Contact Information

Academic Program Director: Manuel N. Ponce, Jr.

Academic Advisor: Terri Taylor

Introduction/Overview

The Certificate in Charter/Small School Leadership consists of 9 semester hours (3 classes) in one academic year. Designed for those who already have a general background in educational leadership, are already leading in a charter school, or an innovator who wants to explore creating their own school, this Certificate provides candidates with cutting-edge research, as well as with the practical skills they need to succeed in innovative charter school and small school settings.

Program Outcomes

As a result of this program, candidates will:

• Demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to serve as an Educational Leader in California with an emphasis on the specific needs of charter school leaders
• Articulate a vision for instructional leadership that includes a strong emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity, special education, the successful development of English Language Learners, and the parent-school relationship
• Develop an understanding of the financial and operational aspects of charter school leadership
• Demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental aspects of charter school leadership and operations through the construction of a charter school petition

Program Admission Requirements

• Online Graduate Application
• Bachelor’s Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
• Official Transcript from all Colleges/Universities Attended, including all Community/Junior Colleges
  • Applicants who completed an undergraduate/graduate degree outside of the United States of America:
    • Official Transcript Evaluation from an approved evaluation agency that details content of coursework completed, degree equivalency, and cumulative GPA
    • Official Transcript is still needed along with Transcript Evaluation
• Cumulative Undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or 3.05 in the last 60 Undergraduate Units, a 3.0 in at least 9 Graduate Units, or Completion of a Request for Exception to GPA Requirement
• Applicants whose citizenship is from a county where English is not the primary language:
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo English Test Minimum Scores (unless a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree was obtained in the United States)
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • One Letter must be from Applicant’s Employer

• Resume
• Charter Schools Program Agreement
• Statement of Intent addressing:
  • Applicant’s understanding of diversity, social justice, and student achievement. Discuss implications of these for leadership and how they intersect with your personal leadership in your current school setting, as well as in future administrative leadership roles.

Certificate Requirements