About the Program

The online Graduate Certificate in Try on Leadership is for educators who want to take the next step and see if leadership fits them. Students will be mentored while developing leadership skills through real-world applications to:

• Understand the current issues and challenges of the principalship
• Apply best practices in leadership around organizational analysis
• Promote best instructional leadership practices
• Interpret and analyze school and special education laws and regulations
• Develop strong interpersonal skills needed to lead as an administrator

The certificate also provides an easy way to begin coursework toward an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership while awaiting the next cohort’s start. New cohorts start every Fall.

Students learn about high-quality instructional practices, organizational analysis, time management, and school and special education law, enabling them to better serve their school district. Throughout their coursework, students will work closely with their instructor and school district to better understand what it’s like to serve as an administrator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 20,200 job openings for elementary, middle, and high school principals are projected each year over the decade. In May 2023, the median annual wage for K-12 principals was $103,460, higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations of $48,060.

After completing the graduate certificate, students can apply for an Assistant Building Administrator (045) certification with the Maine Department of Education (DOE).

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories and the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.