CALIE Certified Educator Program
Our inaugural cohort of 17 Certified Educators completed the program in March 2026. Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are now open.
The CALIE Certified Educator program equips educators with the strategic, instructional, and leadership skills to drive meaningful innovation. You will develop leadership competencies, apply practical tools, and complete a capstone project that demonstrates your ability to lead change.
About the Program
Through collaborative learning, expert mentorship, and a capstone project, you’ll build leadership competencies and gain practical experience for your next leadership role. The program blends virtual sessions with asynchronous work so you can apply what you learn immediately.
Your capstone project is a documented innovation plan or leadership initiative that demonstrates your ability to lead change in your context.
Investment: $2,000
This includes all program sessions and materials, plus a recognition package valued at over $1000, which includes:
- 2027 Spring Conference registration
- 1-year CALIE membership
- Personalized coaching
- Certified Educator swag
*Payment options are available
2026-2027 Cohort
- Applications Open: March 2026
- Program Runs: August 2026 – March 2027
- Format: Virtual Sessions + Asynchronous Work
- Time Commitment: 10 Hours Per Month (less in Nov. and Dec.)
- Optional: 4.0 graduate-level extension credits in semester hours, additional cost paid directly to the university
- Cohort Size: Limited to 50 Participants
Share the value of this program with your admin team:
Who It’s For
- Classroom Teachers seeking to enhance or advance a leadership role
- Instructional Coaches and TOSAs
- EdTech and Curriculum Coordinators
- Assessment & Accountability Leads
- Department Chairs and Grade-Level Leads
- IT leaders
- Aspiring site or district leaders
Meet Our Inaugural Cohort
In 2025-2026, 17 educators from across California became the first to earn the CALIE Certified Educator credential. They came from classrooms, coaching roles, and district offices. They built capstone projects that tackled real problems in their communities. Their work set the standard for what this program can produce.
Inaugural Cohort Members
Robert Mayfield • Liz Ferry • Jason Williams • Lindsay Munoz • Alvaro Brito • Frank Parker • Laura Wilson • Jose Ramirez • Susie Oh • Joe Johnson • Rudy Escobar • Charles Wassif • Lisa DeLapo • Roxanne Pompilio • Myra Deister • Andrea Earl • Ellen Palmer
Featured Capstone 2026 Projects
Each Certified Educator completed a capstone project addressing a real challenge in their educational context. These featured projects represent the range and depth of work produced by our inaugural cohort.
Integrated Instruction Hub
A resource hub helping educators integrate technology into instruction across content areas with practical, ready-to-use strategies.
Lindsay Munoz
Computer Science Integration Teacher, Cucamonga School District
Empowering Underserved Communities through Family Digital Literacy
A collaborative train-the-trainer model bringing digital literacy skills to families in underserved communities through accessible, culturally responsive workshops.
Jose Ramirez, Coordinator II, Technology Learning & Support Services, EdTech & Innovation, LACOE
AI Integration in Science Instruction
A framework for integrating artificial intelligence tools into science classrooms to deepen student inquiry and support differentiated learning.
Rudy Escobar, STEM and Computer Science Coordinator, Stanislaus County Office of Ed, CS for CA Co-Chair
Foundational Math Mastery for Early Primary Grades
A structured approach to building number sense and mathematical reasoning in early elementary through targeted instructional strategies.
Charles J Wassif
Personalized Learning Teacher, Sage Oak Charter Schools
A Toolkit to Jump-Start UDL
A practical toolkit giving educators entry points into Universal Design for Learning with actionable steps for immediate classroom application.
Liz Ferry, M. Ed.
Director of Curriculum Development, YETI Academy
The “Gold Standard” Professional Learning Design
A framework for designing professional learning that moves beyond one-shot workshops to sustained, job-embedded experiences that change practice.
Alvaro Brito
Coordinator III, Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
Building a Culture of Active Learning and Inquiry
A guide for shifting classroom culture from passive instruction to active, inquiry-driven learning experiences across grade levels and subjects.
Ellen Palmer
Assistant Director, Technology Innovation and Outreach, Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
What Our Certified Educators Say
“Participating each week pushed me beyond my comfort zone. The experience challenged me to think more deeply, generate new ideas, and turn those ideas into something concrete for my project based on what I learned throughout the course.”
– Rudy Escobar, STEM and Computer Science Coordinator, Stanislaus County Office of Ed, CS for CA Co-Chair
“I never thought of myself as a “Leader” in my position, I am much more comfortable in a support role, helping the leader be successful. But I learned that advocating for something that you feel strongly about is also critical “leadership”.
– Joe Johnson, Technology and IT Services, Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District
“This program provides the frameworks, expert insights, and peer support to move from addressing challenges with surface-level solutions to instead driving systemic change. No matter what role you play in education, you’ll have space to build sustainable solutions rooted in equity and built for lasting impact.”
-Lindsay Munoz, Computer Science Integration Teacher, Cucamonga School District
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CALIE Certified Educator Program?
The CALIE Certified Educator Program is a cohort-based experience developed by educators, for educators. Through expert-led sessions and peer collaboration, you will advance your leadership skills, increase your knowledge of effective systems change in education, and develop tools to lead meaningful innovation. The program includes personalized coaching, power talks from inspiring education leaders, and live cohort collaboration.
Who Should Apply?
This program is for anyone looking to grow their leadership skills or move into leadership roles, Instructional Coaches & TOSAs, EdTech & Curriculum Coordinators, Assessment & Accountability Leads, Department Chairs, Education Specialists, and Aspiring Administrators. If you’re ready to lead change from the classroom or beyond, this program is for you.
When Does the Next Cohort Start?
Applications for the 2026-27 cohort open in March 2026. The program will begin in August 2026.
What is the Time Commitment?
The program requires approximately 10 hours per month, including virtual sessions and asynchronous work. During November and December, the time commitment is greatly reduced.
What Will I Create During the Program?
You’ll develop a Capstone Innovation Initiative that demonstrates your ability to lead meaningful change in your educational context. This documented plan includes a needs assessment, a strategic vision, an implementation roadmap, and evaluation metrics. Your capstone showcases leadership competencies through a real-world innovation project.
What’s Included in the $2000 Fee?
The fee includes high-impact leadership learning, personalized mentoring and coaching, Certified Educator swag, Spring Conference 2027 registration, 1-year CALIE membership and the option to earn 4 extended education units from the University of San Diego (optional; additional cost paid directly to USD)
This recognition package is valued at $1000.