Credential Application

Schools seeking to build upon a Pathway Credential:

The credential application window for 2025-26 closes on October 31, 2025.
- Make a copy of your application using the link at the bottom of this page. Collaborate with your school’s EL Education coach and submit to credential@eleducation.org before October 31.
- All applicants will be notified by November 21, 2025 on whether they are accepted into the 2025-26 credential cohort.
Reach out the credential team with questions about the process at any time.

Review the 2025-26 Credential Criteria

Credential Earning Criteria

Review the eligibility benchmarks & criteria for earning the Credential in each Dimension for which you are applying

Download the 2025-26 Credential Application

Credential Application

Make a copy of the 2025-26 Credential Application for your school to draft and submit.

It is not necessary for Pathway credential holders to submit the entire application (detailed instructions below).

Pathway Credential Application Process

Consider Readiness for Full Credential (June - Oct)

Ensure your eligibility status has not changed. Reach out to your coach and the credential team if you have any concerns about eligibility.

Your IR Score is greater than or equal to 90, with an average of at least 3.5 in Character and Instruction sections (note that the IR requirement in instruction is new for 2025-26).
Your Coach and Director will write a letter of recommendation describing your progress since your pathway credential in the particular dimension you are applying for.
You remain in good standing with your authorizer — EL with confirm this upon receiving your application.

Review the Credential Earning Criteria (linked above) in the Dimensions for which you are applying.

2. Submit the Credential Application (Sep - Oct)

Collaborate with your school team and EL Coach to complete the following sections of the credential application (linked above):

Section A. Applicant Information
Section B. Vision & Strategic Workplan
And only the remaining sections corresponding with the Dimension(s) for which you are applying to complete your credential.

In your responses, describe how you have centered your improvement efforts toward this particular Dimension. Describe the actions you have taken to address the feedback you got from the credential team. Tell the story of the improvement and the impact you have seen. Link relevant data and evidence. Follow the guiding questions to support your story of impact in that Dimension.

3. Plan and Host Focus Groups (Nov - March)

By November 21, the credential team will be in touch with school leaders and your school’s EL Education coach and director to confirm next steps in the process. If your school’s application demonstrates readiness to proceed in applying for a full credential this year, we will collaborate to arrange focus groups with students to discuss their experiences in the relevant Dimension(s). Your school’s EL Education coach will likely manage and facilitate these focus groups, but we will work with you to coordinate this in the way that works best for you. We want to hear directly from students in order to better understand your application and impact.

4. Decisions & Continuous Improvement (Rolling)

At the end of the process, receive a final decision and detailed feedback from EL team. Celebrate your community’s achievements and implement feedback gathered through the process. Regardless of the outcome, EL Education will provide detailed feedback and ongoing support for continuous improvement work.