Educational Leadership

Pursuant to section 1012.562, Florida Statutes, the purpose of educational leadership preparation programs is to increase the supply of effective school leaders in public schools in Florida, and to produce school leaders who are prepared to lead the state’s diverse student population in meeting high standards for academic achievement. These programs are competency-based, aligned to the principal leadership standards and lead to Level I certification. Programs support the development and preparation of aspiring school leaders who are employed by public schools, including charter schools and virtual schools.

• State Board Rule 6A-5.080 F.A.C., Florida Educational Leadership Standards
• State Board Rule 6A-5.081 F.A.C., Approval of School Leadership Programs
• Section 1012.562, Florida Statutes
• Request to Submit Form (EL RTS-2023) (PDF)
• Initial Approval Standards (EL IAS-2023) (PDF)
• Continued Approval Standards (EL CAS-2023) (PDF)
• Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) Matrix Template (Word)
• Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) Matrix Template (PDF)

Approved Level 1 Educational Leadership Programs

The Department of Education reviews and approves each submitted Level 1 Educational Leadership Program. The following institutions and districts have a currently approved Level 1 Educational Leadership Program by the Florida Department of Education. Expiration dates for the programs listed below correspond with other Teacher Preparation Programs for that institution and can be found at the following website: http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/preparation/initial-teacher-preparation-programs/approved-teacher-edu-programs.stml. Please contact the institution or district for more information or with any program specific questions.

• American College of Education
• Barry University
• Doral College
• Duval County Public Schools
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida Gulf Coast University
• Florida International University
• Florida Southern College
• Florida State University
• Jacksonville University
• Lynn University
• National Louis University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Saint Leo University
• Southeastern University
• Stetson University
• Sumter County School District
• University of Central Florida Department of Education
• University of Florida
• University of North Florida Department of Education
• University of South Florida
• University of Tampa
• University of West Florida