President Obama today announced that edX has joined with ConnectED, the President’s initiative to empower teachers to use technology in the classroom. President Obama made the announcement at an event to recognize superintendents from across the country for their leadership in using technology in their school districts.

As part of ConnectEd, edX partner universities and colleges will offer teacher professional development courses, along with courses to prepare students for AP* exams.

“EdX and our university partners are pleased to stand with President Obama to offer U.S. teachers and school districts free, innovative resources to improve teaching and learning outcomes,” said Anant Agarwal, edX CEO. “These courses will empower teachers to use technology in the classroom in creative and personalized ways.”

Free Verified Certificates for U.S. Teachers

Answering the President’s call to help schools embrace technology and digital learning, edX and its partner institutions have committed to offering free verified certificates for teacher training courses to all U.S. teachers for one year. Following the first year, teachers in high-need schools will be eligible for free verified certificates for an additional four years. These courses will include training on using technology in the classroom, learning theory and leadership, along with teaching in a blended format.

Free Verified Certificates for Students in High-Need Schools

As part of edX’s participation in ConnectED, students in high-need and rural schools around the country will also be able to earn free verified certificates in any of the more than 40 courses and modules edX university partners are developing as preparation for the AP* exams. Free verified certificates will be offered to these students for five years.

All courses will be open for registration on edx.org within the next 12 months.

EdX partners participating in the ConnectED initiative include:

Teacher Professional Development: Boston University

Davidson College

Georgetown University

Harvard University

MIT

Rice University

Teachers College, Columbia University

University of Texas Arlington

University of Texas Austin

University of Texas System Courses to Prepare for AP* Exams: Boston University

Cooper Union

Davidson College

Georgetown University

MIT

Tennessee Board of Regents

Rice University

UC Berkeley

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

EdX and our partners are honored to join with the President in this important effort to use technology to transform the future of education online and in the classroom.

*Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, these offerings.