Overview

The purpose of the CLEE Part-Time Facilitator Certification Process is to identify qualified candidates and prepare them to work with CLEE to facilitate high-quality adult learning aligned with CLEE’s mission and methodology. 

The CLEE Part-Time Facilitator Certification Process is organized into three phases that build the skills and readiness needed to lead CLEE programming. In Phase 1 (Learning) and Phase 2 (Apprentice), candidates invest both time and financial resources to complete CLEE’s Facilitator Training, engage in structured practice, and receive observation feedback aligned to our facilitative leadership competencies. In return, CLEE invests time and resources in supporting the candidates. These phases ensure a consistent foundation of knowledge and skill for anyone seeking to represent CLEE in the field. 

In Phase 3 (Fully Approved Paid Facilitator), individuals who demonstrate proficiency and alignment with CLEE’s model become eligible for paid facilitation opportunities. This allows CLEE to confidently deploy trained part-time facilitators to support work nationwide, beginning with one of our core services, Facilitator Training. This phase also brings the part time facilitators deep into the community of practice with full time CLEE facilitators.

Candidates advance through apprentice and then fully approved status as relevant facilitation opportunities become available through CLEE’s ongoing work with schools and organizations. Typically, facilitator trainings are scheduled during the academic year, when school and organizational leaders bring their staff together for professional learning; therefore, candidates advancing to Phase 3  should be available to facilitate during these times. While we cannot guarantee opportunities within a specific timeline, Facilitator Training is one of CLEE’s core services, and the field continues to contract with us to meet an ongoing need for building capacity to lead effective adult learning and collaboration.

Benefits of becoming a CLEE-certified Facilitator

• This opportunity gives aspiring and seasoned facilitators a supportive, guided structure to deepen their craft and hone their skills in leading adult learning.
• It connects aspiring and seasoned facilitators to a community where they can learn alongside others who share a commitment to collaboration and excellent facilitation.
• It offers real-world opportunities to apply their learning through observation, co-facilitation, and reflection with support from experienced CLEE staff.
• It strengthens professional identity, giving facilitators a recognized credential that enhances their credibility in schools, districts, higher education, and nonprofit settings.
• It opens access to paid facilitation opportunities across CLEE’s national network once individuals reach fully approved status.
• It creates a clear route for long-term involvement with CLEE, from initial training to co-facilitating programs to potentially taking on more leadership roles in the future.
• It allows facilitators to positively impact educator practice and student learning by supporting impactful professional collaboration in various educational settings.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates should

1. Have professional experience in or supporting PK-12 and/or higher education
2. Possess experience facilitating professional learning in educational  settings
3. Exhibit a commitment to constructivist learning design, facilitative leadership, and reflective practice

Phase 1: Learning

In this phase, candidates learn about CLEE’s Facilitator Training and apply to be a part-time CLEE facilitator

Required Actions

1. Enroll in and complete CLEE’s Facilitator training course. 
   1. Note: People who have previously completed CLEE Facilitator Training or equivalent facilitator training may be accepted with CLEE approval (e.g., training in or leading SRI workshops, training in or leading other CLEE programs, etc.). To request consideration for prior facilitator training credentials in lieu of CLEE’s facilitator training course, please complete the application. 
2. During or after completing CLEE’s Facilitator Training course: 
   1. Complete the application.

Criteria to move onto the next phase 2

Acceptance into CLEE’s PT Facilitator certification program as an apprentice 

Phase 2: Apprentice

In this phase, CLEE apprentice facilitators strengthen core facilitation skills and begin applying them in real-world contexts under guidance.

Required Actions

1. Serve in the apprentice role in CLEE programming.
2. Collaborate in planning and debrief sessions with CLEE staff. 
3. Be observed twice (live or recorded video) and receive feedback from a CLEE staff member. 

Criteria to move onto the next phase

1. Achieve 3s on designated priority areas in CLEE Facilitator Rubric.

Phase 3: Fully Approved Paid Part-Time CLEE-Certified Facilitator Status

This phase focuses on refining facilitation skills, leading sessions independently, and demonstrating readiness for full certification.

Required Actions

1. Serve in the co-facilitator and/or lead facilitator role in CLEE programming.
2. Independently plan and facilitate CLEE-aligned sessions with minimal support.
3. Initiate and lead debriefs with CLEE peers or staff to continuously improve.

Criteria for fully approved PT CLEE facilitator

1. Be observed twice (live or recorded video) and receive feedback from CLEE staff member. 
2. Achieve 3s and 4s on designated priority areas in CLEE Facilitator Rubric.
3. Receive participant feedback indicating effective facilitation and participant growth.