Educational Leadership, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)

The C.A.G.S. in Educational Leadership program is designed to prepare school and district leaders who support learning and growth for all students, make collaborative decisions based on evidence, build and sustain collaborative communities of practice, lead powerful professional learning, and engage families and communities in the life and work of the school. The program supports the development of cutting-edge knowledge of relevant educational policy, law, and practice in order to ensure a safe, ethical, and productive educational workplace. This unique program integrates a certificate in teacher leadership as a foundational component, based on the belief that the skills of teacher leadership are integral for all educational leaders, and that the ability to lead from within the class as well as to partner with teacher leaders is vital for all aspiring formal school leaders. Including the certificate in teacher leadership, this two-year, four-semester program uses a cohort model, allowing students to build strong collegial relationships to support their learning over the course of the program. Students will enroll in practicum and seminar experiences in each semester of the program in order to pair field-based learning with their classroom learning. At the culmination of the program, students may pursue licensure as a school principal or assistant principal.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites (direct entry into C.A.G.S.)

Evidence of having earned a master’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited program with an overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a Master’s program.
An Educator License.
A letter of reference (preferably from a building principal or other educational supervisor).

For students entering the CAGS through our articulation agreement with Brandeis University, up to 15 credits of coursework from the Brandeis Teacher Leadership Program may transfer directly into the CAGS in Educational Leadership Program at SSU, giving students who fit these criteria advanced standing in the CAGS program.

Prerequisites (entry into C.A.G.S. from Teacher Leadership Certificate Program)
In addition to the requirements listed above:

Official transcript indicating successful completion of at least two courses in the SSU Teacher Leadership Certificate Program, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, AND a letter of support from the program coordinator

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MORE THAN THREE COURSES TAKEN AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMISSION CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

Fall Semester, Year One:

Spring Semester, Year One:

Summer Semester, Year One:

Fall Semester, Year Two:

Spring Semester, Year Two:

Optional Electives^

* EDS 860 - Sheltering Content for English Language Learners
AGS 770 - Leading Adult Learning and Development in Educational Settings
AGS 899 - Special Topics in Educational Leadership
*Regarding practicum eligibility:
- In order to enter the 500-hour practicum, students must have a 3.0 GPA in the program, with no individual course grade lower than a B.
  Additionally, students must have received no ratings of 1 (does not meet standards) on the Assessment of Leadership Dispositions (course version) in the semester prior to applying for the practicum.
- Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.
^Regarding the optional electives:
- Please note that course EDS 860/ENG 860 will satisfy the Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement for Administrators, which is required for endorsement for the principal license.
- For candidates who choose not to seek licensure, these electives may replace their practicum and seminar credits.

Total Credits: 36

*Additional Information and Notes

Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.