Overview
In pre-K-12 education, we need transformational leaders whose passion for education quality and equity is matched by a knowledge of learning and development, the organizational management skills to translate visionary ideas into real-world success, and a firm grasp of the role of context and politics in shaping leadership.
Based on the groundbreaking Doctor of Education Leadership program, the Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership (CAEL) provides current and aspiring education leaders with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and skills while working to address current problems of practice.
Program Details
Led by HGSE faculty members, CAEL offers five distinct 12-week online modules that build competencies in self-, team-, and systemic leadership. Each of the five modules may be taken separately. A certificate of mastery is offered to those completing four of the five modules.
A Practice-Based Learn, Apply, Reflect Model
CAEL was designed to not only build the foundation knowledge necessary for visionary, system-wide leadership, but to give participants the time and opportunity to step back from, assess, and address a pressing problem in their own practice. The first 4-5 weeks of each module center on in-depth learning on the focused topic area. During weeks 6 and 7, participants identify a problem they are working to solve and apply their learning to it. Weeks 8-12 are about pushing deeper on knowledge acquisition while demonstrating mastery in a project. Participants work in small learning groups, supported by an experienced facilitator, to deepen and extend their thinking and leadership skills.

A Rigorous, Flexible Experience
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60 clock hours per module
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Asynchronous activities: choose when to complete them within a given week
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Direct support from an online learning facilitator and peer learning group
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Option for team-based enrollment and participation
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Certificate of mastery – it is highly facilitated, and you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery through a project.
Taking CAEL Modules as a Team
When you take one or more CAEL modules as a school, district, or organization-level team, you create a collective impact on learning in your system. Enrolling in CAEL as a team allows you to identify unified goals and objectives and apply what you learn together. Your team will work on a single, shared problem of practice across the 12 weeks, submitting a single midterm and final project that represents your collective effort. Along the way, you will also have the chance to submit individual assignments focused on personal learning.
Earning the Certificate
A Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership will be awarded to participants who complete four of the five modules, including Leading Learning, and a final reflective assignment. All four courses must be taken within two years of starting.
Pursuing HGSE Graduate Credit
Participants admitted to complete CAEL modules for graduate credit will complete a specialized version of the final activities during weeks 9-12. Participants should estimate an additional five hours of study during that period.
Who Should Participate
CAEL is ideal for current and aspiring preK-12 leaders
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Superintendents and district-level administrators
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Directors of charter management organizations
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Administrators at state agencies
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Experienced principals and teachers who aspire to system-level roles
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Teams of education leaders seeking to strengthen their skills and collaborative capabilities
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Educators are encouraged to apply as teams to increase their impact
Schedule of Offerings