CALIE Certified Educator Program

The CALIE Certified Educator Program is a 5-month cohort experience for teachers and leaders ready to build strategic, instructional, and systems skills. You’ll develop leadership competencies, apply practical tools, and complete a capstone project that demonstrates your ability to drive meaningful innovation. This program supports you whether you’re leading from the classroom or the district office.

The 2025-26 cohort is sold out and currently in progress.
Registration for the 2026-27 cohort opens in March 2026.

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About the Program

Through collaborative learning, expert mentorship, and a capstone project, you’ll build leadership competencies and gain practical experience for your next leadership role. The program blends monthly virtual sessions with asynchronous work so you can apply what you learn immediately.

Your capstone project is a documented innovation plan or leadership initiative that demonstrates your ability to lead change in your context.

Pricing: $1500 includes 1 year CALIE membership, free Spring CUE 2026 registration, and a recognition package valued at over $600, including Certified Educator swag!

This program focuses on broad instructional leadership and innovation. For AI-specific leadership, see the AI Leadership Academy.

Get notified when the next cohort opens

2026-2027 Cohort

  • Applications Open: March 2026
  • Program Runs: Fall 2026 – March 2027
  • Duration: 5 Months
  • Format: Virtual Sessions + Asynchronous Work
  • Time Commitment: 10 Hours Per Month
  • Optional: Earn 4 Education Units from the University of San Diego *Additional fees apply
  • Cohort Size: Limited to 50 Participants
Conference attendees sit with laptops open, following along with a speaker’s presentation projected on a large screen at the front of the room.
Educators gathered for a collaborative session at a conference, actively listening and taking notes on laptops in a modern learning space.

Program Structure

This program is for educators ready to take on leadership roles in their schools or districts:

  • Month 1: Leadership foundations and personal vision
  • Month 2: Instructional innovation and strategic planning
  • Month 3: Systems thinking and organizational change
  • Month 4: Mentorship, coaching, and professional learning
  • Month 5: Capstone presentations and certification

If you’re ready to lead change—from the classroom or the central office—this program is for you.

Who It’s For

  • Instructional Coaches and TOSAs
  • EdTech and Curriculum Coordinators
  • Assessment & Accountability Leads
  • Department Chairs and Grade-Level Leads
  • Education Specialists
  • Aspiring site or district leaders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CALIE Certified Educator Program?

The CALIE Certified Educator Program is a five-month, cohort-based experience designed by educators, for educators. The program equips teachers and administrators with the strategic, instructional, and leadership skills to drive meaningful innovation, whether you lead from the classroom or the district office.

Who Should Apply?

This program is for Instructional Coaches, TOSAs, EdTech and Curriculum Coordinators, Assessment Leads, Department Chairs, Education Specialists, and Aspiring Administrators. If you’re ready to lead change from the classroom or the central office, this program is for you.

When Does the Next Cohort Start?

Applications for the 2026-27 cohort open in March 2026. The program will begin in Fall 2026.

What is the Time Commitment?

The program requires approximately 10 hours per month, including virtual sessions and asynchronous work.

What Will I Create During the Program?

You’ll develop a Capstone Innovation Initiative that demonstrates your ability to lead meaningful change in your educational context. This documented plan includes needs assessment, strategic vision, implementation roadmap, and evaluation metrics. Your capstone showcases leadership competencies through a real-world innovation project.

What’s Included in the $1500 Fee?

The fee includes 5 months of high-impact leadership learning, personalized mentoring and coaching, CALIE Certified Educator badge and digital credential, eligibility to earn University Professional Development Units, custom resource toolkit, exclusive CALIE swag, free registration to Spring CUE, and 1-year CALIE membership. The recognition package is valued at over $600.

Step Into Your Next Chapter of Leadership

Registration for the 2026-2027 cohort will open in March.

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