Leadership Academy 2025

Since 1997 over 2,000 school and district leaders have obtained administrative credentials through the Leadership Academy while strengthening their commitment to equity and justice in schools, expanding content knowledge, experiencing the influence of cultural venues on learning, and establishing lasting professional connections with faculty and peers.

Leadership Academy 2025

The Leadership Academy 2025 cohort will begin May 12, 2025 online (asynchronous), and the on-campus, in-person 14-full day residency runs from July 5 - 20, 2025.

Join us for an upcoming Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Leadership Academy.

Session dates are:

Saturday November 16, 2024 10:00 am (hybrid; option to join in person, on campus during November residency)
Wednesday December 11, 2024 4:30 pm
Monday January 13, 2025 7:00 pm
Thursday February 13, 2025 4:30 pm
Saturday March 15, 2025 10:00 am (hybrid; option to join in person, on campus during March residency)
Wednesday March 19, 2025 4:30 pm

The MCLA Leadership Academy is sanctioned by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and is designed for educators who seek to advance professionally while working. The Leadership Academy is dedicated to transformative leadership and embeds MA DESE's anti-racist leadership competencies in all course work and field experiences.

Here are some of its unique facets:

a 12-month program (individual pre-work is required beginning about six weeks prior to the first residency)
affordable, public college tuition/fee rates
accomplished and experienced faculty
an initial two-week summer residency, two weekend residencies, online (asynchronous) courses, internship/practicum, and a culminating four-day summer leadership conference
College Supervisors who travel to school/district sites to support internships
approved licenses for Principal/Assistant Principal and Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
pathway to New York licensure as School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL)
an optional additional 9-credit research sequence to complete a CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) in Administration
credits which can be transferred to doctoral studies including at Texas A&M's Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

The program requirements and costs are outlined in these additional documents:

Program Schedule
Program Details
Estimated Program Costs
On-Campus Housing Application
Course Descriptions
Superintendent Licensure/SDL Option
- Superintendent/SDL Application opens January 2025. Complete this Intent to Enroll Form if considering pursuing requirements for Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent (SDL).
CAGS in Administration Option
- For the 2025 cohort, the CAGS application opens January 2026 and is due by April 15, 2026.

If you have questions and would like more detailed information, you are welcome to sign up for Leadership Academy Virtual Office Hours. Virtual Office Hours are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Email leadershipacademy@mcla.edu to sign up and receive the link.

Marianne R. Young
Leadership Academy Director

Eligibility

Three years’ experience in a teaching, supervisory, or administrative role in schools
A master's degree
Completion of application materials including:
- two letters of recommendation
- résumé/CV
- a personal statement
- and an official master’s degree transcript
A completed Site Supervisor Letter of Endorsement Form from the licensed (minimum three years) school administrator who will oversee the candidate’s internship.

APPLY

Site Supervisor Credential Form

Site Supervisor Role and Responsibilities

The application deadline is April 15, 2025.

Contacts

Marianne Young, Director: marianne.young@mcla.edu
Program email: leadershipacademy@mcla.edu
Telephone: 413-662-5198