Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) - Principal Certification
Strong Leadership Improves Schools! Get the Skills You Need to Become an Effective Leader!
Students interested in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification usually have teacher certification, and are interested in earning a principal certificate, or holding other supervisor/leadership positions in an educational environment.
To be eligible for this program you must:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- Satisfy the requirements for preparation: provide verification of one year of professional experience in an educational setting with renewal that is related to the educational practice
- Satisfy the requirements for Pennsylvania Department of Education with 3 years of relevant experience time you are eligible, and in good moral standing (Section 24 P.S. § 12-1209)
Already have an M.ED. and just need Principal Certification?
- How many credits for principal certification ONLY?
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If you already have an M.Ed., and only want a principal certificate, you can apply to the principal certification program which is 30 credits instead of 36.
- Can I get credit for past work?
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If you have taken classes that fulfill competencies, those course can count.
- Download and fill out the top of this Principal Certification Preparation Plan to the best of your ability.
- Contact Dr. Azukas, the Graduate Coordinator, to make an appointment so you can review of your past work.
All About M.Ed. in Professional Education at ESU
- Why ESU for Educational Leadership?
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- Professors who have been working with and leading innovative instructional design and technologies since 2000 as instructors and educational leaders - including online education.
- Educational Leadership Value: This program has been approved by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the national organization for administration and leadership, received national recognition and commendation through Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approval!
- Experienced Leaders: The complement of full time and part-time faculty, with deep school experience and many of whom are still active in schools, provide a solid foundation for your leadership growth.
- Clearly articulated standard.
- Leadership goals clearly focused on student achievement.
- A focus on school improvement and the role of the principal as the agent of school reform.
- An emphasis on the principal's role as an instructional leader.
- Problem-based approach to learning connecting theory and practice.
- Rolling admissions. Start anytime.
- Highly qualified faculty who have both academic and professional experience. Many of our faculty are former K-12 educational leaders.
- Flexible pacing. Complete the program from 2-6 years.
- Job-Embedded Assignments. An authentic 360-hour internship in educational leadership.
- Partnerships with local districts.
- A strong reputation and alumnae network in the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley which can help you to get a job.
- What do students learn to do?
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Principal Candidates in our program will develop:
- the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically creating an organizational vision around personalized student success.
- an understanding of standards-based systems theory and design and the ability to transfer that knowledge to the leader’s job as an architect of standards-based reform in the school.
- the ability to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making at all levels of the system.
Principal candidates will also learn how to:
- Create a culture of teaching and learning with an emphasis on learning.
- Manage resources for effective results.
- Collaborate, communicate, engage, and empower others inside and outside the organization to pursue excellence in learning.
- Operate in a fair and equitable manner with personal and professional integrity.
- Advocate for children and public education in the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
- Support and promote the professional growth of self and others through practice and inquiry.
- Career Opportunities
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ESU professors have real-world educational leadership experience as school superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, and curriculum supervisors, and most administrative roles. Learn from the best!
Advising Process
- 1. Apply
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When you are ready to apply, Apply Now.
You'll need 2 professional letters of recommendation, goal statement, and as per PA regulations, and proof of employment. Please contact Dr. Azukas, if you have any questions.
- M.Ed. Educational Leadership: Apply to the Graduate Program in Professional and Secondary Education, and identify your track as Educational Leadership.
- Principal Certificate only: The candidate has an M.Ed. already and is just seeking principal certification. Apply to the Secondary Education certification, and not the M.Ed.
- 2. Start
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- M.Ed. Educational Leadership: The candidate seeks an M.Ed. and principal certification. Once you are accepted into the program, complete common core courses and contact a PSED adviser to discuss your career goals to complete Track OR
- Principal Certificate only: The candidate has an M.Ed. already and is just seeking principal certification. Email the PSED graduate coordinator with your previous graduate transcripts. The PSED coordinator will determine if any of your previous M.Ed. courses meet PDE certification requirements.
- 3. Plan of Study
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- M.Ed. Educational Leadership: After taking 9-12 credits, meet with your adviser to assist you to complete the Plan of Study form. The plan of study will be signed by you, your adviser, graduate coordinator, department chair, and graduate director. Your signed Plan of Study will be sent by email. Please retain the Plan of Study for your records.
- Principal Certificate only: Meet with your PSED adviser to make sure you are fulfilling PDE requirements to earn certification.
- 4. Internship
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Internship: PDE requires a year long internship. A PSED supervisor will assist you to meet all your internship requirements and you must fill out and submit an Internship Application. You must be approved for PSED 573, 574, and 575. Email your completed application to Ms. Carolyn Cooper Chambliss.
- 5. Portfolio
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Comprehensive Assessment Portfolio: While you are completing your courses, gather artifacts, read and write reflections for your comprehensive assessment portfolio for Educational Leadership. The portfolio is a chance to highlight your unique professional perspectives. You will present your portfolio the last semester of your program. Please review the Comprehensive Assessment Portfolio Assessment Policy and Protocol Manual, and ask if you have questions.
PSED Master's Handbook- See Exit Porfolio Track #2
Sample Portfolios:
- 6. Finishing Up
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- Apply for Graduation the beginning of your last semester.
- Present your Comprehensive Assessment Portfolio: This is a time to display and describe your learning, reflection on your professional experiences and readings. Send an email to PSED Secretary, Ms. Carolyn Cooper Chambliss, to determine presentation times. You will present in the last half of the semester.
- Principal Certification: Each state has its own requirements. PA Test: Pass the School Leaders Licensure Test & Apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education New Jersey: See New Jersey Education Requirements
Learn more about the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
Professional Licensure Disclosures and Distance Learning State Authorization: Applicants who are applying to programs that may lead to licensure in states other than Pennsylvania must be aware of the various state professional licensure requirements. Please see ESU's professional licensure disclosures, Evaluation of Conduct Record, and check licensure requirements by occupation and state at CareerOneStop.
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Stroud Hall 209 P
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3363
- Title of Department Leader
- Graduate Coordinator
- Name
- Mary (Liz) Azukas
- E:
- mazukas@esu.edu
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3352
