Certificate in Educational Leadership/Licensure

The School of Education of the College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies offers an Educational Leadership Certificate Program for post-master’s students seeking an endorsement as an instructional leader. The certificate program builds on the foundation of courses taken in a previous graduate degree, and focuses on leadership for school improvement that will result in higher levels of learning for all students. The program has been approved as an instructional leader preparation program by the TN State Department of Education.

About the Program

• A teaching certificate and three successful years teaching experience are required by the State for admission to leadership licensure programs.
• The program can be completed in as few as two semesters and requires 12-27 graduate credits.
• Students typically progress through the program as a cohort, with new cohorts beginning every August.
• Admission will be considered for spring and summer terms, however, core courses are only offered once a year.
• Courses are fully aligned with the TN Instructional Leadership Standards.
• A field experience requirement of approximately 350 hours is required and is completed over the duration of the program.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this school leadership certificate program requires successful completion of a master’s degree in education from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

A teaching certificate and three successful years teaching experience are required by the State for admission to instructional leader licensure programs. In addition, two letters of recommendation, a portfolio and an interview are required as part of the application process.

Candidates are required to submit information through an online application and participate in an interview as part of the admission process. Information required in the online application process is listed below:

1. A copy of the candidate’s most recent performance appraisal.
2. A current professional development plan.
3. A personal statement of career goals and how the preparation program would assist the candidate in reaching the stated goals.
4. Successful completion of an interview that addresses learning strategies, human relations skills, data-driven decision making, and high ethical standards.
5. Two completed reference/recommendation forms which confirm the following:

• Evidence of ability to improve student achievement and also demonstrated leadership in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement
• Evidence of knowledge about curriculum, instruction and assessment
• Evidence that describes qualities of collaboration, cooperation and relationship building
• Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills.

Course Requirements

Coursework and field experiences are aligned with Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards and synthesized in the final practicum course.  It is expected that students will complete the program and the 350 hour field experience requirement while employed as a teacher. The certificate is in compliance with the “Tennessee Learning Centered Leadership Policy” and the successful program finisher will meet all requirements for a principal/supervisor endorsement in the state of Tennessee.

Required courses are listed below:

EDAS 5630: School Law	3cr
EDAS 5710: Leadership for School Improvement	3cr
EDAS 5730: School Culture and Climate	3cr
EDAS 5740: Curriculum Leadership	3cr
EDAS 5750: Instructional Leadership and Assessment	3cr
EDAS 5760: Development of Human Capital in Schools	3cr
EDAS 5770: Managment of the School	3cr
EDAS 5810: Ethics, Advocacy and Advanced Law	3cr
EDAS 5820: Practicum in School Leadership	3cr

A passing score on the State exam (SLLA) is required as a condition of program completion

To request more information about our Educational Leadership programs, please fill out this inquiry form.