Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (Tier II Certification)

The program is in accordance with the new educational leadership standards and outcomes required of licensure in Georgia by the Professional Standards Commission. Tier II is a preparation program that may be completed through an Ed.S. degree or a certification only program for those candidates who already have an Ed.S. degree. Admission is open to any individual who meets the admission requirements of the Education Preparation Provider (EPP). Admission requirements will comply with limits set by the University and for public EPPs within the limits set by the Board of Regents. 

Admission to and completion of the Tier II program will not lead to additional pay until employed by a Local United of Administration (LUA) in a leadership position that requires Tier II certification, EPPs may limit admission based upon program capacity; in other words, admission may be limited if a provider caps enrollment based on various resources including the ability to place candidates with trained mentors.

The Ed.S. Degree wtih a major in Educational Leadership provides candidates with the content knowledge necessary to meet PSC requirements for Tier II Educational Leadership Certification. Students must hold Tier I entry level certification or hold a valid, GaPSC issued Standard L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership. A total of 27 hours, the program has 9 hours of Core Requirements and 18 hours of Residency Courses. 

The program is highly professionally oriented, and candidates for the program are expected to currently be employed in an organization providing professional educational services (e.d. school, regional educational service agency, department of education, district office). Field activities incorporate practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for today’s educational leader.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must hold Tier I entry level certification or hold a valid, GaPSC-issued Standard Professional L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership;
• Serve in a leadership position at either the P-12 school or LUA level (or agency or organization equivalent to LUA level) that will enable the candidate to fully meet the program’s residency requirements. A partnership agreement shall be established with the employing LUA, agency, or organization of each enrolled candidate for the purpose of ensuring candidates will be able to meet Tier II level residency requirements. 
• Candidates who do not serve in a leadership position as described above may be enrolled if the EPP and employer establish a formal, written agreement specifying the candidate will be released from other responsibilities for a portion of the school week sufficient in length to allow the candidate to participate in and successfully complete residency performances. Employees of state education or human service agencies, RESAs, universities or technical colleges, and employees of education or human service non-profit organizations may also pursue Tier II leadership certification as long as the employer has established a partnership with a GaPSC approved EPP and in the partnership agreement agrees to meet all requirements and guidelines accompanying this rule
• The LUA or agency or organization equivalent to LUA level will provide mentor who will work as a member of the candidate’s support team.Agreement that District or Independent School to “support” Candidate in this program (this differs by institution - please check with your human resources department or administration); completion of Mentor form.

Applicants to the program must submit the following: 

1. Official Transcripts of all college coursework, undergraduate and graduate. 
2. Evidence of completion of Master degree or its equivalent in a related field 
3. All relevant professional teaching and/or administrative certificates 
4. Professional Profile detailing related professional qualifications
5. Reflections on Leadership for Learning 
6. Official request for consideration on transfer courses