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). 

Teacher Leadership Certification

  • TLED 8101: Critical Analysis of Policy, Theory, & Praxis for Post-Master’s Teacher Leaders (3 hours)
  • TLED 8215: Leading Data-Informed Curriculum and Assessment Practice for Post-Master’s Teacher Leaders (3 hours)
  • TLED 8401: Instructional Coaching, Mentoring, and Leading Professional Development for Post-Master’s Teacher Leaders (3 hours)
  • TLED 8615: Communication and Community Relations for Post-Master’s Teacher Leaders (3 hours)
  • TLED 7980: Action Research in Schools (3 hours)
  • EDRS 9700: Professional Seminar: Cases in School Leadership and Practicum (3 hours)

Total (18 Credit Hours)

Admission Requirements

Must possess the following beyond the general KSU Graduate College Admission Requirements:

  • Level (4) professional educator certificate in Georgia/equivalent in other state.
  • Master’s degree in a discipline other than Teacher Leadership.
  • Employment – Candidates are required to 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. Candidate & District Commitment Form
  • 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.
  • Mentor Form – This program requires that you have a qualified mentor who meets the GaPSC Mentor requirements at each phase in your program. The Teacher Leadership Mentor Form provides instructions and requirements.
  • 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.

Deadline for Applications

Fall, July 1

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Wells at jwells42@kennesaw.edu or the Department of Educational Leadership at 470-578-6888 or edldepartment@kennesaw.ed.