Designed in consultation with independent school leaders from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and the Friends Council on Education, the independent school track of the Educational Leadership program provides talented individuals the opportunity to develop their leadership skills in preparation for taking on increasingly responsible roles in the nation's independent schools.

Beginning in late August and extending through mid July, students participate in a one year, integrated program that includes a school-based internship. 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 independent schools.

Program of study: Ten course units of work are required to complete the program. Coursework addresses key aspects of leadership that are applicable to independent schools, including the following:

Instructional Leadership

• Proseminar in Educational Leadership
• Curricular leadership
• Instructional Leadership in Schools
• Challenges of Technology

Organizational Leadership

• Working in Groups
• Negotiating Skills
• Personnel and Student Management
• Emotional Intelligence and Leadership

Evidence-based Leadership

• Analyzing Data
• Allocating Resources
• Operational Analysis
• Strategic Planning for Schools

Public Leadership

• Equity and Access
• Historical Basis of Charter and Choice
• Ethics in Education
• Legal Issues in Schools
• Marketing, Communications, and Development
• Working with Parents

*Please refer to the Educational Leadership program page for more information on course content.

Application Requirements: It is strongly suggested that applicants have at least two years experience working in independent schools. Other requirements include:

• Penn GSE Application
• Application fee or fee waiver form
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• GRE Score report from ETS
• Statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the school head where the applicant is employed
• Academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
• Applicants will be required to participate in an individual interview

Application deadline. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Program faculty.
Courses are taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty members who are engaged in relevant studies and by independent school leaders who have deep leadership experience.

Earl Ball, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania, Program Director
Judy Lechner Brody, Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
Timothy Johnson, Ed.D, University of Pennsylvania
Peter Kuriloff, Ed.D., Harvard University
Cherie Lombardo, Ed.D., Widener University
James Lytle, Ed.D., Stanford University
Warren Mata, Ed.D., Lehigh University
Howard Stevenson, Ph.D, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology

Program Contact.

• For program information:
  

  Earl Ball
  ISProg@gse.upenn.edu
  215-680-5153

• For application questions:
  

  Vernell Edwards, MSOD, Division Coordinator
  Foundations and Practices in Education
  University of Pennsylvania
  Graduate School of Education
  3700 Walnut Street, Room 413
  Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
  Phone: 215-746-2566
  edwardsv@gse.upenn.edu