Department of Administrative and Policy Studies. Leadership Initiative For Transforming Schools (LIFTS) K-12 Principal Certificate Program

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1 Program Overview What is LIFTS? Department of Administrative and Policy Studies Leadership Initiative For Transforming Schools (LIFTS) K-12 Principal Certificate Program Leadership Initiative For Transforming Schools (LIFTS) is our redesigned principal certificate program. Its purpose is to develop educational leaders of character and integrity who are inspired by a sense of justice to improve the achievement of all students. Drawing from the fields of education and management, the program equips leaders with expertise in instructional, institutional and public leadership grounded in ethics, inquiry, and integrity. The program encourages the shift from teacher leadership to administrative leadership through academic rigor in the classroom, authentic experiences in schools and reflective opportunities for integrating personal and professional growth. The 15-month principal certificate program is offered at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. The rigorous, cohort-based curriculum will afford a limited number of the most talented teacher leaders in our area the opportunity to study together with University faculty and master practitioners. The program is designed to offer learning experiences to address both the core needs of school leaders as well as the critical issues facing children, teachers and administrators today. The LIFTS core academic program will be further augmented by a number of institutes, centers, partnerships, and initiatives within the School of Education and across the University. Credits for courses in the principal certificate program can be applied to a Master of Education degree. Face-to-face sessions are convened at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Admissions How do I apply? Online applications and requirements can be found at When is the application deadline? Applications have to be submitted by March 1 (Please contact Dr. Trovato at trovato@pitt.edu to discuss flexibility in application deadline).

2 What about entrance exams? Entrance exams are not required. But your transcripts from previous institutions are. These can take 3-4 weeks to be processed and sent to the University of Pittsburgh so plan accordingly. How do you select the applicants? LIFTS is a cohort-based program so in addition to seeking excellent teachers with demonstrated leadership ability in schools, we are also seeking applicants who can contribute and engage in a community learning experience. Is an interview required for admission? No, but this is a highly selective program admitting teacher leaders with demonstrated experience. Your references may be contacted. Can I transfer credit from other institutions? Credits can be transferred towards a Master of Education but due to the unique format of LIFTS, no courses from other institutions can be transferred for equivalent credit. Are there teaching requirements for application? Yes, you must have completed at least two years teaching experience by the beginning of the program. Can I visit the program or make an appointment with faculty to talk about the program? Yes, please contact Dr. Charlene Trovato at trovato@pitt.edu to schedule an appointment. What is the tuition for the program? Tuition for the LIFTS program is the University of Pittsburgh per credit cost for the School of Education. Please visit Prerequisites What are the prerequisites for admission? Valid teaching certificate Demonstrated teacher leadership in your school Completed application for the principal certificate program Minimum of two years teaching experience by the beginning of the program. You do not need to have a master s degree to enter the principal program. However, at the time of application, if you do not hold a master s degree from an accredited university, you are encouraged to apply and enroll in the University of Pittsburgh s Master of Education degree at the same time you apply for the K-12 Principal Certificate program.

3 In addition to the courses for the K-12 Principal Certificate program, what additional coursework do I need to complete a Master of Education degree? You will need to take an additional 12 credits to receive a Master of Education. Please see the table below for the Master of Education degree and K-12 Principal certificate Master of Education/K-12 Principal Certificate Summer I Leader as Learner Block (6 credits) Orientation to the program (0 credit, one-day) Networking with Practicing Principals (8 internship hours, one-day experience) Summer Leadership Institute (3 credits, one-week) Health, Mental Health and Safety (2 credit, face-to-face and online) K-12 Principal Internship (1 credit, 65 hours) Fall Instructional Leadership (6 credits) Instructional Leadership (5 credits, online) K-12 Principal Internship (1 credit, 25 hours) Spring Public Leadership (6 credits) Public Leadership Block (4 credits) o Assessment/Accountability Module (online) o Politics of Education/School Community Partnerships Module (1 credit, face-to-face and online) o School Law Module (1 credit, face-to-face and online) Positive Behavior Support (1 credit online) K-12 Principal Internship (I credit, 25 hours) Summer II Institutional Leadership (6 credits) Institutional Leadership (3 credits, one-week) Leadership for Inclusive Schools (2 credits, online) Networking with Practicing Principals (8 hours of internship, one day experience) K-12 Principal Internship (1 credit, 65 hours) Master of Education (36 credits) (K-12 Principal Program -24 credits PLUS Master Degree Required Courses-12 Credits) ADMPS 2090 Master s Degree Paper (3 credits, online) Basic Areas of Education (3 courses or 9 credits, there are online options in each basic area of education) One course in each of the following area: Psychological Perspectives on Education Social and Cultural Perspectives on Education Research Methods The menu of Basic Areas of Education courses is attached.

4 Curriculum The curriculum builds on the participants teacher leadership in a four consecutive term (15-month) program that blends breakthrough curriculum, authentic school experiences, and reflective practices to integrate personal and professional growth. Responding to the growing complexity of the role of principal, the principal preparation program will develop effective change agents through curricular blocks emphasizing leader as learner, instructional leadership, institutional leadership and public leadership. By drawing on the University of Pittsburgh s renowned centers and schools, such as the Institute for Learning and partnerships with school districts and intermediate units, the principal preparation program will offer practical, real-world experiences to improve student learning and achievement based on cutting edge research. The School Leadership core academic program is further augmented by a number of initiatives that serve practitioners and schools in the region. These include the Superintendents Forum of Western Pennsylvania, Tri-State School Study Council, and the Collaborative for Evaluation and Assessment Capacity (CEAC). These initiatives are each designed to assist with in-service development of school-based leaders and various forms of technical assistance for educational projects. Who teaches classes in the program? Faculty for the newly redesigned School Leadership Program will be distinguished academicians, educators, researchers, authors, and practitioners in their respective fields. These experts are close to practice through partnerships with school districts and Intermediate Units and through personal involvement as consultants in school districts nationally and around the world. What is meant by non-traditional format? The program offers a format to meet the needs of full time teachers. Most classes will be taught online. In addition, two five-day Summer Institutes and a one credit intensive internship each term with mentor principals will address the core needs of school leaders and the critical issues facing children, teachers and administrators. What are the intensive Summer Institutes? The first and last class of the program will be taught in five consecutive days. The first institute will meet at an off-campus site. The second institute, will also serve as a capstone and networking event. Can I take classes at my own pace? No, the program depends on the relationship within the cohort to aid in your learning. Students in the cohort will register for a predesigned six-credit course of study for four consecutive terms. Should you need to miss a semester because of extenuating personal circumstances, you will be asked to take a leave of absence from the program until the next cohort is convened the following year.

5 Where will I do my internship? You will meet with an instructor (Dr. Diane Kirk dlk31@ pitt.edu) during your first semester to plan your internship experiences. You will be assigned to a mentor principal at the elementary and secondary levels. Dr. Kirk works with graduates of the K-12 Principal certificate program as they transition from teacher leader to school leader.