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

Applicants must present evidence of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Applicants must have successfully completed an educator preparation program and hold a valid educator license.

Applicants must have successfully completed two years of qualifying education experience as defined by the TN Department of Education.

In addition, a portfolio (submitted online) and an interview are required as part of the application process.

The online portfolio is submitted through the application process and includes items outlined below.

1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (indicated on official transcripts).
2. A copy of the applicant's most recent two summative performance appraisals (often found in TN Compass).
3. A Future Growth Plan (FGP) - writing prompt.
4. An Educator Information Record (EIR) - writing prompt.
5. A personal statement of career goals and how the program would assist the applicant in reaching the stated goals.
6. A resumé
7. Successful completion of an interview that addresses learning strategies, human relations skills, data-driven decision making, and high ethical standards.
8. Two completed references/recommendation (one from current supervisor) forms which confirm the following: 
   1. Evidence of ability to improve student achievement and demonstrated leadership in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement;
   2. Evidence of knowledge about curriculum, instruction and assessment;
   3. Evidence that describes qualities of collaboration, cooperation and relationships;
   4. Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills.
9. Verification of a valid license and qualifying experience (provided by school district or school administration / Human Resources)

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: Management 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.