M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership and Innovation

One Master's Degree. Two Graduate Certificates. Unlimited Opportunities to Lead and Innovate.

The Teacher Leadership and Innovation concentration is designed for practicing educators, instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and other educational professionals who want to expand their impact beyond their own classrooms. This innovative master's program prepares educators to lead professional learning, facilitate instructional improvement, mentor and coach colleagues, and strategically integrate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance teaching and learning.
Delivered fully online, the concentration offers flexibility for working professionals while providing practical experiences that connect directly to schools, districts, and educational organizations.

As part of the program, students may also complete coursework that leads to two graduate certificates:

Teacher Leadership for Student Learning Graduate Certificate
Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate

Why Choose Teacher Leadership and Innovation?

Today's schools need educators who can lead from within, support colleagues, foster innovation, and respond to rapidly changing educational contexts. This concentration combines teacher leadership with emerging technologies to prepare graduates who can:

Lead professional learning and school improvement initiatives
Mentor and coach teachers
Conduct teacher research and use data to improve practice
Facilitate adult learning and collaborative inquiry
Design and evaluate professional development experiences
Integrate artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into teaching and learning
Serve as change agents within schools, districts, and educational organizations

teacher helping two female students in a classroom

Students graduate with both leadership expertise and practical knowledge of AI-enabled teaching and learning, positioning them for leadership opportunities in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. 

What You Will Learn

Coursework emphasizes:

Teacher leadership and leadership development
Professional learning and adult learning theory
Instructional coaching and mentoring
Teacher research and data-informed decision making
School improvement and educational innovation
Artificial intelligence in teaching and learning
Ethical and effective use of emerging technologies
Curriculum design, planning, and assessment in AI-enhanced environments

Students apply their learning directly to authentic educational settings and problems of practice, ensuring immediate relevance to their professional roles. 

smiling teacher helping young students in classroom

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a variety of formal and informal leadership roles, including:

Teacher Leader
Instructional Coach
Mentor Teacher
Professional Development Specialist
Curriculum Specialist
Learning and Development Coordinator
School Improvement Facilitator
Educational Consultant
District Instructional Support Specialist
AI Integration Lead
Educational Technology Coordinator
Professional Learning Facilitator

The concentration is particularly valuable for educators interested in expanding their leadership responsibilities while remaining connected to teaching and learning.

Who Should Apply?

This concentration is ideal for:

PK-12 teachers
Instructional coaches
Mentor teachers
Curriculum specialists
Professional development coordinators
Educational technology specialists
Emerging teacher leaders
Educators interested in AI and innovation
Professionals seeking leadership opportunities in education

teacher helping young student on computer in classroom

Program Highlights

Fully Online

Complete the degree from anywhere while maintaining your professional responsibilities.

Earn Two Graduate Certificates

Students may complete coursework leading to both the Teacher Leadership for Student Learning Graduate Certificate and the Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate while earning their master's degree. 

Flexible Pathways

Students can pursue multiple pathways depending on professional goals, including teacher leadership, AI-focused learning, or customized concentrations aligned to district and organizational needs. 

Practical and Relevant

Coursework emphasizes authentic application to students' current schools, classrooms, districts, and professional contexts. 

Curriculum Overview

Core Courses	Required Courses	Leadership Courses	AI Coursework
Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction	Teacher Leadership for Student Learning	Professional Development for Student Learning	AI in and Out of the Classroom
Foundations of Educational Research	Introduction to AI in Teaching and Learning	Teacher Research for Student Learning	Integrating AI into Your Teaching
		Coaching for Student Learning (or approved elective pathway)	AI in Curriculum Design, Planning, and Assessment

Total Credits: 30

Students do have the opportunity to select elective courses aligned with AI, teacher leadership, professional learning, innovation, or other approved areas of study.

Admissions in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Graduate Certificate Opportunities

Teacher Leadership for Student Learning Graduate Certificate

Develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to facilitate teacher learning, coach colleagues, lead professional development, conduct teacher research, and support school improvement efforts. This certificate aligns with Teacher Leader Model Standards and prepares educators to become impactful leaders within their schools and districts.

Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate

Gain practical expertise in using AI ethically and effectively in educational settings. Learn to evaluate AI tools, design AI-enhanced learning experiences, develop custom solutions, and lead AI implementation efforts in schools and educational organizations. 