NABE Project PARA TODOS and Project PARA NIÑOS: Expanding Access to High‐Quality Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners and Dual Language Learners

ABSTRACT The National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) currently has two National Professional Development Program projects: Project PARA TODOS, which serves K‐8 educators; and Project PARA NIÑOS, which serves PK‐2 educators of English learners (ELs). Both projects provide professional development through an online microcredential program leading to a NABE English Learner/Dual Language Digital Badge. These projects provide a rigorous program of study that incorporates evidence‐based language and biliteracy practices. The main goal of these projects is to increase the effectiveness of language and literacy instruction for ELs and dual language learners (DLs). The projects' online training is an innovative approach that improves EL/DL teachers' access to high‐quality professional development while offering a flexible schedule. Once obtained, NABE Digital Badges provide verifiable lifetime credentials that can transparently display an educator's achievement level. In some states, these badges may fulfill specific professional learning credit requirements for teacher leadership roles. These are the only professional development credentials that have the distinction of being endorsed by the National Association for Bilingual Education. NPD funding allows NABE to build capacity on the NABE digital badges program by incorporating a Professional Learning Community (PLC) component. The PLC meetings provide grant participants with opportunities to process and apply their learning while connecting with fellow educators. Many participants have said that this is the most impactful component of the program for them because it allows them to expand their professional network.