Program overview

Rider’s M.A. in Teacher Leadership is designed for accomplished educators who are committed to teaching excellence and want to be catalysts of change and collaboration in their schools. This leadership program combines the best of face-to-face learning with the convenience of online learning. Its innovative design gives participants the flexibility they need to balance work and family demands while advancing their skills as teacher leaders.

Rider University has proudly offered a program in teacher leadership well in advance of the New Jersey endorsement availability. With several years of experience with this program, Rider is well-positioned to provide candidates with the necessary skills for leading and supporting teachers in the important work of student learning.

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Be a catalyst for change

Rider University’s Teacher Leadership graduates will enhance their careers with many skills and be prepared to be catalysts for change in the workplace. The tools gained from the program will support educators for instructional coaching, supervision, professional growth and leading a variety of school and/or district improvement efforts.

Skills include:

  • Lead both inside and outside of their classroom
  • Coach and mentor new teachers
  • Observe and provide constructive feedback to teachers at all stages of their careers
  • Assist in implementing existing and evolving teacher evaluation systems
  • Coordinate efforts to design, develop, implement and evaluate curriculum
  • Make decisions based on analysis of data
  • Assess performance to improve and initiate collaborative plans for curriculum, instruction and professional growth
  • Plan and implement programmatic changes to enhance student achievement
Teacher Leadership students in classroom
One of the most unique aspects of what Rider offered compared to other colleges was the hybrid program. Classes on Saturday once a month are very doable and allow me to make personal connections and friendships with my classmates.
Yuliya Tsypenyuk
pursuing a master’s in Rider’s teacher leadership program

Core content concentrations

Enhance your content knowledge and ability to deliver instruction in a common core curriculum area of specialization with a teacher leadership concentration.

Concentration options

  • English as a Second Language/Bilingual Concentration
  • Inclusive Practices in Education Concentration
  • Math Concentration
  • Principal Concentration
  • Science Concentration
  • Literacy Concentration
  • Gifted Education and Creativity Concentration
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Education building with flowers in front of it.

Program requirements

Teachers who complete the full 36-credit master’s degree will acquire both content knowledge and the skills needed to be effective teacher leaders in their schools and school districts. The full master’s degree program includes both the 21-credit teacher leadership core and the 15-credit core content disciplines. Students who complete the teacher leadership core, which includes a 120-hour internship, will be eligible to receive the state endorsement for teacher leadership. Students who complete the master’s degree track are eligible to apply for New Jersey supervisor certification. Students who complete the principal concentration will be eligible to apply for principal certification.

A Teacher Leadership Professional Development Certificate is also available.

Tuition benefits for state employees

Rider University is proud to partner with The State of New Jersey and give back to educators by offering a tuition discount and additional benefits to eligible employees, as well as their immediate family members under the age of 24, for undergraduate or graduate study. Other partners include Lawrence Township Public Schools, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District and Ewing Public Schools.  

Rider education student

Accelerate your master's degree

Our undergraduate accelerated option makes it possible to earn both your bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in less time. Rider students pursuing the accelerated option work closely with an academic advisor to develop a personal education plan for completing their degrees. Contact your faculty advisor to learn more about this accelerated learning opportunity.

Contact

Bonnie Lehet

Assistant Professor, Director Teacher Leadership/Principal Leadership

Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling

blehet [at] rider.edu

609-896-7750

Academic Focus: Educational Leadership

Education building with flowers in front of it.