Principal Post-Masters Certificate

Program code: PRIN-CERTPM

The IUP Principal Certification Program is a competency and performance-based program. To be successful in this program, students must have the support of the district superintendent and principals at the elementary and secondary levels in order to accomplish the competency requirements as detailed in the program Handbook.

Admissions Criteria

The program requires a master’s degree or a Pennsylvania Department of Education master’s equivalence and a certificated instructional position within a Pennsylvania school district. Those seeking principal certification must be initially certified as a Pennsylvania teacher, guidance counselor, librarian, school psychology, or some other instructional-related professional position in the school prior to engaging in principal certification work and have three years’ experience upon applying for certification.

Be aware that at the completion of this program you will be required to provide verification of completion of three years of relevant professional experience from your district superintendent upon application for certification.

Program Requirements

Course work includes:

EDAD 756 - School Administration Credits: 3
EDAD 798 - Principal Internship Credits: 12 (two 6-credit internships)

Total credits: 15 cr.

Student Learning Outcomes

#	Outcome	How outcome measured
Students will be able to:
1	SWBAT communicate school mission & management of curricular technology and information systems	within the internship exit portfolio
2	SWBAT supervise instruction and learning	within the internship exit portfolio
3	SWBAT develop skills for organizational management & provide student services	within the internship exit portfolio
4	SWBAT improve human relations in school and community	within the internship exit portfolio
5	SWBAT demonstrate understanding of school law, public policy, and contract negotiations	within the internship exit portfolio
6	SWBAT use evaluation data and develop media management plans	within the internship exit portfolio

Internship outcomes are based on PDE and NELP requirements and standards. Candidates will be evaluated through two internships completed after coursework is finished. During the internship period, candidates work with their principal school mentor and university internship supervisor in implementing projects detailed in their Internship Plan. Each 6-credit internship experience requires the candidate to work in all six areas of this performance-based program and to document administrative competency highlighted in the standards area of each of the program’s six core areas.
Upon completion of the internship, students will submit their log of administrative tasks and hours (minimum of 180 in each setting / elementary and secondary – total minimum 360 hours) to the Internship Supervisor, who will submit the log to the Principal Certification Program Coordinator.
Students must complete an exit portfolio clearly documenting evidence of accomplished competency projects. At the completion of the internship, all candidates in IUP’s performance-based program are required to successfully complete the state- mandated Praxis exam and prepare for ongoing leadership development provided through the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Initiative and Act 45.