Dec 13, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate Programs


Program Coordinator:
518-792-5425, ext. 109
Dr. Kerri Zappala-Piemme
Email: kzapp002@plattsburgh.edu

Educational Leadership Online Graduate Certificate Programs 

The goal of the graduate certificate programs in education is to prepare instructional leaders for successful transition into school and/or district leadership positions. Program objectives are based on the knowledge and skills identified in the Educational Leadership Constituent Council Guidelines, the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and the Model Teacher Leader Standards. All programs build on previous experience and graduate work.

The SBL Program (30 Credits)

This program enables students - who complete the program and receive a passing score on the state assessment - to qualify for a New York State Administrative Certificate at the building (SBL certificate) level. Once SBL certification has been obtained, individuals can add on the 8-credit hour SDL program, allowing one to also qualify for the SDL certificate. SBL program candidates must commit to completing a 400-hour clinically-rich internship consisting of elementary, middle school, high school, and central office experiences. Skill development and assessment in the SBL program is driven by four cornerstone projects and the internship experience. Cornerstone projects involve implementing school change through professional development, annual professional performance review of classroom teachers, evaluation of teaching and learning using student assessment data, and core-value leadership peer and self-assessments. An electronic portfolio will be used to document progress.

The SDL Program (8 Credits)

Candidates can qualify for the SDL certificate through completion of an additional semester internship experience embedded in two classes. Most coursework will be completed at the intern’s primary site.

The Teacher Leadership Program (12 Credits)

This fully online Advanced Certificate Program develops the skills and understanding necessary for instructional leadership. Though this program does not lead to state certification, it serves an important need for broader instructional leadership by teachers in our schools. This program provides highly effective teachers with opportunities to serve as instructional leaders within their schools without having to fully leave the classroom. The program also offers interested candidates the chance to get a head start on their administrative licensure coursework. Most significantly, program graduates will develop the skills and understandings necessary for schools to effectively distribute leadership beyond the school principal. Cornerstone projects involve implementing school change through professional development, annual professional performance review of classroom teachers, and evaluation of teaching and learning using student assessment data. An electronic portfolio will be used to document progress.

Benefits of the Educational Leadership Programs

  • Gain administrative certification(s) - SBL or SDL.
  • Study full-time or part-time.
  • Study at convenient hours. 
  • Learn from experienced faculty.

Admission Requirements

The certificates in School Building Leader, School District Leader, and Teacher Leadership have rolling admissions and will accept applications at any time. 

To apply to the SBL Program, candidates must:

  • Complete the Graduate Study Application Packet with required supporting materials;
  • Have completed a master’s degree (30 credit minimum) from an accredited university;
  • Submit a copy of their NYS permanent or professional teaching certificate;
  • Demonstration of literacy skills and potential for success through a written statement of purpose;
  • Obtain three (3) letters of reference indicating candidate’s ability to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership. At least 1 of the letters should be from a college faculty member and 1 from the candidate’s building principal; and
  • Attend an interview (if invited).

To apply to the SDL Program, candidates must:

  • Have completed an accredited graduate SBL program;
  • Possess NYS pemanent or professional teacher certification;
  • Submit the Graduate Study Application Packet with required supporting materials if candidate’s SBL program was not completed at SUNY Plattsburgh;
  • Complete the additional SDL application materials if candidate’s SBL program was completed at SUNY Plattsburgh; and
  • Attend an interview (if invited).

To apply to the Teacher Leader Program, candidates must:

  • Complete the Graduate Study application with required supporting materials;
  • Have completed a master’s degree (30 credit minimum) from an accredited university;
  • Submit a copy of their NYS permanent or professional teaching certificate;
  • Demonstration of literacy skills and potential for success through a written statement of purpose;
  • Obtain three (3) letters of reference. At least 1 of the letters should be from a college faculty member and 1 from the building principal.

Internships

Internships are an integrated experience in the SBL and SDL programs spanning the entire school year. The Internship experience is guided by a set of competencies based on the ISLLC, ISTE-NETS, and TEAC guidelines and standards. Interns are expected to participate in school functions that occur before and after college semesters begin and end. Each Intern has a school-based mentor - experienced practitioner who signs a contract agreeing to the requirements which comprise the experience.

In addition, a College Internship Supervisor will be assigned for the year. This highly experienced school leader will make periodic site visits to meet with the intern and mentor in order to assess progress and/or needs.

The intern is expected to keep a log during the Internship which serves as evidence of the ability to demonstrate the identified competencies.

 

Programs