Program Description

The Teacher Leadership Certification Program/Teacher Leadership Certification-Only is designed to prepare and develop the capacity for teachers to serve in various teacher leadership roles (i.e. instructional coaching, chairing academic departments, providing professional learning opportunities, building a school culture of continuous improvement, and becoming change agents).  

This 18-hour GaPSC certification program will enable experienced teachers, who have a graduate degree in a discipline other than Teacher Leadership, to plan and lead professional development; mentor and coach other teachers; align curriculum, instruction, and assessment; model best teaching practices; analyze data, and collaborate with all stakeholders to improve student learning.  

Successful completion of the courses listed in the certification-only program will make students eligible for a S-5 Service Certificate in Teacher Leadership from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Facilitate the design and implementation of sustained, intensive, and job-embedded professional learning based on identified student and teacher needs.
2. Promote the development of a school culture that fosters excellence in teaching and learning for all, focuses on continuous improvement, and builds a collaborative work environment. 
3. Articulates critical components of curriculum design and can facilitate others in the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to standards.
4. Model best practices in pedagogy and serve as a mentor and coach for other educators
5. Work with others to design and implement assessment practices and analyze data for monitoring and improving teaching and learning through data-informed decision-making.
6. Access and conduct research and apply research findings to improve teaching and learning.
7. Collaboratively advocate for the differentiated needs of students, colleagues, families, and stakeholders to improve student learning and to guide positive change.

This program is a part of the Leland and Clarice C. Bagwell College of Education .

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

• Level (4) professional educator certificate in Georgia/ equivalent in other state 
• Master’s degree in a discipline other than Teacher Leadership
• At least three years of teaching experience  
• Employment - Candidates are required to by be employed as teachers or administrators in a traditional public school district, a charter school district, a charter school, or an independent school. By PSC regulation, candidates must be referred for admissions by their respective schools/districts, and Kennesaw State University must hold a Performance-Based partnership with the referring district. For a list of partners, click here. 
• Two Professional Recommendations - Please use the online recommendation system to have your recommendation form sent electronically from sources that can address your success in teaching, ability for success in graduate study, and commitment to learners. You may also find a paper copy of the evaluation form here. 
• Mentor Form - This program requires that you have a qualified mentor who meets the GaPSC Mentor requirements at each phase in your program. You can find the mentor requirements and form with instructions on the Graduate Admissions website for this program. 
• Resume or Professional Vitae - Resume MUST reflect at least Three years of professional teaching or administrative experience prior to admission consideration. 
• Interview - An interview may be required. If so, you will be contacted by the program to set up an interview. 

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment criteria; however, students are expected to meet the requirements of Academic Policy 4.0 ACADEMIC STANDING, DISMISSAL, & REINSTATEMENT .

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION . 

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Program Course Requirements