Post-Master’s Certificate in Teacher Leadership

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The College of Education has designed this program for educators who already possess a Professional Educators License (PEL) in Illinois and a master’s degree. This sequence of six courses (18 hours) meets the ISBE requirements for entitlement leading to the Teacher Leadership subsequent endorsement. The Teacher Leadership program is ideal for those who seek formal and informal leadership in schools in roles such as department chairs, instructional coaches, and team leaders.

Licensure/Endorsement

Completion of the Teacher Leadership sequence and compliance with other requirements listed in the Teacher Licensure section of this catalog, leads to the Teacher Leadership endorsement on the initial Professional Educator License.

Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into this Post-Master’s Certificate Program, applicants must submit:

Cumulative GPA of 2.70 OR scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of 300 General Test including a score of “4” or higher on the Writing Subtest;
Submission of official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, including evidence of an earned master’s degree;
Letter of application expressing interest in the program with support for leadership potential;
Letter of recommendation from a school administrator who can attest to leadership potential (do not submit directly; the application portal will send an email to the administrator requesting the letter);
Valid IL Professional Educator License (downloaded from ELIS account, print as a pdf, upload into application);
Verification of employment letter from a school district verifying two years of full-time teaching experience;
During the first course, complete Conditional Continuance requirements; and
Once selected, provide evidence of continued educator employment to satisfy the 4 year teaching requirement for principal licensure.

Certificate Completion Requirements

Transfer Credit

No more than 6 credits (25%) from coursework taken at institutions of higher learning may be approved for transfer credit. Courses may be accepted pending syllabi review by the program faculty and graduate advisor, following University policy and the guidelines found in the Educational Administration Student Handbook.

Conditional Continuation

During the first course, EDAD-7801 , students are required to complete a professional portfolio demonstrating current impact on student learning and teacher leadership which includes a successful oral interview and a written scenario. After completing the course with a grade of “B” or better, the faculty will review this information and recommend that the student be permitted to continue in the program, continue in the program conditionally, or be dismissed from the program.

The faculty may permit a student to progress conditionally. In such cases, faculty review of the applicant’s record identifies evidence that the student will likely be successful in the program. The status of all students permitted to progress conditionally is reviewed by the faculty each semester, and students are informed in writing of the conditions necessary for them to be transferred to good standing status. When conditions are met, the student is informed in writing of the transfer to good standing status.

Degree Requirements

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Teacher Leadership will be awarded to students who complete the 18 credit-hour program with a grade of “B-” or better in each required course. Students must meet all Illinois licensure requirements. The required courses include the following: