M.A. in Teacher Leadership (hybrid)

Choose a content concentration in ESL/Bilingual, Literacy, Gifted Education and Creativity, Inclusive Practices, or Science. The Literacy, ESL, and Special Education pathways may also lead to additional New Jersey certifications, giving you more credentials to advance your career while completing your master’s degree.

Combine teacher leadership with focused training to become eligible for New Jersey principal certification. This is ideal for those who aspire to lead at the school or district level.

The M.A. in teacher leadership is a 36-credit program that most students complete in about two years while continuing to work. The flexible hybrid design combines online coursework with structured in-person sessions to help you balance your career and graduate study.

The program uses a hybrid model. Most classes are delivered online in an asynchronous format, with occasional in-person sessions for collaboration, leadership practice and internship requirements.

Your courses will combine core leadership preparation with classes in your chosen concentration. Core coursework focuses on the skills every school leader needs, including curriculum design and assessment, mentoring and coaching, professional development, school culture and data-driven decision-making. Then, through your concentration (whether principal preparation or a content area such as ESL/Bilingual, Literacy, Science, Inclusive Practices, or Gifted Education and Creativity), you’ll build deeper expertise in the areas most relevant to your career goals. Each semester, leadership growth projects connect your coursework directly to the needs of your school or district.

This program is built for experienced teachers and career changers who want to expand their influence beyond the classroom. You’ll complete leadership growth projects, a portfolio, and a 150-hour clinical internship, preparing you for supervisory and leadership credentials as well as advanced roles in schools and districts.

Graduates earn New Jersey’s Supervisor Certificate and Teacher Leader Endorsement. With the principal concentration, you may also qualify for New Jersey principal certification. Some concentrations, such as ESL, literacy, or special education, can lead to additional credentials.

You’ll meet other professionals through your studies, creating a strong peer network. Faculty provide close mentorship, and Rider’s resources—including advising and career services—help you succeed inside and outside the classroom.

No. Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. View application deadlines and how to apply. 

Yes. Many graduates of Rider’s M.A. in Teacher Leadership continue on to the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program. The master’s program emphasizes the same leadership standards and practice-based learning that shape the Ed.D., so you’ll be well prepared to take the next step. While credits from the M.A. do not transfer directly, the professional portfolio, internship experience and supervisory credentials you earn provide a strong foundation for doctoral study and leadership research.

Please refer to the Office of Financial Aid website for graduate tuition and fees. You may qualify for federal loans, assistantships, or campus employment opportunities through Rider’s Office of Financial Aid. Rider also offers a 20% tuition discount to eligible employees and members of partner organizations, including schools, districts, government agencies, nonprofits, and industry. Check with your employer or union for possible tuition assistance as well.