THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	188
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

Requesting the Department of Education to implement the National Education Association Micro-Credential Pilot Program developed in collaboration with the Department's Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design and the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

 

 

     WHEREAS, high-quality professional development for teachers is essential for strengthening instructional practices, supporting educator growth, and improving student learning outcomes across the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, micro-credential programs provide competency-based professional learning opportunities that enable educators to demonstrate mastery of specific instructional strategies and professional practices; and

 

     WHEREAS, the National Education Association has developed a nationally recognized micro-credential program designed to support educator learning, leadership development, and classroom innovation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the National Education Association Micro‑Credential Pilot Program was developed in collaboration with the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design and the Hawaii State Teachers Association; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Pilot Program is intended to provide licensed teachers working in public and charter schools throughout the State with access to high-quality professional development opportunities at no cost for National Education Association or Hawaii State Teachers Association members, and for a fee of $75 for non-members; and

 

     WHEREAS, eliminating financial barriers to professional development opportunities encourages broader educator participation and supports continuous professional learning; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Teachers Association has expressed its willingness to support the implementation of the Pilot Program by assisting with outreach, participation, and verification of course work, professional development credits, and grading; and

 

     WHEREAS, posting the Pilot Program and associated micro‑credential opportunities on a Department of Education professional development website could ensure accessibility and transparency for teachers across the State; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty‑third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Education is requested to implement the National Education Association Micro-Credential Pilot Program developed in collaboration with the Department's Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design and the Hawaii State Teachers Association; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to post the Pilot Program and related micro‑credential opportunities on its professional development website to ensure access for licensed teachers working in public and charter schools throughout the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii State Teachers Association is requested to support the implementation of the Pilot Program, including assisting with outreach, participation, and verification of course work, professional development credits, and grading; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to allow participating teachers who successfully complete the micro-credential coursework to receive applicable professional development credit in accordance with Department policies and procedures; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027 regarding the implementation of the Pilot Program, including participation rates, educator feedback, professional development outcomes, and any recommendations for expanding or continuing the Pilot Program statewide; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, and President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

 

Report Title: 

DOE; National Education Association; Micro-Credential; Pilot Program; Report