Bjorn Norstrom Middle School Teacher Certifications Earned Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³), Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor Certification   Employer Colchester Middle School Location Colchester, Vermont

In his own words: "My certifications are legitimate, recognizable standards. Earning IC³ gave me great confidence, in addition to skills."

Employment Doors Open Wide After Teacher Earns IC3 and Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications
Vermont educator achieves goals and champions certification for both school-district faculty and students

When Bjorn Norstrom earned the Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®) credential and the Microsoft® Office Specialist Master Instructor certification, the doors at the public schools at which he had been applying for jobs suddenly began opening. His validated, proven computing and software skills not only increased his confidence and productivity, but also resulted in a job offer and new opportunities at Colchester Middle School in Colchester, Vermont.

BACKGROUND
Previously tasked with launching a technology program at the Northlands Job Corps Center in Vergennes, Vermont, Norstrom solicited help from Panurgy, a local company that designs, implements, and manages Information Technology (IT) infrastructures for businesses. “We looked at Certiport, Microsoft, and CompTIA ® to see what they recommend we do to add credibility to our program,” Norstrom said. “We learned more about IC³, Office Specialist, and A+ ® and agreed they would be perfect for the new Job Corps program.”

With a grant from the United States Department of Labor, Norstrom built the Northlands Job Corps technology program, including an introductory course culminating in IC³certification, a course for participants interested in business that included Microsoft Office Specialist certification, and a course for participants wanting to learn even more about technology that resulted in CompTIA A+ certification.

After three years at Northlands Job Corps, Norstrom wanted to transition into a public school teaching career. “Being an instructor at Job Corps was a gateway to my goal—teaching public school,” he said.

Unfortunately, public school teaching jobs in Chittenden County, Vermont, were highly competitive. Although he had two advanced degrees, including one in IT, and a teaching license, Norstrom was still unable to attain the type of teaching position he desired. He soon realized IC³and Office Specialist certifications would help him reach his professional goals, just like they were helping Job Corps participants. “I decided I needed to get the certifications,” he said. “I wanted to be a public school teacher. There were so many applicants for every open teaching position that I quickly learned you must stand out and be above and beyond the rest of them to even be considered for an interview.”

PROCESS
“I primarily learned the exam objectives for IC³and Office Specialist by teaching the programs at Job Corps,” Norstrom said. He also used textbooks from DDC Training Services, a Certiport Authorized Academic and Commercial Distributor, in addition to practice tests on CD-ROM from Certiport and DDC Training Services. “I practiced a lot to get familiar with the exam format and to exercise the skills required. I really learned by this practice.”

When he took his first IC³exam, Norstrom was impressed. “The hands-on format of both the IC³and Office Specialist exams makes you show what you can do,” he said. “It makes you carry out tasks you should know how to perform. It’s very practical. I think it’s especially effective for students who are not good at taking traditional tests. The hands-on methodology is a great way to show success.”

CERTIFICATION
In addition to earning the IC³credential and becoming an Authorized IC³Program Instructor, Norstrom achieved Office Specialist Master Instructor certification. Master instructors are recognized for their skills and hands-on abilities to use Microsoft Office programs. They are required to earn Expert-level certifications in Microsoft Word and Excel, in addition to Specialist-level certifications in PowerPoint ® , Access, and Outlook ® . Master instructors must also satisfy an instructional experience requirement, which includes having a teaching or training degree or certified experience in providing Mi crosoft Office desktop program or other software training.

“My certifications are legitimate, recognizable standards,” Norstrom said. “Earning IC³gave me great confidence, in addition to skills.” After earning this certification, Norstrom felt confident to pursue an additional credential, CompTIA A +, an international industry certification that validates knowledge of hardware and operating system technologies, installation, configuration, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and basic networking. From there, certification became almost an addiction. “I passed IC³and A+ and thought, ‘Now I’ll try for Office Specialist,’” he said.

RESULT
“As soon as I received my IC³certification, a number of job opportunities immediately opened up,” Norstrom reported. “When I earned my Office Specialist certifications, I was suddenly in very high demand among public schools and received several exciting job offers. Clearly, public schools are beginning to value industry certifications because the credentials validate the technology competencies job candidates claim on their résumés and during interviews. When I interview, I can say, ‘I’m certified and here’s my documented proof.’ Other people say they know, but this certification is more than talk. Ultimately, my certifications dramatically helped me advance my career.”

Norstrom accepted a position as a technology education teacher at Colchester Middle School, where he teaches basic computing and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. “I use the exam objectives for IC³and Office Specialist to create my lessons,” he said. “When I interviewed for this job, the school district was very interested in my certifications. I introduced them to the benefits of certification and they said, ‘We would love to do that here!’ Now people can’t believe how well the kids are soaking up what they are learning. The students love computers, the community is on board, and the parents love it. As the middle school students move on to high school, they are encouraged to move forward with their technology learning. The idea is catching on.”

All 600 middle school students are required to take Norstrom’s course. “Next year we will build in the certification, or the high school will offer it as part of an elective course. We are really the gateway to the high school course.”

In addition to helping Norstrom achieve his professional goals, certification also improved his working knowledge of the Microsoft Office system of business productivity programs. “I thought I knew them, but I really didn’t,” he said. “I really appreciate how much more productive I am because I know what the programs can do. It’s a really great feeling.”

Norstrom also spends time helping other teachers at Colchester Middle School increase their productivity. “I’m more productive as a result of my certifications, and others come to me for assistance. I am helping other teachers become more proficient.”

In fact, Norstrom’s influence has been so significant that Colchester Middle School faculty members are now attending graduate classes and earning IC³and Office Specialist certifications through a partnership with nearby Saint Michael’s College. “They are encouraged to get certified,” Norstrom said. “Teachers and administrators need to understand the value of certification. I hope school districts even begin basing teacher compensation on industry certifications like IC³and Office Specialist. Teachers with those certifications are more productive and creative. They are more capable of adding a new dimension to their lessons and curricula, and the impact that has on students’ learning and motivation is enormous. That should be rewarded.”

Because he recognizes and has directly experienced the value of computer technology certifications, Norstrom looks forward to building certification into his curriculum at the middle school. “I think I was hired largely based on my certifications,” he said. “Now we should start expecting certification of both our teachers and our students. I am fortunate to work for a great principal and superintendent who fully understand and support innovative and visionary technology programs. As a result of their open-mindedness to new ideas, our middle school is quickly becoming a technology leader in the state of Vermont. I really believe in these programs and hope to create and implement a vision for the future of IT in our district and beyond. Six months from now, let’s talk about our organizational success. Colchester School District has great potential to assume a leadership role in technology education, integration, and professional development in the state of Vermont!”