September 8, 2025
One-year hybrid program transforms educators into school administrators through arts and social justice lens
North Adams, MA – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Leadership Academy concluded its summer residency on July 20 with 22 dedicated educators completing this transformative phase of their journey toward becoming school administrators. The program, which has seen remarkable success with alumni now serving in leadership roles across Massachusetts and New York, will open applications for its 2026 cohort on October 1.
"This program is rooted in the arts and social justice. It's not just about getting your credentials for school leadership. It's about finding your voice and being an education advocate," said Marianne Young, Leadership Academy coordinator.
The MCLA Leadership Academy stands as one of the region's only hybrid residency programs, combining the convenience of remote learning with essential on-campus experiences. Unlike traditional two-year programs, participants complete this certificate program in just one year, attending only four on-campus residencies while maintaining their teaching positions.
Program Highlights:
Participants enter the program with a Master's degree and three years of school experience, though registered teaching certification is not required. The current cohort includes primarily educators from New York, reflecting the program's strong reputation throughout the Northeast.
"Our alumni consistently describe this as a life-changing experience," Young noted. "They come to us as teachers and leave us as confident education advocates ready to lead positive change in their schools and communities."
The program serves educators throughout Western Massachusetts, extending to Boston and Cape Cod, as well as New York from Manhattan and Brooklyn to Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo areas. Southern Vermont educators are also encouraged to apply.
Multiple information sessions are scheduled to help prospective students learn more about the program. Info sessions provide potential students with the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and alumni to learn more about the program. Sessions will be held at MCLA.
About the MCLA Leadership Academy: The Leadership Academy is part of MCLA's Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, preparing current educators for school administration roles through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes both practical leadership skills and advocacy for educational equity and justice.
For more information about the Leadership Academy or to complete an inquiry form, visit the Leadership Academy. Applications for the 2026 cohort open October 1.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.
