Teacher Leader Program | Teacher Certificates | Troy University

Teacher Leader - Education Specialist

About our Teacher Leader – Education Specialist Program

Do you want to be a leader in your school but you do not desire administrative duties? If so, Teacher Leader is the pathway for you. TROY’s program focuses on curriculum, mentorship, professional development, parent involvement, instructional coaching and effective collaboration — all with a goal of student achievement.

The Teacher Leadership program is designed for certified teachers who are seeking advanced certification (Class AA) and an educational specialist degree. The program is open to teachers in grades P-12 and all subject areas. Troy University serves a very diverse candidate population with one curriculum cooperatively developed with the University’s P-12 partners and faculty. It is possible to complete the program in one year, and we offer the Teacher Leader program online.

Strategies for teacher leadership are provided in this Teacher Leader Toolkit 2.0, developed by the Center of Great Teachers and Leaders at the American Institute for Research.

Characteristics of a Teacher Leader

The qualities demonstrated by teacher leaders include integrity, commitment, strong communication skills, courage, discernment, focus, generosity, initiative, passion, a positive attitude, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of responsibility.

 

Teacher Qualifications

The goal of the Ed.S. Teacher Leader program is to strengthen and extend the practicing teacher’s knowledge and skills so that the program graduate will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate the improvement of academic achievement for all students within a school setting;
  2. Support the development of and improve the practice of shared leadership among instructional and administrative personnel;
  3. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate collective learning with faculties and schools as a whole.

In addition to the admission requirements for Graduate Teacher Education Program, candidates seeking admission to the Ed.S. Teacher Leader program must:

  • Hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
  • Hold a Class A master’s Professional Educator Certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support;*
  • Have a minimum of three full years of full-time teaching experience in a P-12 setting; demonstrated by providing a supplemental EXP form from each district of employment;
  • Provide a portfolio containing the following items:
    • Three professional letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (One must be from the principal and/or immediate supervisor.)
    • A current resume or vita
    • Evidence of ability to positively affect student achievement and evidence of collaborative leadership potential by addressing the following areas in narrative form.
      • Personal philosophy and/or theory of teaching and learning
      • Self-evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses and a plan to address your weaknesses
      • Personal professional goals
      • Statements of purpose for pursuing the Ed.S.
      • Evidence of leadership ability/list of any honors, awards, committee or team service
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check

Dr. Brittany Spillman.
Quote:

“I highly recommend Troy University’s Teacher Leader program. It challenged me and helped me grow into the educator I am today. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to step into leadership roles and make a difference in my school and in the lives of all the students we serve. The online program is flexible and allows you to continue teaching. The Teacher Leader program inspired me to get my doctorate in educational leadership so I can continue to make a difference in education today.  ”

Dr. Brittany Spillman  |  Ed.S. Teacher Leader 

 

What Can You Do With This Teaching Certification?

With this degree in teacher leadership, you will bring valuable new skills to your school and be prepared to:

  • Serve as an instructional coach
  • Serve on committees, task forces and other teams
  • Serve as a department or grade level chair
  • Serve on school leadership teams
  • Develop curriculum
  • Develop/deliver professional development activities
  • Develop school improvement initiatives
  • Help improve schools by collecting and analyzing assessment data
  • Mentor new teachers
  • Train faculty and staff

Teacher Leader Curriculum

While specific courses may vary from year to year, coursework may include but is not limited to:

View Degree Map Academic Catalog

Teacher Leadership: Why It's More Important Than Ever

Teacher Leader illustration.

The Best of Both Worlds

Talk to almost anyone who teaches students in Pre-K through 12th grade and you’ll hear a common theme: Year after year, teaching is becoming increasingly challenging. The reasons for this vary and include everything from teaching shortages to increasing class sizes to lack of funding to differences in student learning styles.

Learn More

Teacher Leader Program Locations

  • TROY Online
  • Dothan Campus^^
  • Phenix City Campus^^

^^ Offered as blended program. A blended program combines both online and face-to-face courses in the required program of study.


Interested in Applying to TROY?

Apply Now Request More Info