From Practitioner to Pioneer. Lead the Future of AI in Education.
An advanced teaching AI leadership certification series for experienced educators, department chairs, and academic leaders ready to scale their impact. Move beyond your own classroom to mentor peers, shape institutional strategy, and become a recognized leader in AI-enhanced pedagogy.
Your Institution is Adopting AI. Who Will Lead the Way?
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in higher education, a critical gap is emerging: the need for credible, pedagogically-grounded faculty leadership. Your institution needs more than just policies; it needs champions who can guide their colleagues, design effective training, and help shape a responsible, innovative, and human-centered strategy.
The LEAD Series is designed to forge those leaders.
This advanced, post-certification track is for graduates of the Teaching with AI (FAST Track) and other experienced faculty who are asking, “What’s next?” Grounded in the SCALE, FAFI, and TEACH frameworks, this teaching AI leadership series provides a rigorous, practical pathway to develop the skills needed to lead, empower, advocate, and design the future of teaching and learning on your campus.
Your Leadership Pathway: From Mentorship to Institutional Impact
The LEAD Series is a sequence of three advanced teaching AI leadership certifications designed to build your capacity as a strategic leader.
Level 1: Support
Peer Mentor & Workshop Facilitator
The Foundation of Leadership. Learn the art of peer coaching and effective workshop facilitation. This certification equips you with the skills and resources to confidently mentor your colleagues, lead departmental trainings, and become the go-to expert for supporting responsible AI adoption on your team.
✔ Lead peer conversations and mentoring on AI
✔ Facilitate foundational AI workshops for faculty
✔ Build confidence as a department-level change agent
⏱ Estimated Time: ~6–8 hours per level (self-paced)
Level 2: Strategy
Peer Mentor & Workshop Facilitator
The Architect of Change. Move from supporting individuals to shaping systems. In this certification, you will learn to conduct institutional readiness audits using the SCALE framework, lead curriculum mapping initiatives, and develop strategic proposals to guide your department or college’s AI integration efforts.
✔ Guide AI policy, curriculum mapping, and strategic planning
✔ Lead campus-wide conversations on responsible AI adoption
✔ Translate teaching experience into institutional impact
⏱ Estimated Time: ~6–8 hours per level (self-paced)
Level 3: Fellowship
Peer Mentor & Workshop Facilitator
The Voice of Innovation. This capstone certification is for faculty ready to contribute to the national conversation. You will learn to design and propose SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) projects, write for publication, develop grant proposals, and create public-facing resources that establish you as a thought leader in AI-enhanced education.
✔ Shape national conversations on AI in higher education
✔ Publish, present, and lead cross-institutional projects
✔ Be recognized as an advanced leader in AI-enhanced pedagogy
⏱ Estimated Time: ~6–8 hours per level (self-paced)
For the Next Generation of Academic Leaders
The LEAD Series is designed for:
Graduates of the FAST Track ready to take the next step in their professional journey.
Experienced Faculty & “AI Champions” who are already informally leading AI initiatives.
Department Chairs & Program Directors tasked with developing a strategic approach to AI.
Center for Teaching & Learning Staff who design and deliver faculty development.
Aspiring Academic Administrators who want to build a strong portfolio in educational innovation and strategic planning.
About the Instructor
Led by Dr. Ryan Baltrip
An award-winning educator dedicated to human-centered pedagogy and the strategic, ethical use of technology in education.
Dr. Ryan Baltrip is the founder of Navigate AI and a recognized leader in faculty development and educational innovation. With extensive experience in instructional design, online learning, and strategic planning, he has dedicated his career to helping institutions and educators thrive in times of technological change. His work focuses on practical, research-informed strategies that empower faculty to enhance their teaching and create more engaging, equitable, and effective learning experiences for all students.
Trusted by Educators and Institutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the LEAD Series?
The LEAD Series is recommended for graduates of the FAST Track or those with prior experience integrating AI into teaching or leading AI-related faculty development. Department chairs, faculty developers, and academic leaders will find it especially valuable.
Do I have to start at Level 1: Support?
Not necessarily. The full sequence builds cumulative capacity, but participants with prior experience may request to begin at Level 2 or 3. Contact us to discuss placement or bundling options.
What does each certification level include?
Each level includes a structured online course (typically 6–8 hours), facilitation guides, downloadable templates, and the option to join monthly leadership cohort calls. Group or campus licenses include bonus strategy sessions.
Can I earn a formal credential?
Yes. Upon completion of each level, participants earn a verified certificate. Completion of all three earns the formal “Certified AI Teaching Leader” credential, suitable for CVs, promotion materials, and LinkedIn.
Is this only for faculty?
No. While many participants are faculty members, the LEAD Series is designed to support department chairs, instructional designers, CTL staff, and aspiring academic administrators involved in AI strategy or innovation.
What is the format of the courses?
Like the FAST Track, each certification is a flexible online course with a time commitment of approximately 8-12 hours, featuring practical activities and artifact-based assessments.
Step Into Strategic AI Leadership
Don’t wait to shape the future of teaching. Enroll in the LEAD Series and lead with confidence.