Note from the Director

To lead in education today requires passionate and resilient commitment, persistent and disciplined inquiry into practice, and a deep research-based expertise. As in few other eras, our ability as a people to create a more just,  productive,  civil, and beauty-filled society depends upon that leadership.

To build the leadership our world demands, the Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership brings to the Penn campus each year a select and diverse cohort of educational leaders.

It is an extraordinary gathering of talented colleagues; our entering cohort last year alone brings over 500 years of experience to the seminar table, drawn from public, private and parochial schools, as well as other institutions and industries, across the country. Over two-thirds of our students have already advanced into expanded leadership positions since joining the program.

The Mid-Career Doctoral Program—an executive-style, 36-month program—offers a significant departure from most other doctoral programs, and represents a core commitment of Penn GSE  to innovative leadership development. They are building a powerful and growing network for change.

We welcome your interest in the program, and this expanding community of leaders.  We invite you to visit us on campus, by phone, online, or at an information session in a city near you. Please see this website for the latest updates, including an introductory video featuring current students and alumni. Our brochure is available for download, and our applications are made online. Feel free to contact us at midcareer@gse.upenn.edu or at 215 746-6573.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Michael Johanek, Ed.D.
Senior Fellow, Graduate School of Education