Teacher Leadership | Graduate Studies | Fort Lewis College

Elevate your teaching career

Graduate professor of education teaches students at Fort Lewis College

Become a leader in your school and create the change you’d like to see in your learning community.

Research and discover instructional initiatives that improve student achievement and then implement these ideas in your school.

Cohorts begin the fall semester of every odd year.  

Teacher Leadership program options

Professional Certificate

A two-year program that develops competencies in technology, culturally responsive teaching, assessment, instructional coaching, differential instruction, and leadership.

18 credits

Master of Arts in Education

A two-year graduate program focusing on the fundamentals of action research. It includes the Teacher Leader competencies of the certificate program.

30 credits

Non-degree-seeking 

You may also take specific courses out of cohort by applying as a non-degree-seeking student. 

Program overview

  • Incorporate cultural competency in your school
  • Seek and identify opportunities for change

  • Promote, advocate, and initiate meaningful change in P-12 education
  • Learn how to analyze data to help implement and evaluate initiatives

  • Learn about student-centered differentiated instruction
  • Collaborate with peers to develop and implement instructional initiatives that respond to problems in student learning and achievement

Program requirements

Minimum eligibility for Graduate Studies

Bachelor’s degree 

You have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 

Grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher 

You need a 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 GPA scale for undergraduate and prior graduate coursework.

*Note: This is true for coursework, even if it did not lead to a degree. We will calculate a cumulative GPA if you have multiple transcripts. 

GPA exceptions 

If your GPA is below 3.0, and you still wish to apply, you can write a letter to the Admission Committee that includes: 

  • Why you did not meet the 3.0 GPA requirements.
  • An action plan addressing those reasons with specific strategies to balance coursework (including class time and homework) and personal commitments. Your strategy may include:
    • Creating and adhering to a schedule
    • Using FLC’s writing support program and other campus resources
    • Setting regular meetings with faculty
    • Following specific study plans 
Requirements to apply to Teacher Leadership program

You must have at least one year of full-time teaching in P-12 schools.

We encourage you to apply if you:

  • Have full-time or part-time employment in a teaching position (or are on leave from a teaching position) in a local public or private school as the instructor of record (not a student teacher or para-professional)
  • Teach on Special Assignment (TOSA), English Language Development teacher, and/ or are an Instructional Coach
  • Have access to students and school data if you are not currently employed as a teacher

Note: Full-time or part-time volunteers in schools are eligible for consideration under special situations. 

Technology requirements

Teacher Education graduate programs require specific computer technology. Graduate students can use a personal device that meets these requirements or have full access to the campus computer labs. 

View the full list of requirements on the Admitted Student Checklist.

Career possibilities

Some of our recent Teacher Leadership graduates are now in the following roles:

  • Administrator
  • District Curriculum Team for Fine Arts
  • Grade level team leader
  • Interventionist
  • Program Developer
  • School or district committee member
  • Student Advisor