Teacher Leadership Graduate Certificate

Teacher Leadership

Graduate Certificate

Program overview

The complex responsibilities of today’s teachers extend beyond the classroom and school walls in ways that make them community leaders and drivers of educational reform. Our 12-credit graduate certificate in Teacher Leadership prepares educators to be trailblazers in addressing persistent and emerging issues in education related to workforce development, teacher retention, leadership shortages and the unique needs and challenges of modern schools. This academically rigorous program, designed for educational professionals in Maine and beyond, is offered entirely online and dovetails with other certificates in the College of Education and Human Development’s Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction and Instructional Technology programs. Each course is designed to strengthen teacher impact and voice, and emphasize the nature of teacher leadership development in rural contexts and communities.

Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Teacher Leadership graduate certificate will:

  • Develop the leadership knowledge and skills to remain in classrooms and mentor new teachers
  • Create a strong community of educators contributing to teacher retention, particularly in rural schools
  • Understand educational and leadership theory and how they inform practice and community
  • Explore and reflect on their educational philosophy in the digital age and how educational technologies relate to issues of access and equity, active learning, teacher voice, and professional networking and collaboration

Course sequence

This 12-credit graduate certificate includes:

  • EHD 544: Mentoring, Supervision and Teacher Development (3 credits)
  • EHD 545: Educational Theory (3 credits)
  • EHD 546: Teacher Leadership in Schools and Communities (3 credits)
  • EHD 547: Technology and Teacher Leadership (3 credits)

Careers

This certificate is designed for practicing teachers who want to take on more of a leadership role while remaining in the classroom. Graduates of the program will gain the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to ongoing conversations related to teacher development and retention, educational reform, school policy and curricular improvements at the local, state and national levels. Those who complete the program will be well-positioned to mentor younger teachers and take on additional professional responsibilities, such as becoming department chairs or instructional coaches.

Faculty

Our outstanding faculty have a wealth of research and practical knowledge to help working educators and other professionals address current challenges in education and improve the human condition. Courses in this graduate certificate program are taught by faculty from our Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction program and the collaborative program, which includes faculty from the °µÍø¸£Àûapp College of Education and Human Development, the °µÍø¸£Àûapp at Farmington and the University of Southern Maine.

To apply

Applications must be completed via the UMaine Graduate School’s online application form. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and current experience teaching in a K-12 classroom. This program does not lead to certification. Additional application materials:

  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Copy of current teaching certificate or endorsement
  • 300-500 word essay outlining your personal objectives for the certificate and any special interests you would like to pursue now or in the future
  • Current resume or CV

Contact

Rebecca Buchanan
Program Coordinator, Associate Professor of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction
rebecca.buchanan@maine.edu
207.581.2462