Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership – Certification


Why Pursue a Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership Certificate?
Professional Educators whose goals include serving as a school administrator may wish to consider a program in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on instructional leadership.
At Piedmont, we offer two options for students interested in pursuing certification in Educational Leadership:
Tier I Educational Leadership Certification Program: Comprised of three courses with three credit hours and one course with 1.5 hours of credit (taken twice).
Tier II Educational Leadership Certification Program: Comprised of eight, three-credit hour courses, and five, one-hour courses, for a total of 29 credit hours. In addition to coursework at the post-Tier I certification level, candidates will complete a performance-based residency.
Tier II in combination with Education Doctoral Degree: Students completing the EdD program will also earn a Tier II Certification in the process.

How a Piedmont Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership Certificate Helps You
- Learn basic leadership styles and functions for educators – and how they differ from leadership in other professions.
- Take a step forward in your career and make your resume stand out against other educators in search of leadership roles.
- Get a grounding in educational law, ethics, and policy.
- Make the most of practical experience via residency courses which allow you to put theory into action.
- Tier 1 provides you with the needed certification to evaluate teachers. Tier 2 provides you with the ability to evaluate teachers and other leaders. Tier 2 requires you to be in a leadership position currently.
Career Opportunities
A Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership certificate from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. Both certificates will help you to advance in your goals of becoming a school administrator in either public or private school systems in the state of Georgia.
A certificate in Educational Leadership prepares professionals for leadership roles in Public Schools by building skills in administration, instructional supervision, and policy implementation. It equips individuals to guide school improvement efforts, support teachers, and foster positive learning environments.
A certificate in Educational Leadership supports careers in Private Schools by developing expertise in school administration, curriculum oversight, and faculty leadership. It prepares individuals to lead with vision, manage operations effectively, and cultivate strong academic and community relationships within a private school setting.
More About Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership Certificate
Learn more about Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership Certification and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Professional Educators whose goals include serving as a school administrator may wish to consider Piedmont’s program in educational leadership. We offer two tiers designed to give you theoretical and practical knowledge of educational leadership. Tier 1 is comprised of 24 total hours and includes a 3-hour internship. Our tier II educational leadership program is comprised of eight, 3-credit hour courses, and five, 1-hour residency courses, for a total of 29 credit hours.
Detailed course descriptions are below.
In any walk of life or profession, leadership is important. But while you may think that some people are natural leaders, the truth is that the best leaders must learn their style and approach from somewhere. Piedmont can provide you with the substance and experience to ensure that you become an effective lead educator. No matter if you are looking for a principal’s role at a public high school, or an assistant principal’s position at a small private school, Piedmont will help you achieve your goals.
If you are interested in applying for Piedmont University’s leadership certification program, you must meet certain basic requirements. For instance, you must currently hold the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Applicants must also have passed the GACE assessments in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership and Ethics in Educational Leadership. Individuals must currently hold certification in Tier I Educational Leadership.
Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final college or university transcript
- Three professional references; one each from:
- The Applicant’s Current Principal or Superintendent
- Former instructor
- Professional colleague
- Copy of current educator certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Candidates from independent schools should submit a letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. (Note: candidates not currently certified in Georgia who are seeking certification must contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.)
- Professional Activities Resume
- Personal Affirmation Form
Related Programs
Intrigued by an Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership Certificate? You might also be interested in one of these programs:



Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward becoming an Tier I & Tier II Educational Leadership Certificate student at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in education.