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Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Have a Meaningful Impact on Future Generations

Inspire students to reach their full potential, provide leadership in educational settings and fulfill your passion for life-long learning with programs in Eastern Kentucky University’s Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership.

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Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership Degrees & Certificates

Undergraduate Programs

graduate Programs

MINORS

Students seeking certification to teach in grades 5-12, 8-12, and P-12 complete academic majors in EKU colleges outside of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. Teacher preparation courses are taken in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences. Students are guided by academic advisors in the department of their major and education advisors in the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences.

Why Study Teaching & Educational Leadership?

Make a difference in the lives of children and your community. Teachers and school administrators play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. Enjoy a fulfilling career that is in high demand. Teachers in the United States rate their lives better than all other occupation groups, trailing only physicians. Additional education provides already certified teachers the opportunity to expand their knowledge, increase their rank and salary, and advance their career.

Option 9 is a pathway for paraeducators in Kentucky to become certified teachers. This expedited route to certification results in a bachelor’s degree and initial Elementary Education certification in 3 school years. Experienced teachers provide coaching and mentoring to the candidates to help facilitate learning.

Option 9 candidates must be employed in a classroom position while completing coursework. This route does not allow the candidate to serve as a teacher while enrolled. Initial certification is granted after the candidate completes their bachelor’s degree and certification assessments.

Please check with your school district to see if Option 9 is a possibility where you work.

EKU offers active Kentucky teachers a discounted tuition rate for select programs in appreciation of their dedicated service.

The following programs are eligible for the discounted tuition rate:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching
  • Master of Arts in Education
  • Education Specialist
  • Teaching Endorsements
  • Additional Teaching Certifications

Model Laboratory School at Eastern Kentucky University provides a world-class P-12 education. Model is the only educational laboratory school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It functions as an integral part of EKU allowing graduate and undergraduate students a place for observation, practicum, and other research initiatives.

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News & Updates

EKU Continues Addressing Teacher Shortage With Option 9 Competency-Based Education Courses for Elementary Education Certification

With the state’s on-going teacher shortage, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers innovative approaches to place educators in classrooms across the state. The Kentucky Department of Education’s School Report Card notes a nearly 25% teacher turnover rate for the 2022-23 school year. To help address the shortage, EKU became the first public university in the state to announce […]

Provost’s Faculty Internship Program Welcomes New Cohort

The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Provost’s Faculty Internship Program develops leadership skills and complements leadership endeavors among faculty by supporting individual development while assisting university-wide academic initiatives. Established by EKU Provost Sara Zeigler and Assistant Provost Russell Carpenter in 2022, the program offers complete mentoring and learning opportunities, collaboration with colleagues in academic and administrative […]

EKU Climbs the Ranks for Best Public Affairs Program

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has climbed the ranks in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Graduate School rankings, particularly in the category of Best Public Affairs Programs,  where it advanced 10 spots, among other program rankings.  “EKU is making a name for itself on the national stage,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our rankings […]

Contact Information

Department of Teaching, Learning & Educational Leadership

Combs Building
Room 427

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

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