Instructional Leader Certification
We empower leaders with our competency-based program designed to elevate instruction and improve student outcomes to spearhead transformative change.
What is the Instructional Leader Certification Program?
Designed for leaders committed to instructional excellence, the Instructional Leader Certification Program offers a comprehensive, competency-based professional learning experience where you will demonstrate mastery in five key areas:
Enhance student learning experiences
Demonstrate ability to create and support engaging, effective learning environments that utilize diverse instructional strategies and meaningful assessments to enhance student achievement.
Leverage data-driven decision-making
Showcase proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and applying educational data to inform instructional strategies and drive continuous improvement in student learning outcomes.
Advance curriculum development
Exhibit capacity to introduce and manage innovative educational practices, fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement that enhances teaching and learning.
Improve teaching quality
Demonstrate expertise in nurturing professional growth among educators through strategic development initiatives, effective coaching, and constructive feedback mechanisms.
Innovation and change management
Showcase ability to create, implement, and refine curricula that are innovative, inclusive, and aligned with educational standards to meet diverse learning needs and boost student engagement.
Key Benefits to Becoming a Certified Instructional Leader
Led by active practitioners who provide expert support that moves beyond theory, focusing on practice, the program will help you evolve your instructional leadership practice, show mastery and achieve instructional excellence across your entire institution.
In this program you will:
Show mastery and elevate your role as an instructional leader
Lead teachers to evolve their practice with a focus on student outcomes
Earn a professional badge to share via email or social media platforms
Join an exclusive community of like-minded instructional leaders
Align with the ISTE+ASCD Transformational Learning Principles
Who is this program for?
District leaders responsible for staff development, curriculum & instructional policies
School and building leaders responsible for leading instruction, walk-throughs, and teacher evaluations
School and district coaches who guide and support classroom instruction through professional development
“The Instructional Leader Certification Program validated the processes and practices of my school against ISTE+ASCD’s instructional leader framework. As I worked my way through the District Leader pathway, the portfolio helped me to pause, think and reflect on how various elements of the framework were unfolding within our school community. The resources were useful in providing not only a theoretical lens but also some practical strategies with respect to the Instructional Leadership Framework.”
Dr. Ambika Gulati
The Certification Process
1. Select a Cohort:
Review the course syllabus and requirements.
Choose a start date and select your pathway: Coach, Building Leader, or District Leader.
2. Complete Online Learning:
Review the Instructional Leader Competencies and plan your approach for completing each module.
Engage with comprehensive learning and support resources and attend monthly office hours for real-time support from expert practitioners.
Work through modules, earning points toward your certification as you complete each competency.
Receive seven months of access to develop and refine artifacts aligned to the five Instructional Leader competencies.
3. Commitment:
Plan to dedicate an estimated 50 hours to learning and artifact design over the program duration.
4. Certification:
Earn all 15 instructional leader competency indicators, which are evaluated by our official review team, to become a Certified Instructional Leader!
“Completing the Instructional Leader Certification program was transformative for me. The program gave me space to reflect deeply on my leadership style and better understand how I connect with and support all learners in my school. I know where I've been as a leader and where I'd like to go!”
Eric A. Walters
Build a Private Cohort
Create a ripple effect in your school or district. For those interested in sending 5 or more leaders, we offer group discounts.
For the Instructional Leader Program to have the most impact in your district or school, having a team that includes district instructional leaders, building leaders, instructional coaches, and mentors (or similar) will increase the efficacy and implementation effectiveness.
Learn More
Download and review the syllabus.
Watch a short overview video.
See cohort dates.
Questions? ISTEcertification@iste.org
Download and review the syllabus.
Watch a short overview video.
See cohort dates.
Questions? ISTEcertification@iste.org
Keep Informed
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Be the first to know about special cohorts, discounts and new programs by signing up for our newsletter.