School Building Leader Advanced Certification
Program Director: Dr. Tyrone Bynoe
The School Building Leader Advanced Certificate Program prepares students for administrative leadership at the school building level. Candidates are elementary and secondary teachers or counselors seeking positions as school building administrators. The 24-credit program provides students with research-based knowledge and experience in areas such as leadership, school and community relations, school finance, school law, evaluation and supervision; standards- based curriculum and special education for school administrators. The program is offered in a 100% online format. A candidate is required to complete 600 hours of practicum and internship to complete the program. This coursework prepares a candidate to take the New York State School Leader Certification Examinations 109 and 110, which the New York State Education Department requires for School Building Leader administrative certification.
Information About Certification
Upon successful completion of the registered program, a candidate is recommended to NYSED for the School Building Leader certification. Candidates should contact the Office of Educator Preparation Placement and Certification regarding the certification process.
Admission Requirements
The admission committee reviews the following in considering candidates for this program:
- Master’s in Education or certification-related area
- Three years of K-12 school experience
- Teaching or Counseling certification
- Transcripts from all colleges previously attended
- Two references, including one from supervising principal or superintendent, that address the candidate ability to do graduate work and the candidate's success as a teacher/counselor
- Interview
- Writing sample
- Additional information, if requested by program director
Transfer Credits
Students may be able to apply up to six (6) credits of graduate coursework taken at another institution. These six (6) credits may result in a waiver of coursework, if the courses were from a completed graduate program. If a waiver is approved, the candidate must take up to six (6) elective credits to meet the total credit requirement of the program. The program director, in consultation with the Registrar, will determine if and how transfer credits may be applied at the time the program plan is written.
Certification Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDL-515 | LEADERSHIP/PRINCIPALSHIP | 3 |
| EDL-522 | SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS | 3 |
| EDL-523 | SCHOOL LAW | 3 |
| EDL-524 | SCHOOL FINANCE | 3 |
| EDL-535 | EVAL/SUPRV INSTR/STAFF | 3 |
| EDL-542 | LEADING EFFECTIVE INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS | 3 |
| EDL-599A | SCH BLDG LDR PRACTICUM | 1 |
| EDL-599B | SCH BLDG LDR INTERNSHIP | 2 |
| EDUC-615 | USING DATA FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT | 3 |
| EDL-599C | INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM SUPERVISION 1 | 0 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
This course will be required if continuing supervision is needed in order to complete practicum and internship hours.
Clinical Experience Requirements
For this certification, students are expected to complete two competency-based clinical experiences in K-12 settings. One will be in an elementary setting and the other in a secondary setting.
- The first clinical experience is the 1 credit EDL-599A Practicum requiring 200 clock hours. The practicum involves shadowing and observing, with limited administrative responsibilities under close supervision. A student may begin the practicum once the first three school building level educational leadership courses are completed. The practicum may be in either the elementary or secondary setting.
- The second clinical experience is the 2 credit EDL-599B Internship requiring 400 clock hours. The internship provides a candidate with more independent opportunities to acquire the skills, strategies, and competencies needed to successfully lead a school and improve student learning while working with other administrators, students, teachers, and community members. The internship is completed in the opposite school setting than the practicum. For example, if the practicum is completed in an elementary setting, then the internship must be in a secondary setting.
A student may register for and begin the practicum and internship after completing three school building level educational leadership courses. The practicum, which is more closely supervised and limited in scope, should be completed prior to the more independent internship experience.
Exit Criteria
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Successful completion of the practicum and internship
- Submission of a satisfactory standards-based electronic portfolio showing professional growth and accomplishments during the coursework and field experiences
Certification
A candidate must successfully complete all coursework in the program, as well as the NYSED School Building Leader test, to be recommended for certification. A candidate should contact the Office of Educator Preparation Placement and Certification regarding the certification process.