Leadership Academy/CAGS

blending theory and practice


The MCLA Leadership Academy is a dynamic cohort program tailored for working professionals seeking to elevate their careers in education. Through a unique blend of academic rigor and practical skill-building, participants engage in weekend sessions and a short summer residency, primarily supplemented by online coursework. Led by esteemed educators and practitioners, the Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum covering social, political, and academic theories in public education. With a focus on fostering equitable, just, and effective learning environments, participants take a deep dive into diverse activities such as discussions, group projects, fieldwork, and more.

Since its inception in 1997, more than 2,000 leaders have honed their skills, gained administrative credentials, and deepened their commitment to equity and justice thanks to the Academy. Endorsed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Leadership Academy embodies transformative leadership, integrating anti-racist competencies throughout its coursework and field experiences. Join us to ignite your professional journey and make a lasting impact in education.

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play video Professor speaking about the program

Program details:

  • 12-month program, with a required six-week prerequisite.
  • A two-week summer residency and two weekend residencies
  • Primary coursework conducted online courses
  • Internship and/or practicum
  • A weekend conference at the course conclusion
  • College supervisors support students at internship site visits throughout the region
  • Program approved for principal/assistant principal and superintendent/assistant superintendent licensure
  • New York licensure as School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) provided
  • Optional 9-credit research sequence for CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) completion in administration*
     

Attend an Info Session

Info sessions provide potential students with the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff to learn more about how to continue education in three of MCLA’s programs that are designed to support rising educators needs in the Berkshires and beyond.

The Leadership Academy offers online coursework and a few short-term residencies that prepare students to make a meaningful impact as educational leaders.

Attend an Info Session

Applying

student in classChoosing to enroll in the Leadership Academy at MCLA is a wise decision to move your education career forward. A supportive cohort structure, dedicated faculty leaders in the field and a digestible online program with short residency requirements is there to guide you throughout the year-long program.

The application for the 2025 cohort will open on October 1, 2024. More information about program requirements and the application process can be found here:

Apply

 

Quick Links - resources

PROGRAM DETAILS           PROGRAM SCHEDULE            PROGRAM COST         COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

 

qUESTIONS? Contact US

Division of Graduate & Continuing Education
dgce@mcla.edu 
413-662-5575

Marianne Young
Leadership Academy Director
marianne.young@mcla.edu


*Credits which can be transferred into the Texas A&M Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

IN THE NEWS

Leadership academy members

Leadership Academy Offers Revitalization Ideas for North ...

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Friday morning coffee klatch at the parklet on Eagle Street has grown by leaps and bounds as a stopover to catch up with friends and acquaintances on the way to work. This past Friday saw a singular bump in attendance as members of the Berkshire Leadership Academy saw an ...