Competency-Based Learning Pathways
Massachusetts Library System, 2024 - Present
The Challenge
Library staff across Massachusetts needed structured ways to build skills, but training was fragmented with no credentialing, no progression model, and uneven quality across providers. I led a cross-functional team of internal stakeholders, member subject matter experts, and external course development vendors to design a competency-based framework that could scale statewide.
I designed and operationalized a competency-based framework for statewide professional learning pathways that moved development beyond one-off courses and toward a more coherent workforce learning strategy. The model aligned competencies, course sequencing, assessment, and digital credential badges so pathways could scale more consistently across topics, learner groups, and future development cycles.
What I Led
- Defined competencies collaboratively with stakeholders across library types
- Created a repeatable development process with templates, decision points, and role clarity across phases
- Managed external vendors through course development, review, and revision cycles
- Designed modular pathways with core and elective courses
- Built summative assessments with rubrics and evaluator guidelines
- Conducted statewide needs assessment surveys to validate competencies
- Published pathways in LMS using H5P interactive objects, and structured progression with digital credential badges upon completion
Strategic Framework
I created a repeatable development structure that guided pathway work from early scoping through validation and launch. Rather than relying on ad hoc course requests, the framework established a consistent process for needs assessment, competency definition, survey validation, rationale writing, and pathway planning. It gave internal stakeholders, member experts, and vendors a shared sequence of decisions, deliverables, and review points, which made pathway development easier to manage and easier to scale.
Results
- Established a statewide pathway model that connects competencies, assessment, course sequencing, and digital credential badges
- Built a repeatable development and governance structure that can be applied across future pathway initiatives
- Created stronger alignment across internal staff, member experts, and external vendors during design and review
- Developed four pathways that move professional learning toward clearer progression and stronger credential value
- Created a foundation for consistent CEU-bearing pathway development within an IACET-aligned system
Connect
I welcome conversations about educational leadership, learning strategy, professional development systems, research, speaking, and consulting.