Teacher Leadership for Equity and Social Justice Certificate

This program is on hiatus for the 2023-2024 academic year

The Teacher Leadership for Equity and Social Justice Certificate prepares teachers to be agents of change for equity and social justice, effective mentors for early career colleagues, and advocates for the educational success of all students.

The certificate aims to prepare teachers to engage effectively with others to improve instruction, promote equity, and engage as a change agent related to the social justice responsibilities of public schools. It may also be used by teachers interested in becoming mentors in their fields for early career colleagues and in other professional development contexts. In addition, it will help prepare teachers to help their schools provide equitable opportunities and outcomes for students who may have experienced barriers based on their race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, gender identity, first language, or another element of their social identity. 

The program is approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).


Program of Study

Certificate coursework is completed for graduate degree-applicable credit. Students choose among five possible strands with varying credits:

  • Writing (11 semester hours)
  • Reading (10 semester hours)
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (10 semester hours)
  • Special Needs Populations (11 semester hours)
  • Instructional Leadership (11 semester hours)

Click here to view coursework in each strand. Course descriptions can be found here


Admission and Registration Information

The program may be taken by students enrolled in degree or endorsement programs, or it may be taken as a stand-alone program by those looking to ascertain whether school leadership is a suitable career path for them. Admission to this program requires documented three years licensed teaching experience, and an advanced license such a Professional Teaching License.

Detailed information about applying to this program can be found here


Tuition and Fee Information

Tuition is payable on a semester by semester basis and should accompany course registration. The following is the on-campus tuition rate for 2022-2023 academic year:

Graduate degree-applicable credit: $1025 per semester hour