Competency-based program designed to elevate school leadership and improve instructional impact across districts

WASHINGTON, D.C. (JANUARY 14, 2025) – Today, ISTE+ASCD announced the launch of the Instructional Leader Certification. This program is designed to empower school and district leaders through hands-on, competency-based professional learning that focuses on improving instruction. Led by active practitioners, this program moves beyond theory, allowing leaders to improve their practice.

The Instructional Leader Certification aligns with the Transformational Learning Principles – evidence-based guidelines that ensure effective learning – and enables leaders to cultivate impactful and joyful learning experiences for all students. Graduates of the program will earn the designation of Certified Instructional Leader, signifying their ability to drive effective learning practices and foster a collaborative, supportive school culture that prioritizes student experience.

“Skilled instructional leaders are the driving force for educational excellence,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “We're thrilled to introduce the ISTE+ASCD Instructional Leader Certification – a groundbreaking program that goes beyond traditional professional development to create clear pathways for all instructional leaders to excel in their essential roles. By recognizing the expertise of educational leaders, we're building the foundation for transformational learning in schools today and into the future.”

The Instructional Leader Certification provides an advanced in-practice professional learning experience focusing on five critical areas for instructional leaders: enhancing student learning experiences, leveraging data-driven decision making, advancing curriculum development, improving teaching quality, and innovation and change management.

The program offers leaders expert guidance to support them in their essential roles and responsibilities. Through guided activities, participants will develop a mastery of competencies essential for transformational instructional leadership.

“The Instructional Leader Certification has been a powerful process for improving my coaching moves,” said Jessica Holloway, District Innovation Coach, Hamilton County Schools, who participated in a pilot version of the program. “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.”

Enrollment begins January 2025 and additional details about the program are available here.

About ISTE+ASCD

In 2023, ISTE and ASCD merged to create a unified organization dedicated to ensuring every student has an amazing learning experience every day. Today, ISTE+ASCD is the largest innovation-focused education non-profit worldwide, serving over a million educators in every US state and over 100 countries around the world. ISTE+ASCD offers inspiring events, professional certifications, dynamic member communities, and innovative thought leadership to help educators create transformational learning experiences.