Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree)
Hours: 12 Online
About
The Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University is a fully online credential designed to equip K–12 educators with the skills to support and guide their colleagues. Consisting of four courses totaling 12 credit hours, the certificate provides a solid foundation in adult learning, mentoring strategies, coaching practices, and data-informed instructional guidance.
Participants engage in coursework that combines theory with practical, hands-on professional learning. The certificate curriculum aligns with ISTE Coaching Standards and is regularly updated to reflect current practices in K–12 education.
Why pursue a Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree) empowers K–12 educators with the skills and strategies to assume leadership roles while remaining in the classroom. This fully online certificate offers a flexible and affordable way to enhance professional expertise, making it immediately applicable to real-world school settings.
Participants gain practical coaching skills that enable them to support colleagues and strengthen instructional practices. Courses are regularly updated with input from educational leaders, ensuring students acquire relevant, actionable knowledge aligned with current standards in instructional leadership.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is designed for educators who wish to extend their impact beyond their own classrooms. It is well-suited for professionals aiming to formalize coaching responsibilities or take on leadership roles that directly enhance instructional quality across schools.
- Assistant principals or administrators overseeing professional development
- Educators in school improvement or leadership teams
- Instructional coaches seeking certification
- K–12 teachers serving as mentors or team leads
- Teachers preparing for roles in curriculum or instructional support
Real-World Applications
The certificate focuses on creating immediate value for the educational community through projects that extend far beyond theory. Participants engage in assignments and data-driven discussions designed to influence teaching and learning in real-time. By developing a professional portfolio of coaching logs, reflection tools, and data conversation protocols, educators build a toolkit of practical artifacts. These resources allow participants to demonstrate their impact within a current school role while providing high-level evidence of leadership expertise for future career advancement.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University exposes educators to current coaching practices aligned with ISTE Coaching Standards and emerging trends in digital education. As technology and educational demands evolve, the curriculum is regularly updated to remain relevant and practical.
Educators also learn to analyze and address systemic challenges in education through a coaching perspective. Whether promoting equity in instruction, guiding school-wide change, or supporting digital transformation, they develop the skills to lead effectively through influence.
Practical Activities
The Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree) prioritizes active learning, empowering educators to bridge the gap between theory and practice within their own K–12 environments. Participants engage in field-based activities that mirror the daily responsibilities of a professional coach, such as initiating coaching cycles, co-planning lessons, and facilitating professional learning communities. Educators will gain the confidence to lead school-wide change by modeling evidence-based strategies and conducting peer feedback sessions. With every assignment tailored to their specific professional role, students develop actionable protocols that immediately elevate teacher performance
What You’ll Learn:
- Apply adult learning theory to coaching
- Build collaborative relationships with teachers
- Conduct effective coaching cycles
- Facilitate professional learning in schools
- Model data-informed teaching strategies
How You’ll Learn:
- Applied projects in current school role
- Digital tools and virtual simulations
- Feedback from experienced coaching faculty
- Online courses with flexible scheduling
- Personalized instruction
The certificate comprises four graduate-level courses, totaling 12 credit hours, each carefully designed to build progressively on core concepts in adult learning and instructional coaching. The sequence begins with an exploration of how adults learn and how coaches can facilitate that learning, then advances to the design, structure, and management of effective coaching programs.
MID 808: Facilitating Adult Learning
This course explores effective strategies grounded in Adult Learning Theory, also known as Andragogy. Participants examine how adults learn and adapt, explore the processes of change, and apply best practices for facilitating adult learning in professional settings.
MIC 811: Introduction to Instructional Coaching
This online professional education course is designed for students in the Master’s Program within the Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP). Participants investigate, design, peer review, and field-test research-based instructional units while exploring the role and responsibilities of the instructional coach.
MIC 816: Managing the Coaching Process
In this course, participants will investigate, design, peer review, and field-test research-based instructional units, with a strong emphasis on understanding the role and processes of the instructional coach.
MIT 822: Interactive Digital Learning
This course teaches students to merge digital learning theories with interactive technologies to design engaging, flexible learning environments. Participants will create personalized instructional systems and develop the skills needed to drive digital transformation into modern education.
Educators who complete this certificate are prepared to assume leadership roles within schools and districts. The certificate provides practical tools to support instructional improvement, mentor peers, and enhance student learning outcomes.
Instructional Coach
Instructional coaches partner with teachers to enhance teaching and learning for students. They lead coaching cycles, provide professional development, and offer collaborative, evidence-based support to improve instructional practices.
Instructional Specialist
Instructional specialists support teachers and enhance learning by integrating technology, coaching educators, analyzing data, and ensuring the implementation of effective teaching strategies.
Mentor Teacher
Mentor teachers guide novice or struggling educators by modeling lessons, sharing strategies, and providing reflective feedback. Their work supports teacher development, retention, and overall school improvement.
Admission to the Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree) is open to educators prepared to lead instructional change in schools. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence and have foundational knowledge in education, leadership, or instructional technology.
Master's Degree or Enrollment in Master's Program
Applicants must hold a master’s degree or be actively pursuing one, such as FHSU’s M.S. in Instructional Technology, to ensure they have the academic foundation to succeed in graduate-level coursework.
Professional Experience in Education
Applicants must have relevant experience in a K–12 school setting. Successful instructional coaching requires familiarity with classroom teaching, curriculum design, and systems for supporting teacher growth.
Application through the FHSU Graduate School
Prospective students must complete an online application through the FHSU Graduate School, including the submission of academic transcripts and selection of the certificate. Applicants may also be asked to provide a statement of interest outlining their goals for earning the certificate.
Technology Readiness
As the certificate is offered entirely online, participants must have reliable internet access and be comfortable using digital learning platforms such as Blackboard and Zoom.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,180.60* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related programs
Students interested in the Certificate in Instructional Coaching (Graduate Non-Degree) at FHSU can also explore additional programs that complement and expand their expertise. These programs align with career paths in curriculum development, instructional support, and school leadership.
- Certificate in Instructional Design (Graduate Non-Degree)
- Master of Science in Instructional Technology
Yes. The entire certificate is available online and is designed for full-time educators.
Applicants must hold a master's degree or currently be pursuing one, such as FHSU's M.S. in Instructional Technology.
Yes. All assignments apply directly to your current or anticipated coaching role in a school or district.
Participants qualify for roles such as instructional coach, mentor teacher, curriculum coordinator, or professional learning leader.
The certificate consists of four courses. Students can typically complete these courses within one academic year (two semesters).
Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.
- CAEP Accreditation:
The Department of Advanced Education Programs holds Advanced-Level Accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See the Fort Hays State University CAEP Accredited Provider page for details.
Advanced-Level Accreditation is provided at the post-baccalaureate or graduate levels leading to licensure, certification, or endorsement. Advanced-Level Programs are designed to develop P-12 teachers who have already completed an initial-licensure program, currently licensed administrators, or other certified (or similar state language) school professionals for employment in P-12 schools/districts. CAEP's Advanced-Level accreditation does not include any advanced-level program not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts; any advanced-level non-licensure programs, including those specific to content areas; or educational leadership programs not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts.
- Certificate
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