Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > EdS in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader Certification)

Educational Specialist (EdS) in
Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification)

Online

Program Overview

Give yourself a raise! The University of Alabama Online offers an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification). This 100% online program is tailored to those looking to advance in P-12 education to further support their school systems and enhance student success.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Leadership Starts in the Classroom

Through a focus on research and curriculum, this program equips teachers to meet the needs of today’s students and to elevate the quality of education in their schools by influencing curriculum development and instructional delivery beyond their own classrooms. The Teacher Leader coursework will enhance your skills and knowledge. Our Teacher Leader alums are resource providers, curriculum specialists and school leaders who work collaboratively with administrators, colleagues and the community to achieve schoolwide goals.

Application Priority DeadlineJuly 1 for fall admission, November 15 for spring admission, and May 1 for summer admission
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
Required For EntranceMaster's level professional educator certificate and three years of P-12 teaching experience
Other Program SpecificsCohort-based program
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey
Teacher Salary ScheduleAccess the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators
Completion TimeMost students earn their degree in less than two years

Curriculum

The EdS in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 certification) program consists of 30 credit hours and a comprehensive exam. Please note that courses are subject to change.

The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates for service in the public schools may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. Check with the appropriate department head for information about current requirements.

Required Courses

Foundations of Professional Studies Course
- Students choose one course from the ALSDE-approved list – see academic department or the College of Education’s Office of Student Services
Advisor-approved Research Elective
BER 660 Evaluation I: Theory and Practice
AEL 638 Solving Problems of Practice
CIE 645 Teaching and Learning Communities
AEL 612 Instructional Supervision and Mentor Training
AEL 633 Adult Learners
AEL 635 Ethical and Legal Issues
AEL 661 Major Issues and Trends in Educational Leadership
AEL 697 Seminar in Educational Leadership
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)

The UA Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to date information about requirements. A current program checklist may be obtained from the department or from the College of Education Office of Student Services. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.

Admission

Admission to the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification) degree program requires the following:

A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Transcripts from all institutions attended
A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support
Minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in a P-12 setting, verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form completed by the Board of Education*
A copy of the applicant’s professional development transcript from PowerSchool
Evidence of the ability to lead collaboratively and positively affect student learning and achievement, including supporting documents to showcase formal or informal leadership roles that the applicant has held
A 3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Statement of purpose
Completed UA Graduate School application
Completed requirements for fingerprinting/background clearance
A current résumé
Three letters of recommendation, including one from applicant’s current principal
- Recommendation letters must be from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities for all College of Education programs that lead to professional certification

Applications are accepted each semester. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester.

Application deadlines:

Fall admission – Jul 1
Spring admission – Nov 15
Summer admission – May 1

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

*Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. The original form should be mailed to:

The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231

Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department). Section IV is not required.

Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Graduate Admissions and Certification Coordinator, at debryant@ua.edu.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.