The performance-based certification non-degree program offers candidates the opportunity to become certified in performance-based leadership (PL 6 or 7) at the building level or system level.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall Deadline: July 15
- Spring Deadline: November 15
- Summer Deadline: April 15
To pursue the Certificate in Educational Leadership, applicants must hold a specialist’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited or GaPSC approved institution and currently serve in a leadership role as defined by their school system.
Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, then click on Certification in Educational Leadership Program for information on:
- Specific Certification in Ed Leadership Admission Requirements
- Certification in Ed. Leadership Program Graduation Requirements
To Apply Online, click here .
Requirements for Certification in Educational Leadership
| Leadership Courses | 6 | |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Leadership for Creating an Effective Learning Environment | ||
| School Culture, Change and Organizational Dynamics | ||
| Building Leadership for the 21st Century | ||
| Executive Leadership for the 21st Century | ||
| Leading a Professional Learning Community | ||
| Coaching and Mentoring for High-Performing Schools | ||
| Financing and Managing Educational Facilities | ||
| Managing Resources for School Improvement | ||
| Directed Study in Educational Leadership | ||
| Advanced Research Methodology (or the equivalent) | ||
| The faculty advisor will collaborate with candidates and school system partners to identify appropriate courses based on the candidates’ other graduate-level coursework and professional knowledge and skills. | ||
| Field-Experience Activities | 18 | |
| LEAD 8920 | Advanced Leadership Field-Based Experiences I | 6 |
| LEAD 8930 | Advanced Leadership Field-Based Experiences II | 6 |
| LEAD 8940 | Advanced Leadership Field-Based Experiences III | 6 |
| The above field-based activities must be conducted at either the building level or system level. The two options (building or system) are differentiated by the performance component–the level at which the residency is completed. | ||
| Total Hours | 24 | |
Other Program Requirements
Prior to conducting performance-based activities, a candidate must meet the GaPSC pre-service requirement for performance-based leadership preparation by holding a clear/renewable Leadership (L) Certificate at the master’s level or higher or meet one of the following criteria:
- holding a master’s degree in educational leadership or
- completing LEAD 7020 and LEAD 7420 or their equivalent as determined by a review of all past graduate-level coursework
Candidates who are PL-certified may add the other leadership level (building or school system) by being assigned to a leadership role or position at the other level and then completing the program requirements (including the appropriate performances) for that level. Only the elements that specifically pertain to the level not previously completed (building or school system level) are required for adding the other new leadership level. This addition may be accomplished by completing an additional 6 credit hour residency (LEAD 8950).
Additional Certification Requirements
Prior to being recommended for a clear/renewable Georgia leadership certificate, a candidate must meet the GaPSC Special Requirements (PSC Rule 505-2-20)–Identification and Education of Children with Special Needs–and pass the GACE Educational Leadership Content Assessment (Test code: 173 & 174).
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Certification in Library Media (Certification Only)
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Certificate in Online Teaching
