CALIE Certified Educator Program
Become the educator your school, district, or organization needs.
The CALIE Certified Educator program equips educators with the strategic, instructional, and leadership skills to drive meaningful innovation—whether you lead from the classroom or beyond. You’ll develop leadership competencies, apply practical tools, and complete a capstone project that demonstrates your ability to drive meaningful innovation.
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 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.
Investment: $2,000
This includes all program sessions and materials, plus a recognition package valued at over $1000, which includes:
- Spring Conference 2027 registration
- 1-year CALIE membership
- Personalized coaching
- Certified Educator swag
*Payment options are available
2026-2027 Cohort
- Applications Open: March 2026
- Program Runs: August 2026 – March 2027
- Format: Virtual Sessions + Asynchronous Work
- Time Commitment: 10 Hours Per Month (less in Nov. and Dec.)
- Optional: 4.0 graduate level extension credits in semester hours, additional cost paid directly to the university
- Cohort Size: Limited to 50 Participants
The CALIE Certified Educator Program is designed for educators who are ready to lead — not someday, but now. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your leadership path or deepen your impact where you already work, this program builds a foundation that connects directly to the real challenges educators face in practice today.
You’ll gain strategic, coaching, and systems skills supported by personalized mentorship from experienced education leaders. Alongside a cohort of peers who push your thinking, you’ll tap into a statewide network of educators innovating across roles and regions, all through a structured yet manageable schedule designed to enhance your work, not overwhelm it.
Upon completion, you’ll earn a CALIE Certified Educator badge and digital credential that distinguishes you statewide and opens doors to CALIE-led projects, speaker rosters, and initiatives where your leadership can make a broader impact.
Build the skills and confidence to drive real change — in your classroom, on your campus, and beyond.
Who It’s For
- Classroom Teachers seeking to enhance or advance a leadership role
- Instructional Coaches and TOSAs
- EdTech and Curriculum Coordinators
- Assessment & Accountability Leads
- Department Chairs and Grade-Level Leads
- Education Specialists
- Aspiring site or district leaders
“This program provides the frameworks, expert insights, and peer support to move from addressing challenges with surface-level solutions to instead, driving systemic change. No matter what role you play in education, you’ll have space to build sustainable solutions rooted in equity and built for lasting impact.”
Lindsay Munoz
CALIE Certified Educator Cohort 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CALIE Certified Educator Program?
The CALIE Certified Educator Program is a cohort-based experience developed by educators, for educators. Through expert-led sessions and peer collaboration, you will advance your leadership skills, increase your knowledge of effective systems change in education, and develop tools to lead meaningful innovation. The program includes personalized coaching, power talks from inspiring education leaders, and live cohort collaboration
Who Should Apply?
This program is for Classroom Teachers looking to grow their leadership skills or move into leadership roles, Instructional Coaches & TOSAs, EdTech & Curriculum Coordinators, Assessment & Accountability Leads, Department Chairs, Education Specialists, and Aspiring Administrators. If you’re ready to lead change from the classroom or beyond, 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 August 2026.
What is the Time Commitment?
The program requires approximately 10 hours per month, including virtual sessions and asynchronous work. During November and December, the time commitment is greatly reduced.
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 a needs assessment, a strategic vision, an implementation roadmap, and evaluation metrics. Your capstone showcases leadership competencies through a real-world innovation project.
What’s Included in the $2000 Fee?
This includes all program sessions and materials, plus a recognition package valued at over $ 1,000, including Spring Conference 2027 registration + 1-year CALIE membership + personalized coaching + recognition package + Certified Educator swag. (payment options available)