Academics

Graduate Certificate Overview

Offered entirely online, Teacher Leadership certificates are each worth 10 credit hours. The program follows a self-paced structure, which means you can apply to the program and start coursework at any time and complete the work on your own schedule within a six-month window. The courses in this structure are called "Online Flex" courses. The exception to that rule are the capstone courses, which are completed online in real-time during a special three-week term in summer.

Certificate Structure

Each graduate certificate in teacher leadership requires 10 completed credits, as follows:

  • Three 2-credit flexible classes, recommended to be taken in sequence
    • The 2-credit flexible course sessions must be completed within a six month period. These classes must be completed two weeks before beginning a synchronous capstone in the summer.
  • One 4-credit synchronous capstone, taken in the summer
    • The last course for all certificates is a real-time capstone course that brings together all the content and curriculum. This course runs as a three-week intensive after academic school years end in June/July. The classes run for four hours a day, Monday to Friday, for three weeks. Synchronous classes will be broken up with independent and group time, mixed with a range of class activities.

Certificate (10 Credits)

Asynchronous Core Courses

Course 1 (2 credits)

Course 2 (2 credits)

Course 3 (2 credits)

Final Synchronous Course

Capstone Course (4 credits)

Course Overview

Every asynchronous course in the program has five modules with two major assignments per course. Every module has about a month and a half’s worth of work (for certificate students) that uses a range of learning resources including readings, videos, podcasts and participant structures like discussion posts. Course facilitators provide you with feedback throughout the course. This design allows you to review course content and complete weekly assignments on your own time throughout the week.

Minimum Requirements and Time Limits

In order to earn a certificate, the cumulative GPA for certificate courses must be 3.0 or higher. 

Each asynchronous course must be completed within a six-month period. The three asynchronous courses that comprise a certificate must be completed two weeks before beginning a synchronous capstone in the summer.

Applying Certificate Coursework to the Master’s Degree

If you decide later to complete the Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership, you may apply up to 24 credits taken in the certificate program toward the degree. You must enroll in and complete at least 6 credits as an admitted master’s student in order to earn the master’s degree. Please refer to the degree application deadlines and admissions requirements to submit your application to the Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership.

We encourage you to contact us at teacherleadership@colorado.edu to discuss your options and timelines.