Educational Leadership at Niagara University is an NCATE accredited graduate program that prepares candidates for leadership roles.  Candidates may work towards a Masters degree and certification for school, district or business leadership opportunities in New York State. 

Classroom teachers may want to take educational leadership programs in order to prepare them in serving in a variety of leadership roles within their school and district (principal, assistant principal, team leader, chairperson, coordinator, superintendent, etc.). 

The degree can also prepare candidates for other leadership opportunities in a variety of contexts (i.e. higher education or non-profit organizations). 

The purpose of Educational Leadership is to prepare individuals for organizational leadership and decision-making, the design and implementation of instruction for student achievement, management of the organization and its operations, human resource development, and building parent involvement and community support.

• A high quality, NCATE accredited program offering:

• Professors with extensive leadership experiences and knowledge of “Best Practices”

• Program based on current data, theory and research

• Flexible scheduling including Saturday classes

• On-line courses and integrated technology

• Internship includes embedded course experiences with culminating intensive practicum

Candidates may choose from a Masters Degree program or certificates of advanced study (CAS), each leading to specific certification in New York State.  Candidates seeking certification are required to have master’s degree to enter the program. 

School Building Leadership
Certification Cohort at the
Cattaraugus-Allegany-
Erie-Wyoming BOCES, Olean, N.Y  pdf

Information Session

Old Library Restaurant

Olean, NY

October 24, 2007

4:30 pm

Advisors:  Dr. Barbara  Iannarelli - bai@niagara.edu - 716-286-8547

                 Dr. Jim Mills - jmills@niagara.edu - 716-286-8553

 "I have had an opportunity to work with the Department of Educational Administration, as a result of my involvement as a mentor to internship advisees in the Tonawanda City School District. I strongly recommend to anyone interested in a career in educational administration that they enroll in courses in the Niagara University Department of Educational Administration. I have been very impressed with the quality of instruction, knowledge of the professors and the high quality of candidates that they have been able to graduate from the program."

George Batterson, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Tonawanda City School District

"The Niagara Falls City School District wholeheartedly supports the ongoing work that Niagara University is doing within the Educational Leadership Program.  This is truly a partnership where knowledge and expertise are shared.  Niagara Falls City School District personnel open their classrooms and school buildings to the Niagara University student interns and bring their personal skills as instructors on the Niagara University campus.  Niagara University trains the vast majority of the educational leaders that come to our buildings.  The relationship is strong because of the deep regard and high respect shared by all.  Niagara University and the Niagara Falls City School District are truly a viable partnership in the highest sense of the word.  Their coexistence continues to be a mutual and rewarding benefit."

Carmen Granto
Superintendent of Schools
Niagara Falls City School District

"Niagara University's Educational Leadership Program thoroughly prepared me for the daily challenges I face as a school principal. I highly recommend the program for anyone who wants to excel in the area of educational administration."

John McKenna
Principal Mullen Elementary School

“Niagara University's preparation for school administration is delivered within a conceptual framework by instructors that have spent many years as practitioners in the field of school administration. The theoretical is supplemented and enhanced with this sharing of real life experiences approach. Niagara University students are well prepared to begin to deal with the complexity of school administration.”

Don Rappold
Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services
Lewiston-Porter Central School District

“The success of the Administrative and Supervision Program at Niagara University is directly attributable to the professional and highly competent professors and instructors that work with the graduate students. The emphasis that is placed on practical research and best practices prepares candidates to be successful upon completion of the program. As a graduate of the program and after having an opportunity to teach a class I am able to give first hand testimony that the curriculum, methods, and techniques that are shared will help prospective administrators become highly prepared. For these reasons, and the personal advisement and counseling the candidates receive, are testaments to the continued accreditation Niagara University should receive.”

Mark Laurrie
Niagara Falls High School Principal 

“Completing my Masters in School Administration at Niagara gave me a solid foundation for building my leadership skills. The faculty focused on our individual strengths while exposing us to a variety of experiences that fostered professional growth.  The flexibility of course offerings and international student-base made NU the right choice for me.”

Dr. Michael S. Wendt
Superintendent of Schools
Wilson Central School District

“Coming from a business education and the private sector, the Niagara University Educational Leadership Program filled an experience and knowledge gap allowing me to transition from a practicing CPA and financial analyst to school business administration.  Successful organizations are built upon good people.  The Education Leadership faculty is comprised of well respected, current former school administrators who bring years of experience into the classroom.  It was my experience that the faculty served as more than just instructors, but also as mentors.  It was this type of relationship with the faculty that further advanced my knowledge, skills, and ultimately my career.  At Niagara University, the people make the difference.”

Nicholas Silvaroli
Assistant Business Manager
Sweet Home School District

“After teaching mathematics for 22 years, I decided to take an administrative course at Niagara University.  I enjoyed the course so much that I enrolled in the masters program at Niagara for educational administrators and received my SDA certification in 1 1/2 years without leaving my teaching position.  I had no intention of leaving the classroom as I loved teaching Precalculus and Calculus. 

The year after completing the program at Niagara University, I was approached by a Williamsville administrator on the possibility of applying for the position of mathematics and technology coordinator.  Leaving my teaching position was not an easy decision.  Five years later, I can honestly say it was one of the best career decisions I have ever made.  I have learned so much about curriculum, instruction, staff development and technology education.” 

Petronilla Amantia
Instructional Specialist for Math & Technology
Williamsville Central Schools

"I recently completed my school administrator and supervisor certification at Niagara University.  I found the program to be challenging and rewarding.  I can’t say enough about the knowledgeable faculty, the personal attention, and the connections I made there!"  
 
Anne Lovelock
Executive Director
Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council

"The program in Educational Administration at Niagara University has prepared me for the challenges and tasks I enjoy facing every day as a school administrator.  At Niagara, I learned valuable leadership and diplomacy skills as well as the history behind what makes a successful school leader.  The high quality academic classes, supportive professors, and rigorous internship experience provide the key elements to administrative success."

Julie Dahl
Assistant Principal
Clarence Middle School

"As a Superintendent of Schools, I have worked with interns from the Niagara University Educational Administration program for many years and I continue to be impressed by the depth and breadth of their preparation.  Niagara offers a quality program for future school leaders."

John George
Superintendent of Schools
North Tonawanda City School District

"The Masters Program at Niagara University in Educational Administration is a fabulous program! It is student-centered, where staff members are always looking for ways to accommodate their students. The professors bring a depth of knowledge and experience to class and share their experiences with students. It is a small program where the professors take great care in getting to know their students, listen to them, and advise them about career choices! It is an outstanding program with strong supports built into it. I would highly recommend this program to anyone wishing to be certified in administration!"

Mary Mallon
Elementary Principal
Maple East Elementary

"I recently completed Niagara University's Educational Leadership Program. I found the program to be comprehensive, research-based and practical. The structure of the classes encouraged collegiality and developed those skills essential to educational leaders today. The instructors offered real world experience and advice along with excellent instruction. Participants in the Educational Leadership program are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities awaiting them."

Judi Richards
Director
Southtown Teachers' Center

"Niagara University offered me diversity in thought, valuable peer discussions, and practical approaches to current educational issues. My coursework was completed under clear standards and criteria, thus modeling the expectations of the educational profession. I found the environment at Niagara University professional, yet friendly, and most efficient."

Diane Vigrass
Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Buffalo

“Today’s administrators must be able to provide leadership and vision as well as attention to the day-to day management needs.  The Niagara University administrative program combined a sound theoretical foundation in leadership theory with numerous opportunities to apply those theories to authentic case study scenarios.  Effective guidance and feedback provided me an opportunity to understand the “big ideas” of administration as well as the vital and necessary attention to the little things as well.”

Anthony Day
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Sweet Home School

“The Education Leadership Program at Niagara University provides a wonderful pathway to a career in school leadership.  The staff at Niagara University is very well educated and passionate about their program.  They treat you like a person rather than an unimportant part of the student body.  The Education Leadership Program gives you an opportunity to gain important hands on experiences prior to obtaining your first administrative position.”

Vincent Dell’Oso
Director of Interscholastic Athletics/ Dean of Students
Lewiston-Porter Middle School

Masters of Science in Educational Leadership
Certifications: School Building Leader & School District Leader

Pre-Requisites: Educational Master’s; Teacher Certification; EDU 595 Educational Research & Statistics or equivalent; evidence that the candidate has met the NYS Requirements for (1) School Violence Prevention and (2) Identification and Reporting of suspected Child abuse or Maltreatment

Phase One:
EDU 632 – Leadership & the School Building Leader
EDU 649 – Capstone for School Building Leader
EDU 691 – Administrative Internship School Building Leader
EDU 644 – Instructional Supervision
EDU 645 -- Curriculum Planning: Design, Implementation & Evaluation
EDU 598 -- Instructional Technology

Phase Two:
EDU 631 – Leadership & the School District Leader
EDU 650 – Capstone for School District Leader
EDU 634 – School Business Administration
EDU 635 – School Law (NY State)

Select two from the following courses:
EDU 599 – Technology, Data Analysis and School Improvement
EDU 637 – Personnel Administration & Employer-Employee Relations in Education
EDU 628 – Policy and Politics in Education
EDU 639 – Seminar/Issues in Educational Leadership
EDU 684 – Research in Educational Leadership


Total Graduate Hours – 36
 

Administration Internship – 600 hours (includes course embedded experiences).
Candidates are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Exam.         

Certification: School Building Leader

Pre-Requisites: Educational Master’s; Teacher Certification; EDU 595 Educational Research & Statistics or equivalent; evidence that the candidate has met the NYS Requirements for (1) School Violence Prevention and (2) Identification and Reporting of suspected Child abuse or Maltreatment

Required Courses:
EDU 632 – Leadership & the School Building Leader
EDU 649 – Capstone for School Building Leader
EDU 691 – Administrative Internship School Building Leader
EDU 644 – Instructional Supervision
EDU 645 -- Curriculum Planning: Design, Implementation & Evaluation
EDU 598 -- Instructional Technology


Select two (2) from the following courses:

EDU 599 – Technology, Data Analysis and School Improvement
EDU 628 – Policy and Politics in Education
EDU 635 – School Law (NY State)
EDU 639 – Seminar/Issues in Educational Leadership
EDU 684 – Research in Educational Leadership

Total Graduate Hours – 24

Administration Internship – 600 hours (includes course embedded experiences).
Candidates are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Exam.         
 

Certification: School District Leader

Pre-Requisites: Educational Master’s; Teacher Certification; EDU 595 Educational Research & Statistics or equivalent; evidence that the candidate has met the NYS Requirements for (1) School Violence Prevention and (2) Identification and Reporting of suspected Child abuse or Maltreatment

Required Courses:
EDU 631 – Leadership & the School District Leader
EDU 634 – School Business Administration
EDU 635 – School Law (NY State)
EDU 647 - Instructional Supervision & Curriculum Design for the School District
EDU 632 – Leadership & the School Building Leader
EDU 650 – Capstone for School District Leader
EDU 692 – Administrative Internship School District Leader

Select two (2) from the following courses:
EDU 599 – Technology, Data Analysis and School Improvement
EDU 628 – Policy and Politics in Education
EDU 639 – Seminar/Issues in Educational Leadership
EDU 684 – Research in Educational Leadership


Total Graduate Hours – 24

Administration Internship – 600 hours (includes course embedded experiences).
Candidates are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Exam.         

Alternative Program
A CAS in Alternative Program School District Leader (24 credit-hours) leading to NYS Certification as a School District Leader.  This program is available for those candidates who are not current educators but want certification for district level positions in New York State.

Business Programs
A CAS in School District Business Leader (24 credit-hours) leading to NYS Certification as a School Business Leader requires at least 36 graduate hours and an MBA degree.

School District Business Leader
A MBA Masters Program (45 credit-hours) leading to New York State Certification in School District Business Leader. The program has 18 hours of pre-requisite business courses.
 

All graduate Educational Leadership programs are aligned with New York State certification requirements for school and district leadership, as well as the program standards of the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).

Educational Leadership Program Statement

The educational leadership programs in the College of Education are founded on a commitment to developing practitioners who, in the Vincentian tradition, foster human learning, development, spiritual well being, and emotional stability in their respective institutions. Graduates of these programs are expected to demonstrate the qualities of outstanding reflective practitioners and the dispositions of caring, respect for self and others, commitment to equity and social justice, open mindedness, and fairness. Additionally, we expect candidates within these programs to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). The ELCC standards were prepared by members representing the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). and National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Registration & Course Schedules
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