K-12 School Leadership Certificate (Graduate)

Graduate Certificate in K-12 School Leadership

The Graduate Certificate in K-12 School Leadership in the College of Education and Human Development is rooted in the college’s commitment to social justice and educational equity. In this 27-credit certificate program, you will focus on urban schooling and leadership, exploring how educational policy, community dynamics and systemic factors shape schools in urban environments.

You will be prepared for leadership positions in school settings, particularly in urban schools. Graduates emerge equipped to make meaningful, research-informed contributions to K–12 schools and communities, particularly within urban education contexts.

The curriculum is an approved course of study that partially fulfills the requirements for Pennsylvania certification as a principal or supervisor of curriculum and instruction.

What sets apart the K-12 School Leadership Certificate (Graduate) in the College of Education and Human Development?

Curriculum and focus: Students will benefit from the program and faculty’s commitment to social justice and educational equity.
Outcomes: You will graduate ready to lead in urban and diverse school communities, with the skills critical to practicing ethical, inclusive and culturally responsive leadership.
Real-world approach: The program connects education policy, community engagement and school improvement to provide students with a solid foundation in these areas.

K-12 School Leadership Certificate (Graduate) Learning Outcomes

You will graduate with the skills to

summarize the development and implementation of educational policies and reforms;
describe the historical, economic, and socio-cultural;
understand the community context that shape and influence local education and schooling;
review, select, synthesize and apply research and practitioner literature to examine educational issues;
describe the landscape of contemporary education reform and identify skills used by advocates seeking change;
identify and apply effective practices for ethical and equitable leadership in school, school district, community and systems; and
communicate the influence of race/ethnicity and social class on education policy and opportunities for individuals.

Program Format and Curriculum

The curriculum comprises seven three-credit core courses and two three-credit clinical experience courses.

Policy and Practice in Urban Education
Leadership for Learning
Context for School Reform Education Law, Policy and Politics
Leadership for Diverse Contexts
School Operations, Management, Technology and Comm
Action and Collaborative Research
Change Leadership
Clinical Experience in School
Clinical Experience in School Leadership 2

Related Graduate Degrees

Educational and Organizational Leadership MEd

Our Advisors

Individual faculty advisors will guide you in navigating the curriculum and selecting the appropriate coursework to achieve your academic and professional goals. A graduate academic advisor will also be available to help you with scheduling, policies and procedures to ensure your smooth passage through the program.

Program Contact

For questions regarding the K-12 School Leadership Certificate (Graduate), contact the following staff member.

Sarah Cordes is an associate professor and the program contact.
Email: [click-for-email]

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program. You’ll also find opportunities to give back to the community, either locally or globally.

Graduate Student Organization of the College of Education runs community-based events like school supply drives as well as professional development workshops and activities. The organization upholds a strong commitment to social justice, regularly organizing political events and engaging in projects with community partners.
Temple University Graduate Students Association is a student employee union that maintains positive working lives and conditions for graduate student assistants.
Temple Student Pennsylvania State Education Association hosts events to share effective classroom techniques and other resources for developing teachers.

Enrollment

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: [click-for-email]

Temple University