Degree Overview
Stay in the Classroom. Lead Beyond It.
Batten's online Master of Education in Teacher Leadership is a 30-credit program built for licensed teachers who are passionate about teaching and want to do more of it — better, and with broader impact. The degree doesn't pull you out of the classroom; it deepens your practice and gives you the tools to lead from within it. Core courses require reflective and responsive engagement with your current teaching, grounded in contemporary education research and reform. Aligned to the National Competencies of Teacher Leadership and the Teacher Leader Model Standards, the program prepares educators to become advocates, innovators, and change agents in their school districts and the broader educational community. The program is fully online and designed to be completed in as little as 12 months while you continue teaching full-time.
Applicants must hold a current teaching license or a full-time teaching position in a Pre-K through 12 context. A minimum 2.8 GPA is required. Conditional acceptance is available for applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement — students may enroll in two courses and must earn a B or higher in each to continue.
Course Information
All 10 courses are required. Applicants must hold a current teaching license or full-time Pre-K–12 teaching position prior to enrollment.
Classroom Practice
Research & Advocacy
Leadership
Career Outcomes
Teacher leadership expands an educator's influence beyond their own classroom while remaining rooted in student learning and instructional practice. This program prepares graduates for leadership opportunities that support teaching quality, curriculum development, school improvement, and broader educational impact.
Instructional Coach and Curriculum Leadership
Coursework in instruction, assessment, and research supports leadership roles focused on coaching educators, strengthening instructional practice, and guiding curriculum development across schools and districts.
Department Chair and Team Leadership
Graduates are prepared for collaborative leadership roles involving faculty coordination, curriculum alignment, team development, and instructional planning within school settings.
Administrative Leadership Pathways
The program provides foundational preparation for educators pursuing advancement into administrative and school leadership pathways, including roles with broader organizational and operational responsibilities.
Education Policy and Advocacy
Graduates may also apply their leadership training in education-focused advocacy, policy support, organizational leadership, and community engagement roles beyond the classroom.
Why Batten Online
92%
Successful Graduates
Of our graduates receive job offers or go on to graduate school within one year of graduation.
Free & Rolling
Apply Anytime
Rolling admissions means you can start when you're ready. Our application is free — no fee standing between you and your degree.
Top 6%
Arts & Sciences Designation
Carnegie Classification recognizes Batten among only 6% of higher-education institutions nationwide designated as Arts & Sciences Focus.
Green Colleges
Environmentally Responsible
Selected by The Princeton Review as one of the most environmentally responsible colleges, profiled in the Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition.
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership program at Batten University, students must:
- Complete our online application.
- Provide official academic transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities previously attended. If more than one institution has been attended, the cumulative GPA for all coursework attempted must be 2.8 or higher. In addition, the GPA earned at the institution at which the bachelor's degree was awarded must be 2.8 or higher.
- Have a bachelor's degree in the educational field.
- Be a licensed teacher or have a teaching position.
- Complete an application essay.
Conditional acceptance criteria:
- Students can enter and take two courses without a 2.8 GPA. Students must achieve a B or higher in each course to continue in the program.
- If an applicant does not have a teaching license, a full-time position teaching in a Pre-K–12 context will be required.
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Batten University.
Explore Financial Aid Options