You are a world-class teacher. You have perfectly organized and engaging lessons, your curriculum meets the needs of all students, and your positive attitude helps students reach their full potential. But maybe you’re ready for more. Maybe you’re ready to pursue one of the cheapest online educational leadership programs to become an instructional coordinator, a mentor for other teachers, or an expert in the art and science of teaching.
With a master’s in teacher leadership online, you can advance your career and become a stronger asset for schools and students. In this ranking, you’ll find 75 programs from 70 schools. With various concentrations and a large price range, it’s essential to do your homework and find the best program for your needs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$16,600
Least Expensive Nationwide: Buena Vista University ~$8,160
Our data-driven research creates a reliable system of scientific rankings for the top master’s in teacher leadership online. There are no fancy formulas here; we meticulously calculate total full-time tuition, including any fees, so you can see the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online programs. Degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average!
Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Buena Vista University | (IA) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
2 | Midway University | (KY) | $9,300.00 | All Students |
3 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
5 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $9,850.00 $8,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
6 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $9,856.00 $18,752.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Morningside College | (IA) | $10,540.00 | All Students |
8 | Northwestern College Iowa | (IA) | $10,800.00 | All Students |
9 | James Madison University | (VA) | $11,220.00 $11,820.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Union Commonwealth University | (KY) | $11,470.00 | All Students |
11 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,595.00 | All Students |
12 | Lamar University | (TX) | $11,664.00 | All Students |
13 | Southwest Baptist University | (MO) | $11,700.00 | All Students |
14 | Campbellsville University | (KY) | $11,760.00 | All Students |
15 | Dordt University | (IA) | $11,900.00 | All Students |
16 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $12,000.00 | All Students |
17 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $12,058.00 | All Students |
18 | Texas A & M International University | (TX) | $12,111.00 $33,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Drury University | (MO) | $12,225.00 | All Students |
20 | Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $12,480.00 | All Students |
21 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $12,722.00 $12,758.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $12,810.00 $18,030.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Wayne State College | (NE) | $12,924.00 | All Students |
24 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $12,960.00 $20,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
26 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Alabama A & M University | (AL) | $14,120.00 $26,660.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $14,444.00 | All Students |
29 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $14,760.00 | All Students |
30 | Virginia Wesleyan University | (VA) | $14,970.00 | All Students |
31 | The University of Texas at Tyler | (TX) | $15,085.00 $29,545.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Mary Baldwin University | (VA) | $15,150.00 | All Students |
33 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $15,360.00 | All Students |
34 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $15,701.00 | All Students |
35 | Clemson University | (SC) | $15,982.00 | All Students |
36 | Southern Wesleyan University Master of Education in Classroom Leadership 14 | (SC) | $16,200.00 | All Students |
37 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $16,242.00 | All Students |
38 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $16,425.00 | All Students |
39 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $16,560.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students | |
University of Kentucky | (KY) | $17,325.00 | All Students | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $17,430.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tennessee State University | (TN) | $17,589.00 $25,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $18,075.00 | All Students | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $18,210.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $18,556.00 | All Students | |
Union University | (TN) | $18,600.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Texas | (TX) | $18,640.00 | All Students | |
University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Park University | (MO) | $19,145.00 | All Students | |
Schreiner University | (TX) | $19,212.00 | All Students | |
Western Colorado University | (CO) | $19,343.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $19,798.00 | All Students | |
University of Bridgeport | (CT) | $19,800.00 | All Students | |
LeTourneau University | (TX) | $20,150.00 | All Students | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $21,245.00 | All Students | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $21,640.00 | All Students | |
Wright State University | (OH) | $21,780.00 $37,125.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Rowan University | (NJ) | $21,935.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $21,988.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $22,406.00 | All Students | |
Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $22,722.00 $17,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Delaware | (DE) | $23,240.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $23,305.00 | All Students | |
San Diego State University | (CA) | $24,020.00 $35,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $25,020.00 | All Students | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $26,625.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $30,210.00 | All Students | |
University of the Incarnate Word | (TX) | $39,690.00 $9,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in teacher leadership online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited master’s in teacher leadership online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the master’s in teacher leadership online programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire affordable masters in teacher leadership online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s in teacher leadership online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online educational leadership programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest master’s in teacher leadership online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Should I Get a Degree in Teacher Leadership?
An affordable online educational leadership program can boost your career, increasing your earning potential while allowing you to enjoy a rewarding profession. Here are a few reasons why people enroll in an affordable masters in teacher leadership online:
- Get a degree while remaining in the classroom: Teaching is a difficult profession that requires a lot of time and energy. With these online programs, you can complete a master’s degree in teacher leadership on your own schedule, making further education far more accessible.
- Increase your earning potential: The more education you have, the higher your earning potential. Some states reward teachers with more education. For example, a Kentucky Rank I teacher, which requires a master’s degree, has a salary that is roughly $15,000 more than a Rank III teacher, which only requires a bachelor’s.
There are numerous benefits, but before you enroll you should understand the time commitment, various classes, costs, and more. Fortunately, we have all that information conveniently organized right here!
What Is the Cost for the Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Programs?
Virtually all students need to consider the costs of these programs. Whether you have a large budget and dozens of scholarships or a small amount with little financial support, you should understand the total costs and find an affordable online master’s in teacher leadership that fits your needs.
The average cost for a master’s in teacher leadership online is $16,600, which is fairly affordable when we consider the cost for some of the highest-priced degrees. Assuming a two-year track, the average per-year cost is roughly $8,300. With scholarships and other forms of financial support, most people should be able to afford one of these degrees.
If cost is a major concern, there are plenty of affordable master’s in teacher leadership online programs. The cheapest master’s in teacher leadership online in this database is the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, & Instruction from Buena Vista University. This program has a total estimated cost of $8,160, which means two-year students only need about $4,080 per year for this program. Best of all, this low price is available to in-state (Iowa) and out-of-state students, making this a great option for all teachers.
If this program doesn’t meet your needs, there are six programs priced below $10,000 and 31 programs priced below $15,000.
The most expensive program is the Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from University of the Incarnate Word. This program costs over $39,690; it’s roughly $9,000 more expensive than the second-priciest program, which comes from Penn State University.
With prices ranging from just over $8,000 to nearly $40,000, aspiring students should do their research to find an online educational leadership program that meets their needs.
Top Three Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Programs
#1. Buena Vista University – Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, & Instruction
With one low tuition rate nationwide and five tracks available with online classes, the M.Ed in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction from Buena Vista University is a great choice. This program ranks #1 in our list of cheapest online master’s degrees in teaching at $8,160 for tuition and fees. Students can choose from the following concentrations:
- Effective Teaching and Instructional Leadership
- Talented and Gifted Education
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Teacher Technology Integrationist (with Discovery Education)
- Educational Studies
The program is designed to be flexible for working teachers, with a curriculum that can be completed online in less than two years alongside your current employment. Online students with this Iowa-based university have opportunities for interaction and support through 24/7 tutoring, a virtual student lounge, group discussions, and contacting professors.
#2. Midway University – Master of Education in Teacher Leader
Students in Kentucky and around the country can complete this M.Ed in Teacher Leader program online for just $9,300. Through this flexible program, current teachers are able to continue working while they advance their education and gain valuable leadership skills.
The program can be completed with a one-year or two-year track, consisting of eight-week class modules. The curriculum culminates in a teacher research project, where students will use methodology, skills, and insights learned in the program to study a problem of practice in their school or classroom.
Midway University offers online students access to faculty through multiple modes, as well as 24/7 Canvas Tier 1 support, academic support, career services, tutoring, and workshops.
#3. Campbellsville University – Master of Arts in School Improvement
The top CAEP-accredited program on our list comes with the low price tag of $9,750. Located in Kentucky, Campbellsville University offers the same tuition rate to online students regardless of state residency. The Master of Arts in School Improvement helps take teachers from regular classroom positions to leadership roles within their school or district.
Students will learn the continuous improvement strategy for educational planning and management. Courses also focus on tools to aid in planning and encouraging teamwork in professional settings. Classwork takes into account students of various backgrounds and ability levels to promote equal learning opportunities. A final project allows participants to conduct research on an area of school improvement, analyze their findings, and propose practical solutions.
Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Programs: Degree Types
These programs come in a variety of types and specializations.
Most master’s programs are 30 credit hours, although some can be as large as 36 hours. In most cases, they take two years to complete, assuming a full-time course schedule. However, some accelerated programs only take a single calendar year. These accelerated programs usually require summer and winter courses and heavy course loads.
There are various types as well. You can enroll in a “master of arts” or “master of science” in education focused on teaching leadership. The differences can seem minor, but usually a master of arts has a stronger emphasis on philosophy and theory, while a master of science focuses on research and data that relates to teaching.
You can also find “master of education” programs. These degrees are often used by people who want a more knowledge about the organization and administration of schools. School administrators and principals often have master of education degrees, although teachers complete these programs as well.
Throughout these programs, you can select various specializations to fit your unique interests. Concentrations for a master’s in teaching include:
- Teacher leadership
- Instructional coaching
- Curriculum
- Authentic learning
- Classroom leadership
Selecting a specialty can be difficult, but if you consider your career goals and skills, you can likely find the option that works best for you.
Structure and Courses During a Master’s in Teacher Leadership
To better understand the specifics of an affordable masters in teacher leadership online, let’s look at a few examples:
Northwestern College Iowa – Master of Education in Teacher Leadership
This program consists of 18 credit hours required of all master of education students, as well as 12 credit hours specific to the Teacher Leadership focus area.
The core courses include “Curriculum and Assessment for Student Learning,” “Educational Research Methods and Design,” and “Teaching and Learning with Technology.” The Teacher Leadership section includes “Peer Assessment and Instructional Coaching,” “Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement,” and “Teacher as Leader.”
Southwest Baptist University – Master of Science in Education / Teacher Leadership
This online educational leadership program prepares students for any leadership role that does not require an administrative certificate. Encompassing 36 credit hours, it teaches students to communicate, coach, and analyze in the classroom. The program includes courses such as “Educational Organization, Leadership & Change,” “Assessment & Data Collection,” and “Curriculum Design and Development.”
Western New Mexico University – Master of Arts in Teaching / Teacher Leader
When pursuing this master of arts in teaching degree, students must complete either nine credit hours of core curriculum with 27 credit hours in one subject area or 18 credit hours in one subject area and nine in another.
During the teacher leadership section, which requires 18 credit hours, students will complete courses like “Peer Mentorship and Coaching,” “Legal Aspects of Education,” and “Learning Theories and Instructional Technology.”
Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Teaching Leadership
For aspiring students, a college or university’s accreditation status makes a big difference. Accreditation is a strong indicator of academic quality, and it can impact a student’s access to financial resources. Essentially, more support is available to students who attend accredited schools.
Accrediting agencies are private groups that review the quality of a school, as well as single programs. Working with state and federal groups, they act as a quality-assurance system for academia.
Accreditation comes in many forms, but the most important are institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation is a review of the entire school. It’s completed by regional groups that cover large sections of the country. For example, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) covers most of the northeastern portion of the U.S. Other regional bodies include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The other main form of accreditation is programmatic, which covers specific degree programs. This type is completed by groups that specialize in a specific subject. For example, the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredits construction, construction management, and construction technology programs.
CAEP
For online teacher leadership degrees, the most common accrediting group is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This group focuses on educator-preparation programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
About two dozen programs out of 75 teacher leadership online degrees in our database are accredited by the CAEP. CAEP-accredited programs in this database include:
- Northwestern College Iowa – Master of Education in Teacher Leadership
- Southeast Missouri State University – Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership
- Campbellsville University – Master of Arts in Education in Teacher Leader
- Northern Kentucky University – Master of Arts in Education / Teacher As Leader
- Columbus State University – Master of Education in Teacher Leadership
- Regent University – Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction / Teacher Leader
AAQEP
Another accrediting body in this space is the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a new group founded in 2017. The Master of Education / Instructional Leadership from National University, for example, has accreditation from the AAQEP.
If a degree does not have programmatic accreditation, that’s okay. As long as it comes from a school that has institutional accreditation, it will bring all the benefits that come from an accredited education.
Admission Requirements for the Cheapest Online Educational Leadership Programs
A master’s degree is one of the highest levels of academic achievement, so the admission standards are high. The most basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in teaching or a related field. However, you will likely need teaching experience as well, which means a teaching degree and a teaching license. Most master’s programs have GPA requirements ranging from 2.5 to 3.0. You may need to complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) with a minimum score as well.
Let’s look at the admission requirements for a couple of the top online master’s in teacher leadership programs:
Campbellsville University – Master of Arts in School Improvement – Rank I
Admission into this program starts with an online application. Once complete, you must submit an official transcript request form, which allows the school to request transcripts on your behalf. Once the school has all of your transcripts, they can review your academic background. For acceptance, you will need a minimum GPA of 2.75 on the past 30 credit hours of study which, for most students, represents one school year. Finally, you’ll need a valid teaching certificate. Additional documents may be requested by the school as needed.
Midway University – Master of Education in Teacher Leader
To enroll in this online educational leadership program, you will need to submit official transcripts from all colleges you have attended. Your transcripts must show a minimum 3.0 GPA from all coursework. The school requires you to sign a code of ethics form and a Professional Dispositions Self-Evaluation Form.
You will also need evidence of your current teaching license, and the principal or assistant principal at your school will need to complete a recommendation form.
Licensing and Certification After an Online Educational Leadership Program
The most common role for graduates of these master’s in teacher leadership online programs is that of an instructional coordinator. In this position, you would be responsible for developing and monitoring school curriculum and teaching standards, working with teachers and principals to implement lessons, and assessing the school’s long- and short-term goals.
This position usually calls for a master’s degree. Many coordinators working for public schools will need also licenses, which are issued through the state. Instructional coordinators may also need a teacher’s license, especially if they remain active in the classroom. In fact, to enroll in many of these online programs, a teacher’s license is a prerequisite.
The process for becoming a teacher varies by state, but it generally starts with a bachelor’s degree, followed by a state-approved teaching program. Once you have completed all formal education requirements, you will need to pass any required tests, such as state-specific teaching exams. You can then apply for a teaching certificate and apply for teaching positions.
Salary and Career Outlook for Teaching Leaders
With an affordable masters in teacher leadership online, you’ll qualify for some of the highest-paying positions in education.
High school teachers, for example, have a median income of $61,820 per year, which is roughly $16,000 more than the median for all occupations. The top 10% earn over $100,000 a year. With a master’s degree you have a strong chance at reaching these higher incomes.
Instructional coordinators, while needing a master’s degree, only earn a couple of thousand dollars more than high school teachers. The median pay for this occupation is $63,740, so, concerning income anyway, these two careers are pretty equal.
If high pay is a priority, graduates of these online teaching programs should consider becoming school principals. This highly demanding career has a median income of $98,420 with the top 10% earning over $153,000.
The overall stability for these careers is strong. They may not see the massive growth from other industries (healthcare and technology come to mind), but they will see steady growth and excellent stability. Education, to put it mildly, won’t disappear. The expected growth for instructional coordinators is 7%, which is slightly better than the expected growth for all occupations, at 5%. The expected growth for teachers and principals are both 5%, right at the national average.
Overall, these occupations deliver a stable career with decent incomes for hard-working, dedicated education experts.
The Next Step in Your Teaching Education
After a master’s degree, the next step is a doctorate. A doctorate in educational leadership is certainly possible, and these degrees will help you become one of the most advanced experts in education. Many people who complete these degrees will become research experts, consultants, and professors.
If you choose not to pursue a doctorate, you will still need continuing education. For many education professionals, especially teachers, this is a formal requirement. To maintain your license you will need to complete continuing education. Most states require renewal every five years, and you may need to complete about 15 continuing education credits in this timeframe.
Become an Expert and a Leader in Education
Take advantage of the resources and information on GetEducated.com today to find the most affordable masters in teacher leadership online. Submit your information, and we’ll help you find the right program for your goals! Whether you want the cheapest master’s in teacher leadership online or need a unique specialization, we’ll help you find the right degree!