School Leadership and Administration Certificate

The hybrid program format is a combination of face-to face and online learning modules and components. This certification only program is a non-degree-granting program for experienced education professionals who have a Master’s degree and seek to develop their leadership potential and competency. These individuals are committed to the improvement of Pre-K-12 education, especially at the school level and aspire to be leaders in their organizations, whatever their roles and responsibilities. The program is PSC approved, incorporates a core of professional knowledge, includes an experiential component, and facilitates mastery of the Georgia Leadership Standards in educational leadership. Program emphasis includes strong content training in school administration, practical application of content, and mentoring with field experts in today’s changing context of public school administration.

Program objectives are drawn from the core content identified by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC, 2015) and based on research and theory on educational leadership, and from collaboration between practitioners and COE program faculty.  In addition to the ISLLC standards, leadership preparation programs are guided by the Georgia Leader Keys Effective System (LKES) standards as they seek to successfully prepare candidates. The LKES standards define the expectations for leadership performance in Georgia schools.

Accredited regionally through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Class Sessions and Internet Modules-Distance Learning.

4 semesters: Summer-Fall-Spring-Summer.

The program is designed to prepare professionals for entry-level administrative positions in schools, school districts, and educational agencies.

A minimum of three (3) years full-time teaching experience in the classroom, a Master’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale), and a passing score on the required writing sample.

Applicants should submit the online application, a Letter of Recommendation from supervisor or school/district administrator, a current Resume/curriculum vitae, the writing sample, and transcripts from all colleges attended.

The final demonstration of competence is the ePortfolio, which is comprised of the Leadership Development Plan including site-based feedback on the leadership standards, internship time log and reflection on field experiences, and Key Assessments  across the coursework. The final checklist to be eligible for Tier I Leadership Performance Certification also includes mastery of all leadership standards, competencies, and skills demonstrated through the assigned Tier 1 performances and assessments and a passing score on the Georgia Leadership Examination (GACE).

The cost of this program is equal to tuition and fees for the Academic Year of Enrollment as stated by the UNG Registrar’s Office.