Designed for principals, instructional coaches and other school leaders, the LEAD-R Certificate program deepens your understanding of reading instruction so you can lead literacy efforts with confidence. This online certificate program at the University of Houston focuses on the Science of Teaching Reading and evidence-based approaches to support effective literacy instruction across your campus. 

At a Glance

• Format: 100% online
• Completion time: Typically, one year
• Semester start: Fall or Spring
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field (teaching/school leadership experience preferred)
• GRE: Not required

Program Overview  

The LEAD-R Certificate program — Leadership in Evidence-based Approaches for Developing Readers — empowers school leaders to shape literacy initiatives grounded in research. Participants study the Science of Teaching Reading (STR), evidence-based reading instruction across grade levels, and special education services to support student success in literacy. 
 
Participants also build leadership capacity with coursework on collaboration, coaching and consultation with teachers, families and other educators. 
 
Together, the courses help school leaders make informed decisions about literacy instruction, promote effective teaching practices and strengthen reading support services for students.

What You’ll Learn 

In this certificate program, you’ll focus on what school leaders need to know to support literacy instruction. Participants learn to:

• Apply research-based practices in reading instruction
• Support literacy development in middle and secondary grades
• Oversee effective reading and special education services
• Coach educators and collaborate with families and community partners 

Career Pathways

The LEAD-R Certificate is well suited for principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches, team leads and other educators who support literacy at the campus or district level. It addition, it’s a strong fit for aspiring school leaders seeking to develop reading expertise.

The certificate also can help move you closer to a graduate degree — up to nine hours of completed coursework may be used toward a master’s or doctoral degree in the UH College of Education. 

Coursework

This certificate requires the following  five courses — all offered online:

• ELED 7320: Foundations of Literacy Instruction
• SEDE 7340: Reading in Middle and Secondary Schools 
• SPEC 6367: Special Education for School Leaders
• SPEC 7343: Reading Development from Science to Practice
• SPEC 7391: Strategies for Collaboration, Coaching, and Consultation 

Costs & Financial Support

To estimate tuition and fees, use the UH tuition calculator (select 9 hours for typical enrollment). Plus, explore opportunities for funding your graduate certificate program. 

Admission Questions

For questions about the application process, please contact the UH College of Education’s Graduate Student Success Team at coeinfo@uh.edu.