MSEA: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MSEA Professional Learning Portal (PLP)?

MSEA’s Professional Learning Portal is created to unlock the potential of our members, staff, and association through one centralized location. This portal allows members to access ongoing trainings that meets their needs, a resource page to support instructional practice, and guidance on policy issues impacting their practice. On this platform, members also have access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, graduate courses, and self-paced professional development opportunities, in addition to content developed by members for members.

How can I find out about all the PD offerings from MSEA?

As a member of MSEA you will be given a account on this learning management system so you can access many professional learning opportunities. Click on this link to see all of the professional learning opportunities from MSEA. For more information about membership, click here. If not a member, learn more about membership here .

Do I need to be a member to access the MSEA Professional Learning Portal?

MSEA’s Professional Learning Portal home and resource page are open to all educators. Access to the professional development courses is limited to MSEA members. From time to time, MSEA may offer promotional events and conferences open to non-members during the year as an opportunity to experience some of the benefits of membership.

How do I register for courses & trainings?

Professional development opportunities are available to members. If not a member, learn more about membership here.

Click on this link to see all of the professional learning opportunities from MSEA. Select the learning opportunity category that meets your needs and then choose the course/training to begin.

How do I sign up for an MSEA account?

MSEA members will receive a welcome email with credentials to access the MSEA Portal, click “Login/Register” and enter your credentials provided in the email. This easy process takes less than 30 seconds! You will be prompted to complete information fields. If you have any problems or questions, we are here to help.

Contact: cepp@mseanea.org with subject line “Portal Account” 410.263.6600.

I can't find my MSEA Member ID Number to create an account; can you help me?

We can help! The MSEA Professional Learning Portal is a free members-only resource, so we need your MSEA member ID number to ensure you are authorized for this service. You can find your MSEA member ID number on your MSEA membership card. If you do not have access to your card or cannot find the number on it, just give us a call at 410.263.6600 or email us at: cepp@mseanea.org with subject line “MSEA Membership” and we will help get the information you need.

What do I do if I forget my password?

No problem! If you forget your MSEA Portal password, you can reset it. Just go to the login screen and click on the "forgot password" button under the password field. You will need to enter your username/email. Then, go into your email account to find the password reset email with the subject line: "Password Reset for MSEA" from "address here" in your inbox. If you do not receive the email within five (5) minutes, check your junk or spam folder. If you still do not have the email, call 410.263.6600 or email cepp@mseanea.org subject line: “Portal Password” include your full name, phone number, and MSEA local affiliate or county where you work. We will search for the correct username and password combination so you can get back to learning.

Here is a video demonstration

What do I do if I forget my email/username?

If you forget your MSEA Portal password, you can reset it. Just go to the login screen and click on the "forgot password" button under the password field. You will need to enter your username/email. Then, go into your email account to find the password reset email with the subject line: "Password Reset for MSEA" from "address here" in your inbox.

If you cannot remember the email that you used to register for PLP, contact us at cepp@mseanea.org, Subject line: “MSEA Portal.” In the email, include your full name, phone number, and MSEA local affiliate or county where you work. We will search for the correct email/username and reply to your request so you can get back to learning.

What is the difference between CPD versus graduate credits?

Continuing Professional Development, also known as CPD, are MSDE approved credit-bearing courses. MSEA CPD courses may count toward salary advancement and certification renewal for professional staff. Before enrolling in a course, please check with your local Certification/Staff Development/Human Resources department to determine if there is a specific requirement for your license or if the course must be a CPD or graduate level course. MSEA offers one to three credit CDP courses. Each 15-hour course awards you one Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) CPD credit. These CPD credits are not portable from state to state.

Graduate credits are accredited by a University. In partnership with VESi/Notre Dame of Maryland University and Trinity University, MSEA has graduate courses that award one to three credits upon completion. These graduate credits are portable from state-to-state. Graduate courses may count toward salary advancement and certification renewal for professional staff. Please check with your local Certification/Staff Development/Human Resources department to determine if there is a specific course required.

How much time does a class take?

MSEA offers member courses that range from 15-45 instructional hours. Each 15-hour course awards you one Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) CPD credit. Participants should expect to spend about three hours per week doing class activities. Some courses are hybrid, including synchronous and asynchronous class time and activities. Please check class schedule and course type for each offering before enrolling into the course.

MSEA also offers courses through our university partners, they calculate hours differently. These courses award graduate credit ranging from one to three credits. Please read each course description to determine how long each course will take.

Additionally, MSEA is excited to offer self-paced trainings. These workshops vary from one to three hours. They are not credit bearing courses. Participants will receive a certificate that they can use in their portfolio.

What is a Microcredential?

A Microcredential is a short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area. MSEA-NEA Microcredentials are grounded in research and best practices and designed to be personalized, flexible and competency-based. Attendees receive a certificate of completion that can be added to their professional portfolio or presented to local Certification/Staff Development/Human Resources department for potential clock hours. Microcredentials do not automatically award CPD credits; please check with your local Certification/Staff Development/Human Resources department. Some Microcredentials award a digital badge once you have earned it. You can choose courses that fit your schedule, personality, and professional growth needs. MSEA-NEA Microcredentials site.

NEA works in close partnership with Digital Promise on microcredential development. Digital Promise has built an ecosystem of more than 400 microcredentials covering a wide variety of topics and skills to personalize learning for educators. Access Digital Promise Microcredentials here.

NEA has partnered with Citizen U®, as part of the Barat Education Foundation Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program grant, to develop a series of microcredentials. These micro-credentials, developed in conjunction with other TPS Consortium members, are designed to help educators better integrate inquiry learning with primary sources into instruction across grades and disciplines using a variety of frameworks and strategies. Access Citizen U Microcredentials here.

Is there a fee for Microcredentials?

MSEA-NEA Microcredentials are free to members. Non-members must pay a $75 fee to apply for a Microcredential.

What are Self-Paced trainings?

Self-paced training provides you with opportunities to learn new skills when and how you want. These offerings allow you to get an introduction to a topic, as well as an opportunity to further explore it through one of our courses. Instead of a sit and get approach, our self-paced trainings courses are interactive, engaging, and designed to meet your interests and professional growth. Please click here to see the list of offerings These trainings do not award CPD or graduate credit; however, some trainings will provide a certificate of completion that you can download for your portfolio.

Can my district use the MSEA PLP for its professional development vehicle?

Districts in partnership with the local association, along with guidance from the Center for Education Policy and Practice (CEPP), may be granted access to the MSEA Professional Learning Portal (PLP) for professional development. MSEA may charge a nominal fee to the district when an agreement is made with the local association and/or MSEA. For more information about this type of opportunity, please contact Géraldine Duval at MSEA gduval@mseanea.org.

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