Certified Instructional Leader Credentials Awarded

In 2013, the CLAS Board of Directors established the Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) program. This program is designed to identify school or district administrators who demonstrate the knowledge and skills which are essential to the practice of effective instructional leadership.

For the ninth year of this program, 18 participants were selected after an extensive application and review process. The 2021-2022 cohort began in June 2021 with quarterly face-to-face meetings. Candidates were required to implement learned content in their school and/or district and meet benchmarks on student growth and achievement, school culture, strategic management, effective instructional practices, and ethical leadership.

A CIL Commission was established to be an independent certifying body, which is responsible for the governance of the program, policies, and standards related to the CIL credential. This unique CIL program is administered by members of the CLAS staff who implement the policies. The CIL faculty delivers the identified content.

After completing extensive coursework and providing evidence of systemic, systemized, job-embedded implementation for competent instructional leadership, CIL participants met with the CIL Commission to determine their CIL credential status as “Accepted” or “Not Accepted: Revisions Needed.”

Ramona Robinson served as a faculty member and program coordinator along with faculty members Sarah Fanning and Dr. Linda Felton-Smith. The 2022 CIL Commission members were Veronica Coleman, Rebecca Dunnivant, Davida Hill-Johnson, Robert Kyle McCartney, April McCutcheon, and La’Keisha Newsome.

The Certified Instructional Leader credentials are awarded annually during the Awards Luncheon at the CLAS Convention.The following individuals received their CertifiedInstructional Leader credential this year:

Jennifer Fanning, Madison County Schools

Haley James, Riverton Elementary School, Madison County Schools

Tamala Maddox, i3 Academy - Middle School, i3 Academy

Andrea Maness, Pike Road High School, Pike Road City Schools

Christie Mitten, Holly Hill Elementary School, Enterprise City Schools

Matthew Monson, LAMP High School, Montgomery County Schools

Cheryl Morrow, Hillcrest High School, Tuscaloosa County Schools

Ron Rikard

Kara Scholl, South Shades Crest Elementary, School Hoover City Schools

Brigett Stewart, Piedmont Elementary School, Piedmont City Schools

Stefanie Underwood, Decatur City Schools

If you are interested in pursuing the Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) credential, please visit the CIL webpage at www.clasleaders.org/CIL for detailed information. The application process will open in April for the 2023-2024 cohort.