School Leadership

Certification/MSEd

This program provides an opportunity for talented educators to develop their leadership skills in preparation for taking on increasingly challenging roles in the nation's schools. It is a practitioner-oriented program, which contextualizes classroom learning within the context of schools. The M.S.Ed. in School Leadership is in an executive format and offers two tracks, one for those interested in public and charter school settings and another for those interested in independent school settings. In addition, the program offers a carefully designed option for students who already have a master's degree, seeking principal certification. Students in the two tracts and the certification sequences make up a cohort of learners who benefit greatly from each others' differing experiences.

School Leadership Program for Principal Certification

The School Leadership Program for Principal Certification is part of the overall School Leadership Program and educates students to conceptualize and lead school improvement efforts. Its unique cohort model focuses on helping students acquire the competencies, habits of mind and knowledge required to become effective instructional leaders. The 11-month program integrates the coursework with a 360-hour internship and enables candidates to complete the coursework while earning eligibility for a state K-12 principal's certificate.

Program of Study

The certification-only program is comprised of five courses, which address key aspects of leadership that are applicable to schools.

EDUC 643 Instructional Leadership to Promote Learning

EDUC 651 Field Internship Seminar: Inquiry into Leadership for School Improvement

EDUC 652 Developing Instructional Leadership in Practice

EDUC 653 Field Internship Seminar: Inquiring into Organizational and Legal Dimensions of Principal Leadership

EDUC 654 Aligning Fiscal, Human, and Community Resources in Support of the School's Instructional Mission

Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Leadership
Master's students may elect to obtain principal certification.

Beginning in late August and extending through mid-July, students participate in a one year, integrated program that includes a school-based internship. The program will match the student with a University Assigned Mentor to supervise the experience. Classes are held one evening a week and one Saturday a month; a two-week summer session concludes the program. This structure is conducive to and supportive of individuals who are working full-time in schools.

Program of Study

Ten course units of work are required to complete the masters program. Courses address key aspects of leadership that are applicable to schools:

EDUC 643 Instructional Leadership to Promote Learning

EDUC 651 Field Internship Seminar: Inquiry into Leadership for School Improvement

EDUC 652 Developing Instructional Leadership in Practice

EDUC 653 Field Internship Seminar: address> EDUC 654 Aligning Fiscal, Human, and Community Resources in Support of the School's Instructional Mission

EDUC 649 Applying Teaming and Moral Decision Making Concepts in Schools

EDUC 659 Critical Issues in Education

EDUC 648 Practitioner Research

EDUC 632 Leadership in Public, Independent, and Parochial Schools

EDUC 605 Sustainability in Schools

Culminating Experience

Each master's student is expected to complete a practitioner research project within the context of her/his own school, supported by the practitioner research course. Submission of a satisfactory paper is a requirement for completion of the degree.

Program Faculty

Courses are taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty members who are engaged in relevant research and by practitioners who have deep leadership experience.

Earl Ball, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Judy Brody, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Priscilla Dawson, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

John DeFlaminis, Ph.D., University of Oregon

Timothy Johnson, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Cherie Lombardo, Ed.D., Widener University

James Lytle, Ed.D., Stanford University

Warren Mata, Ed.D., Lehigh University

Howard C. Stevenson, Ph.D., Fuller Graduate School of Psychology

Program Contact

Independent School, Co-Director – Earl Ball eball@gse.upenn.edu

Charter/ Public School, Co-Director – Priscilla Dawson pdawson2@gse.upenn.edu

 

Administrative Assistant, Elizabeth Ulivella – ulivella@gse.upenn.edu

215 746-2718

 

Division Coordinator, Vernell Edwards – edwardsv@gse.upenn.edu

215 746-2566

 

Program Director, Peter Kuriloff – kuriloff@gse.upenn.edu