, you prepare students for demanding and dynamic careers. And marketing is just one area where they can excel. However, with so many trends and apps constantly changing, equipping your students with useful marketing skills and experiences can be difficult. No one knows that more than Jodi Pelini. Jodi is a former TV reporter and anchor who now brings her love of storytelling and media to the classroom. For the past 22 years, she has taught media production at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, Illinois, and is committed to incorporating Adobe and Meta certification opportunities into all three levels of her digital media program. She is the CTSO advisor of her school’s chapter of the Business Professionals of America, and she also helps manage the school’s social media and marketing campaigns. As if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she is also an adjunct professor, specializing in media production, at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois. Jodi earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, and a master’s degree in media arts from Governors State University. She is also the proud mother of four wonderful children. In this episode, Jodi talks us through her marketing and social media teaching. We discuss key marketing skills students need to be successful in their future careers. Jodi also gets real about the role of AI in marketing and business, and how she uses it with her students. And last, but certainly not least, she shares how you can give students opportunities to practice social media skills in the classroom. Interested in learning more about social media certifications? Check out our certification. Interested in learning from educators Jodi? Join our CERTIFIED Academy program. Get all the details .     Connect with other educators in our CERTIFIED Educator Community .          Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference .       /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/39432720

Coding, app development, and AI: Preparing students for careers in technology with Brian Foutty 12/10/2025

Microsoft Excel skills for tomorrow’s finance and accounting pros with Caroline Dill and Jennifer Johnson 12/03/2025

Microsoft Excel skills for tomorrow’s finance and accounting pros with Caroline Dill and Jennifer Johnson Microsoft Excel is more than just a tool in the accounting and finance industry—it empowers individuals to advance their careers by transforming numbers into actionable insights. Despite the rise of specialized software, still rely on Excel skills, making it the go-to platform for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis worldwide. With Excel still on top, it’s crucial to help students master the application before they enter the workforce. Which is why we’ve launched new specialized Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications for accounting and finance careers: MOS Excel for Accounting Associate and MOS Excel for Finance Associate. On this episode of the podcast, we sat down with Caroline Dill and Jennifer Johnson to discuss these new exams. Caroline is a Product Marketing Manager at Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, where she leads global marketing strategies for major clients such as Microsoft and Unity, including the Microsoft Office Specialist program. Before joining Certiport, Caroline held leadership roles in the publishing industry, where she co-chaired major initiatives to strengthen institutional partnerships and expand access to academic research. Jennifer is a CPA licensed in the state of Texas. She owns and manages a client accounting practice utilizing technology and automation to help clients enact change through information. From 2009 – 2025, Jennifer was a Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she taught Accounting Systems, Data Analytics, QuickBooks Software, CPA Exam preparation, and Excel courses. In 2024 Jennifer was named CPA of the Year by TXCPA Dallas, and in 2017 she was named an Outstanding Accounting Educator by TXCPA. Jennifer co-authored six editions of Computerized Accounting with QuickBooks Online. Before joining the University of Texas at Dallas in 2009, Jennifer spent time in both public accounting and industry as an auditor with PwC, an Assistant Controller at a regional financial services firm, and a Finance Manager at Keurig Dr Pepper. Jennifer holds both a BBA and an MS in Accounting from Texas A&M University. During this episode, Caroline and Jennifer discuss trends in the accounting and finance industry, key skills for future professionals to master, and how these new certifications can set individuals apart in the competitive job market. If you’re teaching future financial professionals, this episode is for you. Ready to dive into these new exams? All our information is available . Interested in learning from educators like Jennifer? Join our CERTIFIED Academy program. Get all the details .   Connect with other educators in our CERTIFIED Educator Community .        Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference .     /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/39242770

Students today, leaders tomorrow: Skills you should be teaching in your classroom with Noam Bonkowski and Vladimir Noda 11/20/2025

Students today, leaders tomorrow: Skills you should be teaching in your classroom with Noam Bonkowski and Vladimir Noda You know that preparing students for the contemporary workforce looks dramatically different than it did even a few years ago. Today’s students need to be prepared to succeed in an even more demanding environment. We sat down with two educators (Noam Bonkowski and Vladimir Noda) to talk about today’s workforce demands and how you can make sure your students are prepared. Noam is a CTE teacher, work-based learning (WBL) coordinator, and Project Management Professional in Queens, NY. In his role, he creates a classroom that models a professional PMO work environment, all while teaching project management foundations and key business skills. He certifies his students using the PMI Project Management Ready certification program. Noam also extends his influence beyond the classroom in his role as WBL coordinator. He fosters partnerships with businesses and develops opportunities for students to work as interns for key work experience and educational credit. Vladimir is an enthusiastic educator, instructional coach, and advocate for business education with over a decade of experience enhancing student success. Throughout his career, he has assisted countless students in obtaining industry-recognized certifications in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and the Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) exam. As an instructional coach, he is dedicated to building a top-tier business program and enhancing his school’s presence through strategic marketing efforts. With a dynamic approach to curriculum development and certification preparation, Vladimir aims to empower educators with the tools and strategies necessary to boost student achievement, expand their programs, and cultivate future business leaders. In this episode, we talk with Noam and Vladimir all about skills needed for the managers of tomorrow’s workforce. We discuss everything from soft skills, classroom architecture, the role of certification, helping students practice their abilities in real-world scenarios, and inclusivity for marginalized students. Whether you’re focusing on project management, communication, or an entrepreneurial mindset, we know you’ll learn something to help your students master the skills required of tomorrow’s business leaders. Learn more about our episode sponsors: The and programs. Interested in learning from educators like Noam and Vladimir? Join our CERTIFIED Academy program. Get all the details . Connect with other educators in our CERTIFIED Educator Community .       Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference .     /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/39099580

Securing your students’ futures with cybersecurity skills with Jessie Kalloo, Jereme Monette, and Robbie Perdue 10/29/2025

Help your students find a career they’re passionate about with Karen Coulumbe, Matt Fritzius, and Amanda Augustine 10/08/2025

Creating a simulated workplace in your classroom with Robbie Perdue 09/24/2025

Teaching ideas for the AI-hesitant educator with Amy Waters and Stefano Piano 09/10/2025

Teaching ideas for the AI-hesitant educator with Amy Waters and Stefano Piano Adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) for learning purposes continues to grow, but many educators lack training on effective use of AI in the classroom. According to a , only 43% of educators surveyed had received any training on AI. Those left without training or district support may be wondering how to demystify AI and embrace this transformative technology. We’re here to help. In this episode, we learn from both education and industry experts, Amy Waters and Stefano Piano. Amy Waters is a 37-year veteran teacher at Hahnville High School in Boutte, Louisiana, with no plans of retiring any time soon.  She is a complete nerd who has taught everything from Latin to computer programming and still loves learning new things and sharing that knowledge with everyone. She is constantly trying to find new and creative ways to teach lessons that will reach all her students and works hard to make sure that every one of them walks away with a sense of accomplishment.    Stefano Piano heads community and partnerships at Mindstone. In this role, he is responsible for hosting and facilitating practical demos and talks about the impact of AI on work and society in more than twenty cities between Europe and North America. Prior to joining Mindstone, he was an education and skills expert at the OECD, where he advised over 15 governments on improving education and training systems and preparing the workforce for AI adoption. He has been teaching at university and delivering lectures, including at Harvard, Kedge Business School, and ISEP. Stefano studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of Warwick, and completed postgraduate studies in Economics at Cambridge and LSE as a Rotary Scholar. Learn from Amy and Stefano about how AI is being used in today’s classroom, and how they anticipate AI being used in the future. We also dive deep into educational concerns around AI, and how to make sure you and your students can use it safely, effectively, and ethically. Hear about tried-and-true project ideas, and AI applications. And, as always, get advice from our AI experts. It’s all here, and we know you won’t want to miss it. Ready to help your students dive deeper into the world of generative AI? Learn more about our Critical Career Skills Generative AI Foundations certification . Connect with educators in our CERTIFIED Educator Community .   Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference .     /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/38147560

New ways to teach finance and accounting with Ashley Faulkner and David Waite 08/27/2025

New ways to teach finance and accounting with Ashley Faulkner and David Waite The projects higher than average growth in accounting and finance positions in the coming decade. In fact, over 715,000 openings are predicted in the business and finance sphere between now and 2031. With such strong growth (and earning potential), it’s no wonder educators want to prepare students for jobs in accounting and finance. In this episode, we sat down with two accounting educators: Ashley Faulkner and David Waite. Ashley is a teacher at Triton High School in North Carolina, where she is a strong certification advocate. Over the past 11 years, Ashley has earned more than 40 certifications—and helped her students earn more than 1,150 individual certifications. She has also served as an FBLA adviser and as the North Carolina Southeast Region advisor. Outside her teaching career, Ashley is the chief financial officer for Simple Web Solutions, Inc., EM Audio, Inc., and Butler Faulkner Enterprise, and she is the mother of two active children. David began his career as an auditor and was one of the rare humans who genuinely enjoyed it. After earning his CPA, he spent 15 years in public and private accounting before discovering his passion for teaching. An unexpected opportunity to teach accounting in Hawaii led him to academia, where he now focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practice. His teaching philosophy is simple: motivate students to prepare before class, engage actively during class, and tackle real-world challenges after class. Drawing from his industry experience, David strives to bring accounting to life for his students and future professionals. We talk with Ashley and David about the skills accounting and finance professionals need and how to teach these skills in the classroom. Plus, we dive into connecting with local businesses for students’ internship and job opportunities. And last, but not least, how certification empowers students along the way. Learn more about Intuit certification . Connect with educators like Ashley and David in our CERTIFIED Educator Community . Get all the CERTIFIED Educator's Conference details . /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/37965850

Gamification in the classroom with Merrell Stewart 08/13/2025

Gamification in the classroom with Merrell Stewart If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to teach your curriculum, gamification may be the answer. Merrell Stewart has been using gamification with his students for years and is sharing his advice with you. Merrell is an 11-year veteran educator of animation, computer science, and game design in Houston, Texas. He has served more than a thousand students, specializing in the fundamentals of digital animation. His students learn composition, 2D and 3D animation, programming, game design, effective project management, and business creation. Merrell has a master’s in education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in educational multimedia and online teaching and learning from the University of Houston. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in arts, technology, and emerging communications from the University of Texas at Dallas. Merrell has various certifications in Adobe and Autodesk programs, and in the education and computer science fields. He has worked in the visual arts industry for over 15 years, creating medical, technical, and educational animation. In this episode, Merrell defines gamification and shares why it’s important for his students. We talk all about game mechanics and how you use different game elements in your projects and coursework. Plus, he shares his favorite websites and apps that help him gamify his course without too much additional effort. Now, are you ready to play? Here are some of Merrell’s favorite resources: If you’re looking for simulation-based activities, Merrell recommends and Ready to create a leader board to keep students competitive and engaged? Check out . If you want students to be able to show off their success in your classroom, why not start with digital badges? Start with . For cooperative and competitive activities, Merrell loves using and . Connect with educators like Merrell in our CERTIFIED Educator Community here: . Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference . /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/37808700

Preparing students for careers in the healthcare industry with Priya Mukundan 07/30/2025

Teaching soil and plant science with Jacob Falwell 07/16/2025

Meet the 2025 CERTIFIED Educator of the Year: Kim Kayser 07/02/2025

Becoming a Spreadsheet Champion with Carmina Solares 06/04/2025

Starting a business at your school with Danya Peters 05/21/2025

Teaching learners about upskilling and achieving their career goals with Jessica Lindl 05/07/2025

AI for teachers: No robot required with Amy Waters 04/23/2025

Becoming a Spreadsheet Champion with Mason Braithwaite 04/09/2025

Women in the digital age with Ashley Masters and Ashlyn Dumaw 03/26/2025

Teaching techniques to get your students excited about learning with Aaron Daenell 03/12/2025

Teaching techniques to get your students excited about learning with Aaron Daenell One of the biggest challenges teachers face is keeping students motivated. According to a 2023 by the EdWeek Research Center, more than 4 in 10 educators said students are not inspired to do their best in school. To help set your learners up for long-term success, it’s crucial to create excitement and engagement in your classroom. In this week’s episode, we sat down with Aaron Daenell to talk about how to get your students excited about learning. Aaron is a Marketing & Management, Business, and Information Technology educator at Cumberland County High School in Crossville, Tennessee. After leaving the business world in 2005, Aaron earned his alternative teaching certification in Manatee County, Florida and was hired to start a new middle school business program at a Title I school in his area. Within two years, they had the most successful industry certification program of all the middle schools in central Florida. He now works in Tennessee, working in a high school as well as managing the school’s FBLA chapter. He strives each day to help his students break industry certification records in their county and region. Aaron shares his thoughts on student engagement, or lack thereof, as well as how he gets students excited to learn. We dive deeper into his classroom approach, and how he uses relationships to help students see the value in his course, their futures, and industry certification. If you feel like your students are lagging, or just want to infuse a little excitement into your everyday, Aaron’s here to help. Get additional ideas for student engagement here: . Looking for more inspiration? Aaron recommends both Mel Robbins () and Tony Robbins () Connect with educators like Aaron in our CERTIFIED Educator Community here: . Don't miss your chance to register for our annual CERTIFIED Educator's Conference here: . /episode/index/show/certiport-pearsonvue/id/35644685

Certified: Certiport Educator Podcast

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