“The training materials were fantastic. I submitted my application a million times more confidently than I would have had I not attended.”
Angela Hill, Technology and Learning Coach, Blythewood, SC
Make a difference as a Google Certified Trainer
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey as an educational technology leader? The Google Trainer Academy will provide expert guidance and motivation as you apply to become a Google Certified Trainer.
This LIVE virtual training takes place weekly and is facilitated by long-time Google Trainer John Sowash. Each session includes practical advice, engaging conversation, and an opportunity to build community with a small group of ambitious educators.
Optional weekly activities will help you accomplish your goal of becoming a Google Certified Trainer and establishing yourself as an educational leader.
Note: this is an ADVANCED course. Please review the course requirements before registering!
Next cohort: October 2025
The Google Trainer Academy is offered once a year in the fall. Join the wait-list if you are interested in registering for the next cohort!
- Date: October 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6, 2025
- Time: 8-9:30 PM EST
Can’t make a session live? No problem! All sessions are recorded for on-demand viewing. You will receive lifetime access to the course videos and resources.
Benefits of Attending:
- Pass your trainer skills assessment with confidence and ease.
- Effortlessly craft a winning trainer case study using our proven template.
- Receive targeted peer support to polish your application, case study, and video to perfection.
- Produce a standout trainer video that showcases your expertise.
- Discover the path to a thriving edtech side hustle using your trainer certification.
- Launch your edtech side hustle with confidence: Master the essentials of setup, marketing, and growth.
- Learn from experienced trainers, consultants, TPT sellers, content creators and more.
Course Instructor: John R. Sowash
John Sowash is a former high school science teacher and one of the original Google Certified Trainers (2011). John has served thousands of teachers and hundreds of districts as a full time edtech speaker and consultant. John is known for his straightforward, practical advice for teaching with technology. John lives in Michigan with his wife and 5 kids.
Is this course for me?
Are you the go-to person in your school or district for EdTech advice? If so, you are a perfect fit for the Google Trainer Academy! This program is tailored for experienced educators who are already using classroom technology in creative ways. This program will help you capitalize on your experience to become a Google Certified Trainer.
The Google Trainer Academy will help you become a PROFESSIONAL technology trainer, consultant, or instructional coach.
This course will also introduce you to ways you can start your own edTech “side hustle.” You will learn from expert speakers, podcasters, content creators, and authors as you learn about setting up a business, marketing, and pricing your services.
If you are interested in becoming a tech integration specialist, technology trainer, coach, or consultant, the Google Trainer Academy is a great fit for you!
IMPORTANT: The primary focus of the Google Trainer Academy is helping you complete your trainer application. If you have NOT earned your Google Educator L1 and L2 certification please consider completing the Google Certification Academy, before enrolling in the Google Trainer Academy.
“The Google Trainer Academy was the exact thing that I needed to motivate me to pursue the field of edtech training and coaching. Without attending the Trainer Academy, I would not be this far along.”
Susan Gonzalez, Elementary Preparation Teacher, El Cerrito, CA
The Google Trainer Academy was created for…
- The technology coach who would like to add “Google certified trainer” to their resume.
- The teacher from a small school who answers everyone’s technology questions.
- The classroom teacher who is interested in moving out of the classroom into a coaching and support role.
- The educator who is interested in becoming an educational leader by demonstrating creative ways to use technology in the classroom.
- The educator who is interested in earning additional income as an edTech consultant.
The Google Trainer Academy is a LIVE virtual event. Each virtual session is 90-minutes long and will focus on one major element of the certified trainer application.
Each LIVE session will also feature engaging conversation as we discuss various aspects of working with adult learners and starting an edTech consulting business. You will also learn from special guests who are successful bloggers, authors, speakers, and content creators.
Each session will end with an assignment to help you refine your trainer application. Each session features an opportunity to give and receive feedback on your application.
Attendance is encouraged, but not required. Each session will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing.
You will also receive access to a special Google Classroom course filled with exclusive guides, checklists, and community discussion, that will further assist you in completing your trainer application and starting and edTech consulting business.
Course Structure:
- LIVE sessions are hosted via Google Meet.
- Each session is 90 minutes long with time for Q&A.
- All sessions are recorded for on-demand viewing.
- Assignments will be given at the end of each session, due the following week.
- Access to exclusive checklists, tutorials, guides, and a special participant discussions.
Accurate and up-to-date
The Trainer Academy has been carefully aligned with the requirements of the Google for Education Certified Trainer program. This course is updated regularly to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
LIVE Sessions
Each 90 minute session is hosted via Google Meet
Focused learning
Each session focuses on one aspect of the Google trainer application
On Demand
All sessions are recorded for on-demand access.
Resources
Access to exclusive checklist, guides, and BONUS material
Community
Get feedback and inspiration from educators around the world, just like you!
Need continuing education credit? Earn up to 10 hours of CEU credit (certificate provided!)
Exclusive Course Resources
In addition to the LIVE training sessions with John Sowash, the Google Trainer Academy includes the following highly-valuable resources:
- Trainer APPLICATION TEMPLATE
- SAMPLE APPLICATIONS from successful educators
- Proven VIDEO PLANNING guide
- CASE STUDY TIPS and examples
- PRACTICE EXAM for the trainer skills test
- LIFETIME ACCESS to all course content and session recordings.
Session 1: passing the trainer skills assessment
Session 2: Developing a knock-out case study
Session 3: Recording a top-notch trainer video
Session 4: Launching an edTech business (part 1)
Session 5: Launching an edTech business (part 2)
Optional 1:1 Support
Need more details? Click here for the full course outline
What to expect from each session:
- LIVE sessions are hosted with Google Meet.
- Course templates and resources will be shared via Google Classroom,
- During each live session, John Sowash will coach you through one aspect of the trainer application.
- A portion of each live session will be spent in small groups where you will provide and receive feedback on your trainer application.
- Each session will end with a live Q&A with successful edtech trainers, speakers, TPT sellers, and podcasters who will share their tips and advice (special guests subject to change).
- Attendance at the live sessions is encouraged, but not required. Sessions are recorded and available for on-demand viewing.
“I particularly enjoyed the segments of the course where John and guest speakers discussed setting up a business side hustle. This is something I don’t often encounter at conferences or other professional development opportunities. I appreciated their honesty and practical advice.” Cheska Robinson Training specialist, Instructional Technology Specialist Albany, New York
To ensure that you get the most out of this experience, please review the following requirements:
- A firm understanding of Google Workspace for education products (Gmail, Drive, Classroom, etc)
- Level 1 and level 2 Google Educator certificates
- Experience working in K-12 education (teacher, administrator, coach, counselor, etc)
- Past experience providing professional development for adult learners
Note: this course does NOT review the content covered on the L1 and L2 Google Educator exams. It is recommended that you earn these certificates before enrolling in the Google Trainer Academy.
“I highly recommend this course to anyone aspiring to become a Google Certified Trainer.” Nichole Porter Technology Integration Specialist Columbia, SC
DON’T DELAY! Registration is limited to 25 participants. This ensures that everyone can participate in group discussions and can receive personal attention. Don’t miss out; register today!
Make a difference as a Google Certified Trainer!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m not currently working in a school, can I become a certified trainer?
As long as you have experience working in K-12 education you can apply to be a certified trainer. Experience is a key aspect of the trainer application.
I am a classroom teacher, but I would like to move into a coaching role. Is this course a good fit for me?
Yes! Approximately half of course attendees are classroom teachers interested in moving into administrative or coaching positions.
Can I earn continuing education credit for this course?
Yes! The Trainer Academy qualifies for 10 hours of CEU credit. Certifications of completion will be provided to all participants. Requirements vary widely between states and districts, so please confirm your district policies.
I can’t attend the live sessions, do you have a self-paced option?
Each session is delivered LIVE to ensure the most up-to-date information and encourage discussion. We recognize that this format doesn’t work for everyone which is why each session is recorded for on-demand access. Everyone will receive lifetime access to the video recording, a text transcript of each session, and bonus resources and help guides.
Is this course different from the Google Certification Academy?
The Google Trainer Academy is the follow up to the GCA based on requests from educators who are interested in becoming certified trainers.
How much homework is required?
You can expect 1-3 hours of work between each session. This estimate will vary based on past experience and available material.
Can anyone become a certified trainer?
As long as you meet the requirements, anyone can apply to become a certified trainer. There are no quotas or application deadlines.
I am an instructional coach for a school district, I’m not interested in becoming a consultant. Is this course a good fit for me?
Yes! Sessions 1-4 are focused on the trainer application. The final session does focus on starting an EdTech side-hustle, but we think you’ll find it interesting!
I don’t have my L1 or L2 certifications. Can I still sign up?
This course will NOT prepare you for the L1 or L2 certifications, so we recommend that you take care of those before you register. However, we have worked with individuals who have done both at the same time. Just so you know, that’s a LOT of work!
