Teacher Leader Institutes Frequently Asked Questions

What does it take to earn the TLI Certificate of International Teacher Leadership?
Participants must complete all four core teacher leader courses to complete the Certificate of International School Teacher Leadership. Click here for more information. All courses must be completed within five years.

What is the difference between the TLI and the PTC curriculum courses?
The TLI coursework provides teachers with a leadership lens. Teacher leaders will learn skills to facilitate learning centered meetings, lead their teams in the development and enhancement of the written curriculum, facilitate team conversations, use student data to make instructional decisions, and effectively mentor and supervise peers with the goal of improving teaching and learning in their respective subject area or grade level. The PTC coursework continues to build on the skill set of the Teacher Leader Institute courses by exploring all of these concepts at a systems level. School leaders and aspiring school leaders will develop skill sets around systems level thinking and policy development and revision when it comes to curriculum and assessment by understanding how to analyze the current status of the curriculum and then how to establish systems to best implement and monitor the curriculum. Participants will also learn skills for leading change, continuous improvement efforts, and building effective teams.

Can I take one course or do I have to be part of the certificate program?
You are welcome to engage in our learning experience in any way that best supports your own professional growth. You can take any of our courses without working towards a certificate.

What if I don’t finish my asynchronous course within the scheduled dates for the course?
If you don’t complete the course within the scheduled dates you will not be able to earn your certificate of completion for the course and as a result the course will need to be retaken if you are working towards your Certificate of International School Teacher Leadership. You will still be able to access all materials on our learning platform for three months after the course closes.

What type of background or degree is required to attend TLI courses? Do you accept people with degrees and work in fields other than education?
The TLI is dedicated professional development for those who are currently teacher leaders, aspiring teacher leaders, those teaching or those who are about to teach in international schools. We do not have a specific program for those who are not yet in teaching. All TLI courses are oriented to the international school setting and you would need to feel comfortable with that orientation in each course.

I teach in public (state) school system (or I’m retired from public (state) school system); I am interested in teaching abroad. Do I qualify for one of your courses?
Our TLI courses are geared towards those who are already working in international schools or who are about to enter their first job in one. Occasionally we have had a teacher from the US or some other country who has only worked in their own national system. So, yes, you could potentially come, although we do give priority to our member schools as well as those already in an international setting.

Are TLI courses for teachers only? Can principals participate as well?
Yes, our courses are open to teachers and principals. We often have principals participate with their teacher leader teams as a way to support and learn with them. Depending on your needs, please check both the PTC course descriptions and TLI course descriptions.

Do you offer any tuition discounts for the courses?
The TLI offers a unique discount to participants from schools who are members of the Principals Training Center (PTC).  Contact your school to inquire on their membership status, or check our list of current members.  

Are there special support plans for schools that want to train all of their teacher leaders at the same time?
Yes! Please contact Sue Easton, our Director of Programs for more information, at seaston@theptc.org.