A Collaboration Between the CEUE and the Division of Education
Earn Your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Principal/Assistant Principal MA Licensure Program
PreK-8 And 5-12
Schedule-friendly format; online/low residency; no classes in May and June
500-hour, two-year practicum completed at candidate’s school
Two-year program with 8-week online modules, an intensive one-week on campus and online summer course, two January intersession classes
DESE-designated
PAL tasks grounded
in equity-centered
leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible?
Educators with at least three full years of employment in an executive management / leadership role or a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role In a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting are accepted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
2. What is the program structure?
• Online/low-residency cohort-based learning model
• Eight 8-week courses
• One-week on-campus summer course
• Two 1-credit accelerated Zoom January
Intersession classes
• 500-hour, two-year practicum across the length of the program with online seminars
• 39 credits, no more than 25% asynchronous
3. How long does it take to complete?
We expect candidates to complete the program within two years.
4. What is the time commitment?
Expect to dedicate 10-15 hours per week to coursework, practicum, and seminars.
5. What leadership skills will you develop from this program?
• How to use knowledge and skills about race, gender, and culture to build school and community environments characterized by social justice and equity.
• How to cultivate a shared vision that makes effective teaching and learning the central focus of schooling.
• How to utilize operational management tools to ensure a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• How to build effective partnerships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders that support the mission of the school and district.
• How to nurture and sustain a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning for staff.
Requirements
- Elms online application
- All official transcripts from accredited institutions the candidate attended – GPA of 3.0 or above
- Evidence of three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership role or a supervisory, teaching,
- or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by
- the Department
- Copies of teaching license(s)
- Passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test of the
- Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
- SEI Administrator or Teacher Endorsement
- School affiliation and ability to participate fully at the school site
- Goal statement
Contact: grad@elms.edu
About the Center for Equity in Urban Education at Elms College:
Established 5 years ago, the CEUE is dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of qualified and licensed educators and school teachers. The center offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree completion program pathways and provides support for full-time, non-licensed teachers of record & paraprofessionals in attaining initial licensure. This includes MTEL support, scholarships, and culturally responsive professional development.
About The Education Division at Elms College:
The Education Division at Elms College has a long-standing tradition of preparing compassionate, skilled, and innovative educators. Rooted in the college’s mission of social justice and academic excellence, the division has evolved to meet the changing needs of students and schools. Over the years, it has expanded its programs to include undergraduate and graduate degrees, teacher licensure pathways, and partnerships with local districts to provide hands-on learning experiences.
Curriculum
Click to view course requirements for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Licensure Track — School Principal/Assistant Principal (PK–8 or 5–12).
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 6150 | Shaping School Culture | 3 |
| EDU 6151 | Curriculum Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation | 3 |
| EDU 6169 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum l, Year One, PK-8 | 1 |
| EDU 6170 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum l, 5-12, Year One | 1 |
| EDU 6161 | Practicum l Seminar in Educational Leadership, PK-8 | 1 |
| EDU 6152 | Professional Learning Community Experience ll: Professional Leadership | 1 |
| EDU 6153 | Building and Managing Equitable School Budgets | 3 |
| EDU 6154 | Instructional Leadership for Equity and Justice | 3 |
| EDU 6171 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum ll, Year One, PK-8 | 1 |
| EDU 6172 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum ll, Year One, 5-12 | 1 |
| EDU 6163 | Practicum ll Seminar in Educational Leadership, PK-8 | 1 |
| EDU 6164 | Practicum ll Seminar in Educational Leadership, 5-12 | 1 |
| EDU 6155 | Family and Community Engagement | 3 |
| EDU 6156 | Law, Ethics and Equity | 3 |
| EDU 6157 | Using Data and Evidence for School and District Improvement | 3 |
| EDU 6158 | Facilities, Operations, and Fiscal Management | 3 |
| EDU 6173 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum lll, Year Two, PK-8 | 1 |
| EDU 6174 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum lll, Year Two, 5-12 | 1 |
| EDU 6165 | Practicum lll Seminar in Educational Leadership, PK-8 | 1 |
| EDU 6166 | Practicum lll Seminar in Educational Leadership, 5-12 | 1 |
| EDU 6159 | Professional Learning Community Experience lll: Effective Communication | 1 |
| EDU 6160 | Administration, Supervision and Evaluation of School Staff | 3 |
| EDU 6175 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum IV, Year Two, PK-8 | 2 |
| EDU 6176 | Principal/Assistant Principal Practicum IV, Year Two, 5-12 | 2 |
| EDU 6167 | Practicum IV Seminar in Educational Leadership, PK-8 | 2 |
| EDU 6168 | Practicum IV Seminar in Educational Leadership, 5-12 | 2 |