Grow your skills in managing school improvement issues, enhancing teacher performance and using data-driven decision making to improve student success.

The purpose of the graduate certificate in Leadership and Learning is to provide advanced training in curriculum, assessment and pedagogy. This program will help PK-12 teachers gain additional knowledge and skills in school improvement issues, enhancing teacher performance in addressing student needs and the use of data-driven decision making.

Quick Facts

Tuition
Online: $4,611/yr*
Duration
1 year
Credit Hours
12

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

Online $4,611/yr*

Based on 12 credit hours over 1 year.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have

Median Annual Wage $65,120
Wage Range $49,350 – $103,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Tutors

Instruct individual students or small groups of students in academic subjects to support formal class instruction or to prepare students for standardized or admissions tests.

Median Annual Wage $43,350
Wage Range $29,430 – $75,990
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Some college, no degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Instructional Coordinators

Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula

Median Annual Wage $77,440
Wage Range $47,980 – $121,670
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Learning Strategies
  • Instructing
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have vis

Median Annual Wage $64,830
Wage Range $45,620 – $130,040
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visua

Median Annual Wage $65,120
Wage Range $49,350 – $103,010
Projected Growth Below Average

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have v

Median Annual Wage $74,260
Wage Range $49,800 – $109,100
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate
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