December 15, 2008 (Vol. 8, No. 9)

Becoming an Educational Leader at Lehman College

After eight years of teaching graphic design at Samuel Gompers High School in the Bronx, Jaivelle Reed decided it was time to pursue his goal of becoming a school principal. But locating a program that would accommodate his schedule was a challenge, until he found Lehman’s graduate program in educational leadership.

The Department of Counseling, Leadership, Literacy, and Special Education offers two programs in this area: a 33-credit Master of Science degree in education, which leads to New York State initial certification as a school building leader, and a 30-credit advanced certificate program that leads to New York State professional certification as a school district leader. Both emphasize education in urban environments and prepare students to become school principals, department chairs, superintendents, and assistant principals.

"Never before has the need for qualified educational leaders been greater, especially in our urban schools and districts," explains Program Coordinator and Professor Janet DeSimone. "We are addressing this need by cultivating leaders—change agents—who are dedicated to creating equitable schools and districts and who are passionate about ensuring that all students have access to high-level instruction and a rigorous curriculum."

Reed, who expects to graduate in 2009, is drawn in particular to the program’s strong emphasis on training and counseling. "One of the things I’ve taken away from the program is how important it is to involve the community and to get outside agencies to come in and work with our students and families," he says.

Launched in 2007, the programs are geared toward professionals who are active in the school system. Courses emphasize collaborative skills, instructional supervision, data-driven decision making, open and healthy climates, high expectations for both teaching and learning and academic equity.

The program is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2009 semester. The deadline is April 1. For more information, call 718-960-4993.

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