Foundations and Social Advocacy Department
Maria Timberlake, chair
Joseph Menard, graduate coordinator
Cornish Hall, Room 1213
607-753-2447 
Fax: 607-758-5007

Overview

The Teacher Leadership Certificate is a 12-credit advanced graduate certificate intended for practicing teachers to enhance leadership skills and apply them to key educational challenges. Program content focuses on curriculum, instruction and assessment, instructional coaching /supervision, organizational leadership and supporting diverse learners through courses in the educational leadership program. 

This advanced certificate does not lead to any state teacher or leader licensure.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Design a collaborative curriculum development and implementation plan that provides maximum flexibility and access for all learners.
2. Analyze organizational structure within schools and identify opportunities to enact change.
3. Examine models of supervision of instruction and apply coaching strategies to facilitate improved instructional practice.
4. Develop systems and processes to collect and analyze assessment data for school improvement.
5. Examine school capacity and infrastructure needs for implementation of comprehensive student supports.
6. Develop enhanced communication and relationship skills to work effectively with staff, students, families and community members.

Program Highlights

• Gain the 21st century knowledge and skills necessary to lead instructional improvement in schools
• Learn from experienced faculty, mentors and other teacher leaders
• Apply all 12 credit hours from this certificate to the C.A.S. in Educational Leadership
• Blended/hybrid course delivery

Career Potential

• Instructional coach
• Teacher on special assignment
• Lead teacher
• Department chair
• Other leadership roles that do not require school administrative licensure

Graduate Admissions

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application — Apply Now

2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office, indicating the master's degree already conferred

3. Proof of permanent or professional New York state teaching certification

4. Evidence of a minimum three years classroom teaching service and/or pupil personnel service such as speech therapist, school psychologist, etc. in a P-12 school setting preferred

5. Recommendations

   1. from an administrator in your district's central office

   2. from your immediate supervisor stating they will be willing to serve as a mentor to you throughout the TLC

   3. from another educational supervisor/administrator of your choice

6. Essay: A written essay (one-to-two pages only, word processed, double-spaced with 12-point type) that addresses the following question: What is your vision of leadership in American public schools of the 21st century?

   1. This essay is due with all other application materials and becomes part of the application file; this paper should not be handed in at a separate time

   2. This paper should be well written in the form and quality that a future school leader would proudly provide a superintendent and/or board of education for review.

7. GRE scores are not required

Admissions Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates with a graduate grade point average of 3.0 and above and a satisfactory rating of the supporting documents as determined by the department. Three years classroom teaching service and/or pupil personnel service such as speech therapist, school psychologist, etc. in a P-12 school setting is preferred.

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1

Spring semester applications: Dec. 1

Summer semester applications: April 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis. Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 607-753-4800 to check availability.