Advanced Leadership Studies - Advanced Certificate

Leadership is critical to transforming school environments so that students and teachers can flourish, especially in an era of rapid change. From the adoption of Common Core Standards and high stakes testing to emerging technologies and the use of social media, learning leaders are needed to navigate these turbulent changes.

Why Choose Advanced Leadership Studies?

The advanced leadership studies program responds to shifting global, social, economic and educational trends to train leaders in the education field. Its participants and graduates are exceptional school leaders that are collaborative, principle-centered, lifelong learners.

The advanced certificate in advanced leadership studies is designed to help education professionals meet the New York State (NYS) for school district leadership. All courses in the program follow research based best practices in leadership principles, concepts and understandings. You will contribute your experience and learn from others.

Practical Leadership Skills

Each class includes a broad spectrum of learners. Diversity in knowledge and skill level allows all participants to enhance develop real-world leadership skills. You may begin courses at any point in the sequence. This is essential so those who have had advanced classes or relevant experience may practice skills that are necessary in any school, such as:

  • Integrate new staff into the culture and belief system of the school.
  • Learn from colleagues whose knowledge and experience offers valuable “slices of reality”
  • Welcome participants regardless of prior knowledge, experience or position of authority/leadership. This encourages diversity and a variety of perceptions and experiences.
  • Recognize that everyone is a resource. Participants own experience, knowledge, skills, dispositions, a world view and a frame of reference.

The Experience

The advanced leadership program is infused with experiential and collaborative learning, action research and technology. Learning happens in many ways: formally and informally, experientially and reflectively. As a leadership participant, you will learn from and network with colleagues and participate in workshops and conferences as well.

Courses are 7 weeks long with face-to-face meetings and online sessions. The curriculum makes use of leadership activities including case studies, simulations and role-play; and most courses require field experience. Core topics include:

  • Education finance
  • Data sources for determining school, personnel and program effectiveness
  • Instructional design, technology and information processing

The program culminates with a major project and a 3-credit internship, amounting to 250 hours of leadership experience at the district level.

What Will You Learn?

You will enhance or develop the knowledge, skills and disposition to create a supportive and progressive educational environment. As participant in advanced leadership studies, you will:

  • Increase knowledge-based confidence as an administrator, supervisor and educational leader.
  • Enhance and develop your self-leadership and collaborative skills.
  • Showcase results of your learning in periodic performance reviews and completion of course and program requirements.
  • Meet eligibility requirements to become qualified through New York State (NYS) certification.
See the Degree Requirements

What Will You Do?

When you graduate, you will be prepared to assume roles in district level positions such as staff developer, curriculum coordinator and other personnel positions in district offices or regions.