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). 

Admission Requirements

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

  • Master’s degree in a discipline other than Teacher Leadership.
  • Certificate – Uploaded to graduate application. Current clear, renewable Georgia Teaching Certificate, out-of-state equivalent, OR Educational Leadership Department Chair/Program Coordinator approval. To print a copy of your clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate, you may log into your MyPSC account.  Must NOT already hold the Teacher Leadership field on your PSC certificate.
  • Employment – Must be employed as teachers or administrators in a traditional public school district, a charter school district, a charter school, or an independent school.  
  • Résumé or Professional Vitae – Uploaded to graduate application. Should document your education, years of teaching experience, current school and district, volunteer and service activities in which you have participated, and any leadership involvement.  
  • Experience – Minimum of THREE (3) years of professional teaching and/or administrative experience required prior to admission consideration.  May be a related role serving P-12 education.
  • Recommendation Forms (2) – Forms and their directions are in the online graduate application. May submit letters of recommendation or utilize evaluation form to be completed via the graduate application. The KSU Graduate College will send electronic evaluation forms to these sources. Two evaluations must be submitted for this admission requirement to be noted as complete. These recommendations must come from an educational professional who has taught or supervised your work and who can write with authority about your abilities as an educator.
  • 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.  Completed form must be uploaded to graduate application.  Individuals employed in a private school setting will need to reach out to the Bagwell Certification Officer for further guidance.
  • Partnership Agreement – PSC rule 505-3-.72 requires candidates to be “recommend by the school system administrator (superintendent) or designee.  Kennesaw State University must hold a Performance-Based partnership with the Candidate’s School District or Charter/Independent School.  Reach out to the Program Coordinator, for Teacher Leadership, to confirm that one exists with your school system.
  • Personal Reflections Statement - Uploaded to graduate application. Should be 1-2 pages and address your professional training and interest, educational beliefs, professional goals, and why you seek to pursue your degree at KSU.
  • 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, Jennifer at jwells42@kennesaw.edu or the Department of Educational Leadership at (770) 423-6888 or email edldepartment@kennesaw.edu.