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
“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
Be the first to know about special cohorts, discounts and new programs by signing up for our newsletter.
Be the first to know about special cohorts, discounts and new programs by signing up for our newsletter.
“The Instructional Leader Certification has been a powerful process for improving my coaching moves. The program has empowered me to drive innovation in schools and support teachers' and leaders' professional growth. By focusing on data-driven decision-making and effective instructional practices, I'm able to make a positive impact on the entire school community.”
