Administrative Certificate Principal K–12 (Post-Masters)

Program Overview

The Administrative Certificate Principal K–12 Program, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, qualifies professionals to serve in administrative positions. This program, which prepares individuals to serve as principals and assistant principals, offers the knowledge and skills and fosters the dispositions that are necessary to direct, operate, supervise, and administer the organizational structures and educational activities that are essential for student success at both the school and district levels.

Mission

Neumann University educates a diverse community of learners based upon the belief that knowledge is a gift to be shared in the service of others and that learning is a lifelong process.

The Division of Education and Human Services recognizes that learning, teaching, and collegiality are fundamental activities of all educational organizations, and that knowledge and active inquiry form the basis of teaching and administrative practice. The Division further affirms that these qualities and activities are inextricably linked to the moral and ethical imperatives that drive leadershp behavior.

The mission of the Administrative Certificate Principal K–12 Program is to help leaders develop the knowledge and understanding that are required to create and continuously improve standardsaligned instructional systems, equitable learning opportunities, leadership for results, data-driven cultures, results-focused planning, targeted assistance, professional learning communities, and professional accountability.

Program Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Administrative Certificate Principal K–12 Certification Program are able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and competence in instructional leadership which provides purpose and direction for the achievement of all students.
• Demonstrate the organizational skills to implement plans of action efficiently and effectively for student achievement.
• Collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and parents to create a school climate that fosters student achievement.
• Understand the importance of a clear, detailed vision and explicitly stated philosophy in shaping a coherent curriculum and fostering an effective school.
• Use data in a systematic way to assess the needs and accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff.
• Think systematically about practice; learn from experience; seek the advice of others; draw upon educational research and scholarship; and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally.

Program Design

This administrative certification program requires a total of 24 graduate credits which are specified in the Program Curriculum. To be eligible for the Administrative Certificate Principal K–12, a 6- credit internship (EDU 800 ), in addition to the six other required courses listed below in the Program Curriculum, is required. EDU 800  consists of a 360-hour learning experience, guided by the PA Leadership Standards, which includes classroom and field activities, the latter of which requires a 180-hour site-based internship experienced over a 365-day period. EDU 800  is taken after all other program requirements have been successfully completed. In addition to these curricular requirements, the student must also satisfactorily complete the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania mandated assessment, have a chief school administrator’s verification of five years of satisfactory and appropriate school experience, and meet all other requirements stipulated by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law.