Teacher Leadership, Mentoring & Professional Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Designed For

Designed for current Austin-area teachers, this program is ideal for educators who want to expand their impact beyond the classroom. It is especially suited for those interested in mentoring preservice teachers and contributing to teacher preparation and development.

Career Objective

Graduates will be prepared to take on leadership roles that focus on mentoring, coaching and professional development within schools and districts. The program supports career pathways that strengthen instructional leadership and influence teacher growth at multiple levels.

Admissions are paused this year for TLMPD. Please check back in Fall 2027 for updated information.

At a Glance

Program Starts: Fall

Deadline to Apply:
December 15

Length of Program: 12 months

Schedule: Flexible

Program Location: On campus

GRE Required? No

Lead the Future of Teaching Through Mentorship and Innovation

The Teacher Leadership, Mentoring and Professional Development (TLMPD) program is designed to empower educators with the skills and knowledge to guide the next generation of teachers. Participants work directly with preservice teachers, gaining valuable hands-on experience while building meaningful connections within the teacher preparation program.

The program combines rigorous coursework in language and literacy studies, teacher leadership and practitioner research to develop well-rounded educational leaders. In addition to core coursework, students can tailor their experience to meet their specific interests in other areas of our department, including:

STEM Education
Social Studies Education
Cultural Studies
Early Childhood Education
Learning Technology
Bilingual/Bicultural Education
English as a Second Language

This flexibility allows educators to align their studies with their professional interests and the evolving needs of their communities.

Program Area Coordinator, Advisor
Melissa Wetzel

Program Co-coordinator
Denise Dávila

Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn

Program Details

Application Requirements

Sample Curriculum

Faculty

Questions?

Additional Information

Application Requirements

Criteria

We are seeking classroom teachers who meet the following criteria:

Are committed to improving your own classroom practices
Have a minimum of three years classroom teaching experience
Are currently teaching grades K through 5 and intend to continue teaching in one of these grades for the 2026-2027 academic year
Are currently teaching within approximately 15 miles of UT Austin at a campus that serves communities with 20% or more English Language Learners
Can host an intern/student teacher during the 2026-2027 academic year
Have the support of the school principal to participate in the program
Are committed to developing mentoring skills

Process

Complete formal application process by December 31.

Specify interest in this program by including Teacher Mentoring, Leadership & Professional Development Masters in your application. If you do not you will not be considered for this program.

In addition to the letters of recommendation required by the department, you also are required to have a letter of support from your school principal.

All applications will be considered on a competitive basis.

Sample Curriculum

Total: 36 Credit Hours