School District Leadership Graduate Programs
Choose Saint Rose for your educational leadership certification
As an educational leader, professionals face multiple challenges every day, from keeping employees and students safe and productive to working with ever-changing resources.
It’s important to be equipped to handle a variety of scenarios, which is why it may be necessary to pursue additional education.
Earning an educational leadership certification, such as one offered by the School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) programs at The College of Saint Rose, can be a great option for advancing a career in education.
With a theory-to-practice curriculum and expert faculty who have experience in the field, Saint Rose and the Thelma P. Lally School of Education have designed graduate programs that equip students with the essential, cutting-edge knowledge and skills needed to be a successful school leader. Additionally, we offer our programs in a convenient, flexible format to fit different situations and busy schedules.
The Thelma P. Lally School of Education at Saint Rose is known for producing outstanding educational leaders who are in high demand. Consider launching the next phase of your career with us.
The flex format for the graduate certificate in educational leadership program allows students to take your courses using the most convenient method: in person, online, or asynchronously through recorded videos. Earning a graduate leadership certificate online, or partially online, is a great option for committed educators who don’t want to stop teaching or working while they pursue the next step in their careers.
The programs at Saint Rose are not only tailored to make that first day in a new job easier, but they also include extensive internship and hands-on learning opportunities to ensure professionals are ready to contribute from day one and become a true leader in their community.
Choose the program that best fits your career goals
Our programs are for academic coordinators, principals, superintendents, and administrative professionals working in any capacity in a school or district, as well as for teachers who wish to move into administration. In addition, our SDBL program invites professionals from outside education to explore the possibility of using their talents in school finance.
School Building Leader (SBL) Options
If you wish to be an educational leader in a school-building or school-district environment, our programs allow you to attend any class in any of three ways: in person, via livestream, or online.
- M.S.Ed. in educational leadership and administration (36 credits) – for those without an M.S.Ed.
- SBL certificate of advanced standing (24 credits) – for candidates with an M.S.Ed. degree
School District Leader (SDL) Certification
If you aspire to leadership in a school-building or school-district environment, and hold an M.S.Ed. degree, earn a:
- Certificate in school district leadership (6-39 credits) – this program encompasses the SBL)
School District Business Leader (SDBL) Options
If you’re interested in a business career in a school district, Saint Rose offers two options:
- SDBL certificate of advanced standing (24 credits, fully online) – for candidates who have earned an M.S.Ed.
- SDBL CAS + MBA (60 credits) – earn your MBA at the renowned Huether School of Business while earning your certificate, and enjoy the flexibility of attending classes in person, via livestream, or online
Saint Rose Alumni Stories
Neil J. Estrada G'10
Neil J. Estrada started his career in the Schenectady City School District, where he taught second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades for 10 years. A graduate of the advanced certificate program in school building leadership, he later transitioned into the role of administrator there before moving to Amsterdam Middle School as assistant principal and now Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in the same capacity.
Thea MacFawn G'20
Thea MacFawn started her career as an English teacher before transitioning to administration last year. She wanted to be an educator because her own teachers had helped to show her that she could use her voice to make a difference. Inspired by the notion that students don’t have to wait until adulthood to make an impact on their communities, she and a librarian with the North Colonie Schools co-founded the Capital Region Institute for Human Rights in 2014. The organization holds a leadership program for students and teachers showing them how they can create change.
Tamara Thorpe-Odom G'08
Tamara Thorpe-Odom always wanted to be a teacher, having come from a family that put their children through private school and emphasized that education was the key to success. With a passion for special education, she’s served as an administrator in Schenectady, New Lebanon, and Chatham, as well as at Northern Rivers. And throughout her work, her emphasis as an educator and professional has been about forming relationships.Classroom Heroes Playlist
Contact Us Now
Of course, if you have any questions, please reach out. We’re here to help.
Dr. Deborah Shea
Program Coordinator