Teacher Leader Assessment Specialist (TLAS)

Application and Nomination

We are pleased you are considering the MAC Teacher Leader Assessment Specialist (TLAS) program.

The TLAS program of study is the nation’s first program leading to credentialed teacher leaders prepared to serve as classroom assessment specialists (CAS). The approximately 18-month, self-paced program is designed for individuals whose work and experience reflects strong leadership capacity and a commitment to promoting assessment literacy. Program candidates have a level of expertise in assessment and a desire to further develop their knowledge and skills. Candidates work in various education settings and have the option to self-pay or be sponsored by their school or organization.

NOTE: Nominations and applications are now closed. We will begin taking applications in Fall 2026 for the cohort that begins Winter 2027.  Application deadline: TBA

BEFORE YOU APPLY

Make sure you’ve reviewed the TLAS home page and reviewed the TLAS FACTS below.

CANDIDATE APPLICATION

NOMINATION FORM

TLAS Announcements

  •  TLAS Pilot Cohort I & 2 candidates are moving forward!
  •  TLAS Pilot Cohort 3 started in Winter 2026.
  •  Inquiries welcome at any time. Got questions before you apply? Check out the TLAS facts below the Important Dates.

TLAS FACTS

Learn more about the Teacher Leader Assessment Specialist Program of Study!

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE TLAS PROGRAM
JOB-EMBEDDED, COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING

Candidates will use their work environment (or another educational setting, if applicable) as the context for exploring and applying seven competencies in assessment literacy. Through job-embedded application, the candidates compile evidence of their work into a portfolio to demonstrate their competence in assessment literacy. Candidates will complete a presentation of learning at the end of each course and a final capstone project at the completion of the program.

FACULTY

Tara Kintz, Ph.D.

Program Co-Director

Read Tara’s bio

 

TLAS Bio-VorenkampEllen Vorenkamp, Ph.D.

Program Co-Director

Read Ellen’s bio

 

TLAS Faculty

Kathy Dewsbury-White, Ph.D.

James Gullen, Ph.D.

Lisa Lockman, Ph.D.

Terri Portice

Edward Roeber, Ph.D.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN TLAS
POSITIVE IMPACT!

The TLAS program’s competency-based design combined with job-embedded application provides candidates with a unique opportunity to further develop and refine their assessment literacy knowledge and skills, while enhancing the educational environment in which they work.

TLAS CANDIDATES WIN BY STRENGTHENING THEIR COMPETENCE AND LEADERSHIP IN CRITICAL AREAS
  • Appreciating the difference between assessment for learning and assessment of learning
  • Understanding comprehensive, balanced assessment systems
  • Integrating formative assessment as a process with teaching and learning
  • Developing/selecting classroom summative assessment
  • Developing assessment capable learners
  • Using grading practices that support student learning
  • Understanding the impact of policy on the quality of educational experiences
SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS BENEFIT from having more knowledgeable and skillful employees who will promote assessment literacy, support their colleagues, and enhance learning outcomes for all students.

Sponsoring organizations benefit from having more knowledgeable and skillful employees who will promote assessment literacy, support their colleagues, and enhance learning outcomes for all students.

CREDENTIALS AND ENDORSEMENT

Successful program completers will earn a Teacher Leader Assessment Specialist credential from the Michigan Assessment Consortium and a Teacher Leader enhancement on their Michigan teaching license. Qualifying candidates will be eligible to attain the highest level of professional license the state of Michigan offers for teaching, the Advanced Teacher Leader License (see specific MDE requirements).

FEES, ELIGIBILITY, PROCESS
PROGRAM FEES and EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP

The TLAS program of study is valued at $12,000. At present, MAC is significantly underwriting the costs of participation. Candidate share of tuition for Cohort 2 pilot will be $2,400. The candidate share can be self-paid or paid by a sponsoring district or organization.

Regardless of sponsorship, candidates must affirm that their employer is supportive of the candidate and will provide release time for the job-embedded assignments, collegial collaboration, and in-person presentations. An invoice for program fees will be sent to responsible party(ies) upon acceptance into the TLAS program and completion of the registration information.

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS

We invite your nomination and application if you have:

  • A commitment to promote assessment literacy for educators and students
  • An investment in personal and professional development
  • Interest in expanding leadership capacity
  • Substantive work experience
  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent

We encourage you to carefully consider the time and effort required to engage in the TLAS program of study in the context of your current responsibilities. We recommend you apply only if you can fully participate and complete the program.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION SCHEDULE
  • FALL: TLAS application and nomination materials due for upcoming new cohort
  • LATE FALL: All applicants will be notified of their status
  • EARLY WINTER: New cohort launches; earlier cohort members continue on their unique paths
  • JAN-OCT: Nominations/applications accepted for the next new cohort (launcing following winter

Important Dates