M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership: Lead From the Classroom, Online

Become the teacher leader your school needs. Earn your master's online with the Illinois Teacher Leader Endorsement built in, aligned to the National Teacher Leader Model Standards, for licensed teachers committed to equity.

  • Teacher Leader Endorsement Included
  • 100% Online
  • 33 Graduate Credits
  • CAEP-Accredited

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Why Choose NLU for Teacher Leadership?

Two Credentials
Master's plus the Illinois Teacher Leader Endorsement

Both earned in one 33-credit program, no separate endorsement needed.

Lead, Don't Leave
Stay in the classroom as an instructional leader

Mentor teachers and lead change without moving to the front office.

Standards-Aligned
Built on the National Teacher Leader Model Standards

Data teams, coaching, cultural fluency, and advocacy.

$74,720
Median, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)

Plus leadership stipends on many teacher salary schedules.

Customizable
27-credit core plus 6 credits of electives

Shape the degree around your interests.

Get Started Today

Program at a Glance

How long?
33 SH
27 core plus 6 elective credits
What format?
100% Online
For licensed teachers with a PEL
What endorsement?
Teacher Leader
Illinois Teacher Leader Endorsement included
What salary?
$74,720
Median, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)

What You'll Learn

  • Coach and mentor fellow teachers
  • Lead data teams and school improvement
  • Design and deliver professional development
  • Build family and community partnerships
  • Advocate for students and the profession
  • Earn the Illinois Teacher Leader Endorsement

Full Course List

Foundations
The foundations of leading from the classroom.
Collaboration
Leading change with colleagues and stakeholders.
Data
Leading data teams for school improvement.
Coaching
Developing the teachers around you.
Community
Connecting with families and community.
Culture
Leading for equity and cultural fluency.
Advocacy
Advocating for students and the profession.
Capstone
A three-course capstone leadership project.

Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.

Admissions Requirements

  • A valid, current Illinois Professional Educator License
  • A resume documenting two years of teaching (or a faculty interview)
  • A professional letter of recommendation
  • Online application at nl.edu with official transcripts
  • An advisor helps you select your two elective courses
Request Info
Two Credentials, One Program

A master's degree and the Illinois Teacher Leader Endorsement, both embedded in a single 33-credit program.

Lead Without Leaving

Built for teachers who want to lead professional development and coach colleagues while staying in the classroom.

A Certificate Along the Way

Three core courses also earn NLU's Coaching and Mentoring Certificate, a credential you bank on the path to the M.Ed.

Where Will Your Degree Take You?

$74,720
Median, instructional coordinators (BLS, May 2024)
Instructional Coach
Lead or Team Teacher
Curriculum Specialist
Grade-Level Leader
Department Chair
PD Facilitator

The M.Ed. prepares licensed teachers for formal and informal leadership roles while staying in the classroom: instructional coach, lead teacher, team or grade-level leader, curriculum specialist, department chair, and professional development facilitator. The Illinois Teacher Leader Endorsement signals specialized competency in coaching and data-driven instruction.

Instructional coordinators earn a median salary of $74,720 with about 21,900 openings a year (BLS, May 2024), and many teacher leaders earn leadership stipends on their salary schedules. The M.Ed. also positions you for the Ed.S. and Ed.D.

Get Started Now

How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Request Information

    Submit the form above. An NLU enrollment advisor will reach out within one business day.

  2. Connect With an Advisor

    Your advisor verifies your PEL and teaching experience and helps you choose your two elective courses.

  3. Apply and Start Classes

    Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee, transcripts, a resume, and a letter of recommendation. Next start: September 21, 2026.

Get Started

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path to teacher leadership.

Take the First Step
  • Teacher Leader Endorsement Included
  • 100% Online
  • 33 Graduate Credits
  • CAEP-Accredited

*Salary and openings: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators (SOC 25-9031), May 2024.

**Curriculum, endorsement, and accreditation: SmartCatalog and National Louis University M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership (nl.edu and nl.smartcatalogiq.com); aligned to the National Teacher Leader Model Standards. NCE is CAEP-accredited.