Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts offers an innovative Leadership Academy providing educators with the opportunity to earn administrative certification (licensure) in an intensive low-residency program. The Leadership Academy is a cohort model that blends academic content with practical skill and knowledge development. Created to support the advancement of working professionals, the Leadership Academy is a low-residency model (two weeks in summer 1, two weekends during the school year, and four days in summer 2) with independent and online courses and work assigned between residencies. Students earn 31 credits through pre-practicum experiences, seven courses, an administrative project, an administrative practicum, and a culminating Leadership Academy Conference.

The goal is to prepare candidates to serve as highly effective leaders of educational institutions, and active citizens in their communities. Leadership Academy graduates will be able to: shape a vision rooted in anti-racism and based on equity, justice, and academic success for all students; create a climate hospitable for education in schools and the community; cultivate collaborative leadership with faculty and staff; improve curriculum and instruction; and manage people, data, and processes to foster continuous school improvement.

Leadership Academy courses are taught by nationally recognized educational theorists and successful school and district practitioners serving in roles such as superintendent, principal, curriculum coordinator, and department leader. Courses include a blend of social, political, and academic theories and practices in examining current trends in public education. We prepare school and district leaders who will ensure the highest quality and most equitable, just and effective learning environments for students. Activities include reading, writing, discussion, group projects, case studies, simulations, experiences in museums, lectures by prominent thinkers, project-based tasks, self-assessment, quizzes/tests, fieldwork, and application of course concepts.

Candidates must have a minimum of three years K-12 experience and a master’s degree in order to enter the program. Students completing this program may continue their studies by earning an optional Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Administration (CAGS). Endorsement for administrative licensure through MCLA is accepted by other states via a reciprocal agreement. Participants may apply to their home state for licensure and are responsible for completing the licensure/certification process in their home state.

For more information, visit the Leadership Academy website.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Administration (CAGS)

Those students completing the Leadership Academy at MCLA may achieve a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Administration by successfully completing an additional 9 credits (3 courses) in their chosen topic of study.