Principal Certification

Program Overview

The Principal Certification Program at Robert Morris University prepares educators with at least two years of teaching experience for administrative leadership positions in schools. The program emphasizes a year-long internship focusing on leadership, school improvement, student achievement, special education, and professional development. Graduates are equipped with the skills and qualifications to make a significant impact on student learning and school improvement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The principal certification program at Robert Morris University is designed for educators with at least two years of teaching experience who aspire to pursue administrative leadership positions in schools. This program offers a standalone option for certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and can also be integrated into an M.S. in Instructional Leadership degree. It operates at the graduate level and emphasizes a year-long internship focusing on leadership, school improvement, student achievement, special education, and professional development.

Objectives:

• Equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as school administrators.
• Prepare participants for leadership roles in diverse educational settings.
• Foster a commitment to continuous improvement and student success.
• Cultivate effective leadership practices in collaboration, communication, and decision-making.

Program Description:

The core of the program is a year-long internship, offering participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the realities of school administration. This immersive experience is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience in:

• Leading and managing school improvement initiatives.
• Promoting student achievement and closing achievement gaps.
• Understanding and supporting students with special needs.
• Facilitating professional development for educators.

Outline:

• Course Plan:
• LEAD6000: Principal Preparation Seminar (Summer)
• LEAD6010: Leadership and School Improvement Internship (Fall)
• LEAD6020: Leadership and Student Achievement Internship (Fall)
• LEAD6030: Leadership and Special Education Internship (Spring)
• LEAD6040: Leadership and Professional Development Internship (Spring)
• Sample Courses:
• Principal Preparation Seminar
• Leadership & Professional Development
• Leadership & School Improvement

Assessment:

The program utilizes a comprehensive assessment approach to evaluate participants' progress and ensure they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. This approach includes:

• Observations: Throughout the internship, participants are observed by their mentor principal and RMU supervisor to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
• Collaboration: Ongoing collaboration between the participant, mentor principal, and RMU supervisor facilitates continuous feedback and improvement.
• Artifacts: Participants develop a portfolio of artifacts, such as lesson plans, professional development materials, and student data analysis, to demonstrate their development and accomplishments.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a multifaceted approach to teaching and learning, including:

• Expert Faculty: Participants benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty members who are active researchers and leaders in the field of education.
• Individualized Mentorship: Each participant receives personalized mentorship from a practicing principal, providing invaluable insights and support throughout the internship.
• Collaborative Learning: Participants engage in collaborative learning activities to share experiences, insights, and best practices.
• Principal
• Assistant Principal
• Curriculum Director
• Director of Special Education
• Superintendent
• Education Consultant
The program equips graduates with the necessary skills and qualifications to make a significant impact on student learning and school improvement.

Other:

• The program requires a minimum of 15 program credits.
• The program admits students in the fall semester only.

Contact Information:

• Patty Kardambikis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Graduate Educational Leadership Programs