Learning, Equity, Action and Design (LEAD)
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Designed For
Built for educators who want to make a difference, the LEAD Stackable Certificate empowers K–12 teachers, school leaders and community educators to strengthen technology integration and champion equity in digital learning. This online, flexible, research‑based program helps you turn innovative ideas into inclusive classroom practice.
Career Objective
The program supports those looking to enhance their instructional practice, lead digital initiatives, or expand into equity‑oriented technology integration roles. Educators leave the program as technology‑savvy teacher leaders prepared to advocate for equitable access and meaningful digital learning in classrooms, schools, districts and community environments.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall, Spring, Summer
Deadline to Apply:
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 1
Fall Semester: July 1
Length of Program: 12 months
Program Location: Online
GRE Required? No
Lead the Future of Digital Learning and Equity
Developed by the Learning Technologies faculty in the College of Education, the Learning, Equity, Action and Design (LEAD) Stackable Certificate addresses a critical national need for teachers who can integrate technology thoughtfully and advocate for digital equity in K–12 education.
LEAD equips educators with research‑informed strategies to transform curriculum, design creative learning experiences and expand digital proficiency for both teachers and students. The program also emphasizes human‑centered, justice‑oriented approaches to teaching and learning, empowering participants to put equity into practice through real‑world projects and community‑connected action.
Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree may apply courses toward a UT Austin master’s program once they are admitted.
Important Note: LEAD courses will not be offered in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026.
LEAD Program Coordinator
Jason Rosenblum, Assistant Professor of Instruction
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Overview
Application Requirements
Graduate Students Currently Enrolled at UT Austin
Applicants currently enrolled at UT Austin must submit a completed application that includes a professional statement and a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
Applicants are expected to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a demonstrated interest in digital literacy, technology integration, K–12 education and equity. Applications with lower GPAs will be considered. If you believe your GPA or test scores do not accurately reflect your academic ability, please explain your circumstances in a follow-up email.
Professional Statement
Your professional statement should be no more than 1,000 words and include your name at the top. Please address the following:
- Your experience with K–12, college-level, or community education, particularly work with students ages 4–18.
- Your interests in digital literacy, technology integration, K–12 education, humanizing pedagogy and the design of equitable classroom spaces, and how these interests led you to apply for the LEAD Stackable Certificate.
- Your professional goals and how you plan to apply the certificate during or after program completion.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your resume or CV should summarize your academic and professional experience, including positions held, achievements and any awards or publications.
Submission Instructions
- Complete the application.
- Email your professional statement and resume or CV to the C&I Graduate Office.
Application Deadlines
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 1
Fall Semester: July 1
Note: the LEAD Stackable Graduate Certificate accepts rolling admissions. We will review applications as they are submitted.
Application Review
Once all application materials are uploaded and completed, the faculty review process will take approximately two weeks.
Questions?
- Admissions questions: Contact our graduate coordinator.
- Program questions: Contact Jason Rosenblum.
K-12 Teachers and Community Educators Seeking Professional Development
Prospective students seeking professional development must apply to the UT Austin Graduate School as a non-degree seeker. When applying, select the major:
632370 – C&I – LEAD Stackable Graduate Certificate (Non-Degree)
We strongly recommend beginning the application process well in advance of the deadline to allow sufficient time for review and processing.
Eligibility Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent training from a foreign institution
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applications with lower GPAs will be considered if your GPA or test scores do not accurately reflect your academic ability, you may upload a brief explanatory statement.
Transcripts
Official transcripts are required from each college or university attended.
Professional Statement
Your professional statement should be no more than 1,000 words and include your name at the top. Please address the following:
- Your experience in K–12, higher education, or community-based educational settings (working or planning to work with students ages 4–18).
- Your interests in digital literacy, technology integration, K–12 education, humanizing pedagogy and equitable classroom design.
- Your professional goals and how you plan to apply the certificate during or after program completion.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Submit a current resume or CV detailing your academic and professional experience, including relevant positions, achievements, awards and/or publications.
Application Deadlines
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Fall Semester: July 1
Note: The LEAD Stackable Graduate Certificate offers rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed as they are received.
Financial Aid
Admitted students may be eligible for federally guaranteed loans and select private loan options.
Questions?
- Admissions questions: Contact our graduate coordinator.
- Program questions: Contact Jason Rosenblum.
Please review the Graduate School’s Guidelines before applying.
Course Descriptions
LEAD courses encourage educators to reimagine instruction at the lesson, unit, classroom, content or school level while developing the skills to lead and inspire change across educational systems and take meaningful action within and beyond the classroom.
Humanizing Pedagogy & Technology Integration
This course engages teachers in theoretical foundations and research-informed applied practices in today’s K-12 classrooms. Through real-world projects, educators will acquire the tools to transform curriculum using technology integration and connected learning strategies. Educators will explore teaching and classroom solutions that promote equity and human-centered pedagogy.
Humanizing Pedagogy & Online Teaching Models for K-12 Education
This course equips K-12 educators with models for designing online teaching and learning that balance cognitive, instructional and social approaches to improve the classroom experience. Students will engage in theoretical models that drive high-impact digital learning while examining research-driven and equity-based technology integration models. Educators will be challenged to apply theoretical frameworks in designing authentic and inclusive online educational settings.
Technology Designs for Digital Justice
In today’s educational landscape, it is imperative for K-12 educators to design culturally responsive curricula to transform the learning experience and advance equity. This course explores theoretical foundations of digital justice and promotes
community-connected digital learning design for use inside and outside the classroom. Educators will be challenged to apply a design justice lens in developing instructional technologies to reach students where they are and expand inclusive learning environments.
Technology Innovation for Digital Justice
The effective use of appropriate technologies can result in transformative and equitable learning with the correct application of technology integration practices in real-world practices. In this course, educators will become “Connected Educators” by engaging in Communities of Practice (CoPs) aligned with their professional interests. They apply Design Justice and Design Thinking strategies to create equity-focused technology innovations. The course will culminate in the development of a technology application designed to promote equity in the classroom. A prior background in digital equity perspectives is required for this course. (View prerequisites.)
Faculty
Research focuses on school contexts and teacher knowledge and experiences that support the establishment of digital equity for learning in K-12 schools, classrooms, and communities.
Areas of expertise include designing and developing immersive, media-rich environments for learners at all age levels and research the effects of them using mixed-methods; studying the effect of other emerging technologies on learning and motivation;...
instructional technology innovation for learning transformation game-based learning playful learning & enactive role-play augmented / virtual reality for learning instructional systems design online / blended learning environments connected learning ...
Accepting new students
LEAD Student Projects
Grounded in scholarship and shaped by humanizing educational experiences, LEAD Student Projects ignite curiosity, cultivate opportunity and build meaningful relationships among students, teachers and the communities they serve.
