Educational LeaderThe 36-credit Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership is a post-graduate program that leads to NYS Certification as a School District Leader and a School Building Leader. It is approved by the New York State Education Department. The program responds to the need for high quality educational leaders committed to creating excellent schools. Participants in the program develop the core competencies in leadership which include : (1) a deep understanding of curriculum, instruction and assessment to improve student learning; (2) use of data to set goals and improve achievement; (3) developing staff, sharing leadership and building strong school communities; (4) personal leadership that fosters a culture of excellence and (5) managing resources and operations to improve student learning. The curriculum includes research, theory, fieldwork, accountable conversation and learning opportunities offered by faculty and distinguished practitioners who prepare candidates to become efficient, effective and caring educational leaders determined to promote equity and excellence for diverse populations. BLENDED LEARNING/SATURDAY FORMAT The Brooklyn Campus’ BLENDED LEARNING Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership fuses online learning with traditional classroom studies on Saturdays, significantly reducing the amount of time you’ll spend on campus and maximizing interaction with faculty members and fellow students. The blended learning Saturday format is perfect for the busy professional who has many career and family obligations during the work week. - Learn More. Program Highlights The Educational Leadership program is a theory-based/field-based program. For each course, students are expected to put theory into practice through assignments in schools and regional offices. Practitioners meet with students in their schools to accomplish their assigned tasks and to address real-world issues. Because the majority of the students in the Educational Leadership program live and work in New York City, they bring real-life experience directly to the classroom setting and are able to apply their experiences in the classroom to their everyday work environment. The program is based on the study group concept. Students work in teams to complete projects and to prepare portfolios that highlight their work, building collegiality and opportunities for networking as well as developing cooperative, collaboration and communication skills.

President Obama’s Blue Print for reform, U.S. Office of Education, March 15, 2010, states that: “the effort to improve schools will require the skills and talents of many but especially our nation’s principals, and other school leaders. Our goal must be to have a great teacher in every classroom and a great principal in every school.” There are many job opportunities for assistant principals and principals in New York City. Since 2006, 500 new public schools have opened. There are public, portfolio, charter, parochial and independent schools that seek competent leaders in the New York area. The Department of Education seeks qualified educators to become assistant principals and principals who are proficient in the Department of Education’s five school leadership competencies. Our successful graduates are prepared to complete state exams and to enter the NYC pool for assistant principals and principals.