Those pursuing the M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership must hold a bachelor’s or higher and a valid Alabama Class B or Class A certification in a teaching field or instructional support area and meet the program admission criteria.

Program Admission Requirements

• One official transcript from each institution of higher education attended
• 2.75 undergraduate graduating GPA or 3.0 master’s degree GPA from a regionally accredited college or university
• Valid Professional Educator Certificate in teaching field 
  • Class B or Class A in a teaching field or another area of instructional support
  • Professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling
• EXP form documenting one of the following:
  • Three (3) full years (or six full semesters) of full-time, acceptable professional education experience in a P-12 teaching setting, which must include one full year of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience OR
  • Have a valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling, document a minimum of four (4) full years (or eight full semesters), of full-time employment, in the school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting, and provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent. 
• Passing score on an admission portfolio. The portfolio will contain the following:
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation*, of which one includes the applicant’s current principal or supervisor. *Those holding a Professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling must provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent.
  • Completed copy (all forms) of the most-recent performance appraisal, to include the professional development component, if available.
  • Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
  • Evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most recent accomplishments in the area of instructional leadership.
  • Summary of the candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification.
  • Summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program.
• Passing score on an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher-education faculty.

Retention/Completion Requirements

• Maintain a minimum 3.25 program GPA on all coursework
• Passing score on the required Praxis exam
• SPED 407/507  or equivalent, if not previously completed

UM also offers an Instructional Leadership, Reduced Hour Option for Certification (19-21 hours). Those individuals who already hold a master’s degree, a valid Alabama Class A certification in a teaching field or instructional support area and meet the admission criteria previously listed are eligible to pursue this option for Class A certification in instructional leadership.