Georgia Alternative Preparation for Educational Leadership programs offer job embedded pathways for candidates seeking Tier I or Tier II Leadership certification. Designed for educators who are looking for a certification-only (non-degree) pathway, these programs instruct, guide, and support employed leaders helping them build the confidence, skills, and presence needed to lead.

Candidates seeking Tier I Certification must hold entry-level leadership positions, which include P-12 school level positions below the principal and system level positions that do not supervise principals. Individuals admitted to an alternative preparation program at the Tier I level must be recommended for admission by a local Unit of Administration (LUA) or employer who must verify employment and provide an assurance that the candidate will be available one-half day or more each day to work in a leadership position. Non-educators seeking admission must provide documentation of five or more years of successful leadership experience, references, evidence of successful engagement of employees in professional development opportunities, and they must pass an EPP-developed assessment of dispositions. In addition to these requirements, educators seeking admission must also provide evidence of successful teaching and teacher leadership experience. Alternative preparation program candidates must hold a Master’s degree or higher and pass the Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment prior to beginning coursework.

Candidates seeking Tier II Certification must hold advanced leadership positions, which include P-12 school level principals or the equivalent, superintendents, or other LUA staff who supervise principals. In addition to employment in a leadership position, admission to an alternative preparation Tier II program requires a recommendation of the LUA/employer along with an assurance of support for the candidate, a level 5 or higher Standard Professional Educational Leadership Tier I certificate or a Standard Professional L certificate in Educational Leadership Tier II based on completion of a non-performance-based program, and references documenting successful performance in a leadership position.

Approved Providers for Educational Leadership

The Alternative Preparation for Educational Leadership Providers are approved by GaPSC to offer both Tier I and Tier II programs to eligible candidates who meet established admission requirements for these programs.