MakerBot Launches Teacher Certification Program, First Training for 3D Printing Curriculum

Educators train to become 3D printing experts, then get one-of-a-kind training to develop their own 3D printing lesson plans and curriculum.

BROOKLYN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MakerBot, the industry leader in 3D printing for education, found in over 7,000 schools, is thrilled to launch the most comprehensive 3D printing certification program for educators—available now.

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(Photo: Business Wire)

(Photo: Business Wire)

To learn more, visit makerbot.com/certification

Implementing 3D printing in the classroom can be tough, which is why MakerBot has led the way in creating solutions for both teachers and administrators that go far beyond easy-to-use software and reliable hardware. After years of working directly with educators, we’ve learned that one of the most challenging parts to using 3D printers in the classroom isn’t learning new technology or design skills, it’s having high quality, classroom-ready 3D printing lesson plans built around them.

Not only does the MakerBot Certification™ Program train educators on operating MakerBot 3D printers, it’s the first program to actually train educators on how to create their own 3D printing curriculum. By giving educators the skills to transform typical curriculum into 21st century STEAM projects, then by giving them a portal to share and discover more on Thingiverse Education, MakerBot offers industry leading content that’s the lifeblood of the growing 3D printing community.

Teachers can become certified in one of two ways. The first is a series of online, self-paced courses that trains users to become operators first, then curriculum creators. The second covers the same material as a blended workshop that combines online coursework with an additional 5 hour hands-on training session, led by 3D printing experts at MakerBot HQ.

The new MakerBot Certification™ Program joins a growing platform of education resources that includes;

  • The MakerBot Educators Guidebook, the definitive guide to 3D printing in the classroom, our second comprehensive book on the subject with 9 classroom-ready lesson plans
  • Thingiverse Education, a collection of 400+ 3D printing lesson plans sortable by subject, grade, and Core Standard
  • Thingiverse, the world’s largest 3D printable file library and community, with over 3 million 3D printable things and over 2 million users sharing STEAM best practice and 3D printing tips and tricks

Supporting individual educators at the classroom level is only half the equation. District level administrators have stringent requirements for the kinds of professional development (PD) and training their teachers need, which can vary from state to state. That’s why MakerBot tested the Certification Program in close collaboration with teachers and administrators from the NYC Department of Education, and developed the program to address common national PD standards. While the in-person training is currently only available at MakerBot HQ in Brooklyn, MakerBot is beginning partnerships around the country to offer the same blended program locally.

MakerBot Certification™ Program details at a glance

Coursework:

  • Level 1: Operator (setup, usage, software, 3D modeling, troubleshooting)
  • Level 2: Curriculum Creator (managing STEM classrooms, creating 3D printing projects)

Formats:

  • Online ($99) 5-10 hours
  • Blended ($199) 5-10 hours online, 5 hours hands-on

About MakerBot:

MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), is a global leader in the 3D printing industry, offers reliable and easy-to-use 3D printing, and runs Thingiverse, the world’s largest 3D printing file library and community. We believe there's an innovator in everyone, so we make the 3D printing tools that make your ideas matter. Discover innovation with MakerBot 3D printing.

To learn more about MakerBot, visit makerbot.com.

MakerBot
Josh Snider, 347-676-3847
josh.snider@makerbot.com

Source: MakerBot