2026-2027 Application Packet

Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Offered through

The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools

Before starting, please download the following documents to assist in the application process.

Download Sample Application

Download Employment Verification Form - This will need to be uploaded in the final stages of this application.
(must be completed by superintendent)

Download the Reference Form
(A reference form must accompany each reference letter)

Download CIL Application Requirements Checklist

Access the Q&A Document for Extensive Program Details

Access CIL Program Timeline

The links above will open in a new tab or window. When finished, you may return to this tab to complete the application.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

If you are unable to locate the email, please check your spam/junk folders for a message from pd@clasleaders.org. You may also contact Alyssa Godfrey at the CLAS office via phone at (800) 239-3616 or via email alyssa@clasleaders.org. 

Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) Program    

A program designed to promote the highest standards of school instructional leadership offered by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

PROGRAM BACKGROUND 

The Certified Instructional Leader (CIL) program was established in 2013 to promote the highest standards of instructional leadership through the credentialing of school or district administrators. The CIL program is designed to identify educational leaders who demonstrate the knowledge and skills which are essential to the practice of effective instructional leadership. The purposes of the CIL certification program are to:

• establish the body of knowledge for instructional leaders;
• assess the level of knowledge demonstrated by instructional leaders in a valid and reliable manner;
• encourage professional growth in the field of educational leadership;
• formally recognize individuals who meet the requirements set by the CIL Commission; and
• serve the school or district stakeholders by encouraging quality instructional leadership.

The CIL Commission, with the assistance and advice of proven instructional leaders, has attempted to develop a credential that will recognize accepted levels of expertise in the profession with the goal of improving professional standards in the educational leader profession. However, no certification program can guarantee professional competence. In addition, given the diverse makeup of Pre-K-12 schools, the CIL Commission cannot guarantee student or teacher growth. The CIL Commission welcomes constructive comments and suggestions from the Pre-K-12 stakeholders and the profession.

The CIL program designates those who have completed the rigorous coursework and in field experiences identified by CLAS & the CIL Faculty as essential to the instructional leader role. Achieving CIL status will be obtained after completing, in a cohort framework, extensive coursework and providing evidence of systemic, systemized, job-embedded implementation of the tasks necessary for competent instructional leadership. The candidate must also commit to ongoing professional development to remain abreast of current practices in instructional leadership.

 

PROGRAM PRE-REQUISITES

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years as a successful administrator in a Pre-K-12 setting. Note: Applicant must be a principal or assistant principal who directly supervises curriculum and instruction.
• Evidence from Superintendent verifying length of employment and support for the participant’s decision to participate in the program – i.e., Candidate Employment Verification Form.
• Recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required and must be from your immediate supervisor.

Attendance is required at all sessions to earn the CIL credential.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Please answer the following five questions regarding your professional beliefs, practices, and accomplishments in each of the following areas that qualify you to be selected a member of the CIL Cohort.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

If you haven't already had the Employment Verification Form completed and returned to you, please do so using the link below. Your application cannot be submitted without this document.

When you have it, upload it in the Employment Verification Form Upload field below.

Download Employment Verification Form
(Must be completed by superintendent)

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

You're almost done!

Your application will be complete once you click the submit button. You will receive a confirmation email as well. Should you need to edit your application before the deadline, please use the link provided in the confirmation email.

The last requirement is to provide your reference letter from your immediate supervisor. Please download the reference form that must accompany the letter of reference. 

Download Reference Form
(A reference form must accompany each reference letter)

Download Application Requirements Checklist

These links will open in a new window or tab in order to avoid losing the completed application. If you prefer to access this form at a later time, a link will also be included in the confirmation email.

Save your progress any time by using the "Save" button below. You can simply click the link to skip creating an account and have the link emailed to you or you can copy and paste it somewhere to save it for later.

Your application must be Submitted upon completion in order for it to be considered for acceptance into the program.