School District Leader Advanced Certificate Program

This program is registered with the NYSED and is recognized as an approved New York State School District Leader (SDL) preparation program.

Application Deadline: June 1

The Division of Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy is pleased to announce that it will now offer an Advanced Certificate Program in School District Leadership (SDL ). The SDL Certificate is required for all individuals seeking leadership positions in New York State at the school district level such as Superintendents, Deputy and Assistant Superintendents, District Administrators and Supervisors in Curriculum Areas, and Supervisors of Pupil Personnel Services.

State Certification

This program is registered with the NYSED and is recognized as an approved New York State School District Leader (SDL) preparation program. However, given students’ individual educational and professional backgrounds, all prospective students should visit the NYSED website to review all certification requirements to determine whether this program and your respective education and professional backgrounds will meet state requirements for certification as a school district leader. Prospective students from other states should view your respective state’s website to determine your state’s requirements and whether this advanced Certificate Program will meet those requirements.

Individuals seeking SDL certification must have:

• A minimum of 60 graduate credits which must include a master’s degree and completion of an approved SDL preparation program and;
• three years of full-time paid experience in Administration, Pupil Personnel Services or Classroom Teaching by the time you apply for NYSED School District Leader certification

Program Description

This program combines theory with clinically-rich learning experiences to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to effectively lead at the school district level. Learning strategies and experiences may include: class discussions, case studies, guest speakers, relevant field experiences embedded in each course, a clinically rich internship at the district level, in-basket exercises, relevant readings, project-based learning, and action research.

When and Where

Courses are offered in an evening/weekend model with a one semester district-level internship which may be taken during the summer, fall or spring semester. Initially, this program will only be offered at the Lincoln Center campus.

Course of Study

Advanced Certificate for School District Leadership (15 credits)
Candidates seeking SDL certification must take the following five courses beyond a master’s degree (preferably in educational administration and supervision):

• ASGE 6224 - The Superintendency (3 credits)
• ASGE 6225 - Boards of Education (3 credits)
• ASGE 6227 - Cases and Simulations in Administration and Supervision (3 credits)
• ASGE 7442 - Leading a Learning Organization (3 credits)
• ASGE 7530 - Clinical Practice in Administration and Supervision (Internship-District Level) (3 credits)

New York State Education Department: Pathway: Approved Teacher Preparation Program
Requirements for School District Leader Certificate:

• Completion of a NYS Registered Program - School District Leader
• Institutional Recommendation - School District Leader
• Additional Education - Master’s Degree
• Graduate Coursework - 60 S.H.
• Paid, full-time Admin/PPS/Classroom Teaching experience - 3 Yrs.
• Examination - School District Leader - Part 1
• Examination - School District Leader - Part 2
• Fingerprint Clearance
• Citizenship Status - INS Permanent Residence or U.S. Citizenship

Financial Aid

Applicants applying to the Advanced Certificate -SDL program who are accepted may only apply to our Scholarship & Grant program. Graduate Assistantships are not available, as this is a part-time, not a full-time, program.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Advanced Certificate Program in School District Leadership must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study in the Graduate School of Education as well as the following program-specific admissions requirements:

• Possess a master’s degree. (A master’s degree in educational administration and supervision is preferred but not required.)
• Have three years paid, full-time Admin/PPS/Classroom Teaching experience.

Application and Selection Process

• Complete the required online GSE Program Application.
• Meet Fordham University Graduate School of Education Admissions Requirements.

Program Coordinator

Dr. John W. Lee
Lincoln Center Campus – Room 1119
212- 636-6424
ajolee@fordham.edu

For Further Information

Contact Linda Horisk, Assistant Dean of Admissions at (212) 636-6401 or email horisk@fordham.edu with further program or admissions questions.

Visit the Admissions page for additional information.