Instructional Coaching, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

Become a Mentor and Leader With Your Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching

Are you ready to serve as a mentor for teachers and administrators throughout their professional development?

Earn your Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching online from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Choose to complete the program in as little as two semesters, or up to four semesters. Our practical and flexible certificate program will equip you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective instructional coach and leader in your school.

Our graduate certificate program prioritizes real-world application, expert instruction and professional networking, making it a valuable option for those seeking to advance their careers in education. You will develop the instructional coaching skills needed to help teachers improve instruction, design quality curriculum, effectively use data to guide instruction and determine areas for development.

Program Contact

  • Delivery
    Online
  • Credits
    12 Credit Hours
  • Admits
    Spring & Fall

You can choose to complete our graduate certificate program full time or part time. Prerequisites include:

  • An undergraduate degree in education or closely related field from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • You must be a teacher of record with at least three years of K–12 instructional experience, or a current administrator or instructional coach, facilitator or specialist
  • A clear criminal background check will be necessary to work in schools

What Our Students Say

The Instructional Coaching program at UNC Charlotte has significantly enriched my educational journey, and its value is truly immeasurable. From the beginning, it was clear that the instructors were knowledgeable and deeply committed to our learning. They guided me through complex concepts and supported me as I explored real-world applications. Their guidance and support were truly invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for their dedication.

One aspect of the program that I truly cherished was the flexibility of its entirely online format. Despite the physical distance, I never felt isolated from my cohort or instructors. Through interactive discussions, collaborative projects, and virtual meetings, I was able to form meaningful connections with fellow students.

The UNC Charlotte Instructional Coaching program exceeded my expectations in every regard. It provided me with a thorough education, a supportive community, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m truly grateful for the experience, and I’m confident it has provided a strong foundation for my professional growth and success.

– Stephanie Stamey Jacobs

Learn more about our Instructional Coaching program and the admissions process in our virtual information session.

Courses

There are four courses in the program:

  • Principles of Coaching I
  • Coaching for an Equitable Learning Environment
  • Principles of Coaching II
  • Application of Coaching Principles

Each 8-week course is fully online. Participants need access to teachers that they can work with to develop their coaching practice.

Admissions

Here’s what you need to apply for this program:

  • Undergraduate degree in education or closely related field from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • Three years of successful teaching experience or other professional education experience
  • Two letters of reference from current or past supervisors (must include principal) that document leadership and/or administrative experiences and potential for success as an instructional coach
  • Personal statement of purpose
  • Resume
Application

Application Deadlines:

  • December 1 (spring)
  • August 1 (fall)
Outlook

What Can You Do With Your Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching?

Students who complete our Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching go on to work for educational school districts and educational providers, including:

  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Union County Public Schools
  • Cabarrus County Schools
  • Pearson Education
  • Wake County Public Schools

Many instructional coaches take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom and move into school or district instructional leadership roles.

Our certificate earners have job titles such as:

  • Instructional coach
  • Post-secondary and secondary school teacher
  • Instructional designer
  • Principal or assistant principal
  • STEM coordinator
Why UNC Charlotte?

Why Earn Your Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching Online From UNC Charlotte?

Choosing UNC Charlotte’s online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching offers you many advantages, including:

Learn from faculty experts. Courses are taught by faculty from the Cato College of Education, including Dr. Drew Polly, whose work explores how teacher education and professional development programs can most effectively support teachers’ efforts to integrate technology and learner-centered tasks into their classroom.

Earn your certificate in just two semesters. Our professional studies classes are asynchronous, meaning there are no set times to meet for class. Complete your coursework around your schedule.

Gain real-world skills through field experiences. Learn to expertly analyze student work, facilitate coaching opportunities and reflect on your practice in instructional coaching. You will individually coach a full-time classroom teacher in your school, as well as support grade-level teachers through professional development workshops and professional learning community/planning meetings.

Tuition

Please note: Rates are subject to change.

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

More information regarding tuition and fees »


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