This session shares the story of the Empowering Teacher Learning (ETL) and GREAT STEM studies at Appalachian State University and their partnership with local school districts. Team members and participants from Mt. Airy High School will share their experiences with both teacher-directed professional learning and micro-credentialing. ETL employs a proven micro-credentialing strategy, enabling educators to engage in personalized professional development (PD) that aligns with their individual goals and classroom needs and allowing them to earn both CEUs for licensure renewal and stipend payments for completed modules. By prioritizing teacher empowerment and leadership, ETL contributes to the overarching goal of school improvement. Schools that participate in ETL experience enhanced leadership capacity among their staff, which can lead to improved instructional practices, better student achievement, and overall school performance. Empowering teachers through targeted PD initiatives can significantly strengthen school leadership, resulting in improved outcomes for teachers and students. Hear first-hand accounts from the participants themselves of how micro-credentials have impacted teacher instruction and student learning. We will also facilitate discussion around the current state of micro-credentialing in North Carolina and how our approach aligns with the proposed Teacher Pathways document for teacher licensure. Rachel Shepherd, Erin West, Rachel Nelson, Courtney Howlett