Our Approach

Our now fully online program prepares candidates for Initial Licensure as Principal or Assistant Principal at the PreK-8, or 5-12 level, or as a Supervisor/Director. Approved under the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) rigorous standards, the CES program prepares candidates to:

• Be an instructional leader – Reach out beyond the classroom to collaborate with colleagues, administration, families & communities to create the best learning opportunities for your students.

• Be an agent for positive social change – Promote equity and anti-racist education in your practice and educational community.

• Be an impactful educational leader for all students – Integrate standards, frameworks and effective research-based instructional practices that work for all of your students.

Our Program offers robust advisory support, and important content to address educational technology and educational data – both critical skills for 21st century leaders. 

Prerequisites

To enroll in CES’ DESE-approved administrative leadership preparation program, candidates for licensure as Principal/Assistant Principal (PreK-8, 5-12), or Supervisor/Director must present evidence that meets these requirements:

• Successful completion of the Communication & Literacy MA Test for Education Licensure (MTEL)
• Completion of at least three full years of employment in an executive management/leadership role or in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting accepted by the Department, in addition to all DESE administrative licensure requirements (exceptions are granted on a case by case basis)

For the Supervisor/Director license:

Requires an Initial or Professional teacher/teacher specialist license in the core or non-core area. Role and level for this administrator license will depend on the candidate’s existing license.