Program Summary

The Educational Leadership (EdL) Program is housed within the Department of Organization and Leadership and comprises four distinct yet related programs, with opportunities for students to attain Masters and/or Doctoral degrees:

• Summer Principals Academy (SPA), with cohort programs in New York City and New Orleans for aspiring public and charter school principals, leading to M.A., Ed.M. and professional licensure as school building leaders;
• Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership, offering a range of M.A., M.A./M.B.A. and non-degree programs and preparation for independent and international school leadership;
• Urban Education Leaders Program (UELP), a cohort program in an executive education format leading to Ed.D. and professional licensure as school district leaders; and
• Ph.D. Program in Education Leadership, a full-time program for aspiring professors and researchers who will serve in university leadership preparation programs.

Our programs prepare graduate students for thoughtful and strategic leadership in schools, school systems, and educational organizations, and to be effective leaders, change agents, academic researchers and educators. In leadership preparation, we emphasize both the acquisition of theoretical and evidence-based knowledge and the development of skills, habits of mind, and values essential to creative and highly effective leadership. Our graduate programs are also distinctive in their emphasis on self-awareness, group dynamics, team building, and social, emotional, and inter-cultural competencies. Our sophisticated and practical internship programs utilize highly skilled coaches to support students’ experiences in the field.

The Teachers College Education Leadership Program prepares students for careers as practitioners and scholars equipped to lead and transform a wide variety of educational organizations. Students gain the skills to lead educational practice; to influence political systems, education law, and education policy; to apply methods of social science research to conduct inquiry; and to seek excellence, equity, and inclusive practices in education. Graduates serve in leadership positions as school principals and headmasters, district superintendents, and education leaders in comparable positions of executive leadership.

In addition, with an internationally recognized faculty, interdisciplinary approach, and a tradition of prominence, we offer courses of study in leadership education and development for scholars of education and education leadership who wish to pursue professional careers as academics and researchers.

Graduates of our Education Leadership programs:

• Become thoroughly grounded in the theory and practice of education leadership;
• Develop a broad and deep understanding of educating institutions in our society;
• Understand teaching and learning and are able to lead and support effective teaching and learning for all kinds of teachers and students;
• Understand the principles of organizational culture and behavior and possess skills needed to provide effective organizational leadership;
• Understand contemporary management systems, and are able to employ them effectively;
• Understand the nature of policy, political systems, and law and possess the skills required to shape and influence these systems and their products;
• Understand the uses of technology in education and administration, and possess the skills and knowledge to use technology effectively;
• Understand the nature of social science research and are able to apply its principles and methods in conducting inquiry and reviewing research;
• Are alert to the legal and ethical considerations that influence all aspects of education;
• Are committed to the ideals of equity and diversity in educational matters, and possess the skills and knowledge needed to promote these ideals in educational institutions; and
• Exhibit the courage and critical intelligence needed to question what is and develop what might be.

We encourage you to visit us, speak with program directors, and review our extensive online materials.