Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tel

Earn Your Lead Teacher Designation & Mentor the Next Generation of Educators

Are you ready to take the next step in your teaching career? The Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership equips passionate educators with the skills to lead, mentor, and inspire. This program prepares you for the Lead Teacher Designation in Arkansas, allowing you to mentor novice teachers in residency programs and earn a stipend while making a lasting impact on student learning.

Why Choose This Program?

• Earn Your Lead Teacher Designation – Gain the credentials needed to serve as a recognized instructional leader.
• Mentor & Coach Novice Teachers – Support new educators in residency programs and help them thrive in the classroom.
• Advance Your Career While Teaching – Continue teaching while building leadership skills that open new professional opportunities.
• Aligned with National & State Standards – Our curriculum follows the Teacher Leader Model Standards, DESE Instructional Specialist Rubric, and Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL).
• Flexible & Convenient – Designed for working educators, with courses that fit your schedule.

What You'll Learn

• Instructional Leadership – Implement research-based teaching strategies to improve student achievement.
• Mentorship & Coaching – Provide meaningful feedback and professional development for novice teachers.
• Data-Driven Decision Making – Use student performance data to guide instruction and support school improvement.
• Collaboration & Advocacy – Build strong partnerships with colleagues, administrators, and stakeholders to drive educational success.
   

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for experienced educators who:

• Want to step into a leadership role while remaining in the classroom.
• Are passionate about mentoring and developing new teachers.
• Seek to earn a stipend while supporting teacher residency programs.
• Aspire to influence curriculum, instruction, and school culture.

Take the Next Step

Join a community of teacher leaders dedicated to shaping the future of education. Apply today and start your journey toward becoming a Lead Teacher in Arkansas!

This program can be completed online. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
MTLL 6123	Instructional Leadership for the Master Teacher	3
MTLL 6133	Elements of Curriculum	3
MTLL 6143	Organizational Change and the Role of the Master Teacher	3
MTLL 6223	Teaching and Learning for the Master Teacher	3
MTLL 6253	Advanced Curriculum Design	3
MTLL 6553	Internship Practicum	3
Total Hours		18

A Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership leading to the Lead Teacher Designation, aligned with the Teacher Leader Model Standards, Instructional Specialist Rubric, and Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), focuses on preparing educators to lead novice teacher mentoring and success and influence curriculum development, instructional improvement, and student achievement across P-12 settings.

PROGRAM Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

1. Demonstrate Leadership and Vision

   • Apply the Teacher Leader Model Standards to foster collaboration and professional growth.
   • Develop and articulate a shared instructional vision and mission that promote excellence in education.

2. Design and Implement Effective Curriculum and Instruction

   • Use research-based instructional strategies to improve student learning outcomes.
   • Align curriculum with Arkansas content standards, ensuring rigor and relevance.
   • Evaluate and refine curriculum using data-driven decision-making processes.

3. Support and Coach Educators

   • Use the Instructional Specialist Rubric to assess and support teacher effectiveness.
   • Provide professional development and instructional coaching to enhance teaching practices.
   • Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation in schools.

4. Analyze and Use Data for Continuous Improvement

   • Interpret student achievement data to inform curriculum decisions.
   • Implement assessment strategies that align with learning goals and improve instructional effectiveness.
   • Lead data-driven school improvement initiatives.

5. Navigate Educational Policy and Compliance

   • Understand and implement federal, state, and local education policies related to curriculum leadership.
   • Ensure compliance with Arkansas Department of Education licensing requirements.
   • Lead efforts to align curriculum with evolving education laws and standards.

6. Develop Collaborative Leadership Skills

   • Build effective teams to drive instructional improvement.
   • Foster partnerships with teachers, administrators, families, and communities.
   • Engage in strategic planning and decision-making that supports student success.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php