Leadership Academy: Administrative Licensure & CAGS Pathway
Earn your administrative licensure through a hybrid program designed for working educators. Begin online in May 2026, complete an intensive summer residency, and advance toward leadership in just 14 months.
Lead Schools. Lead Systems. Lead the Future of Education.
Next Cohort: May 2026
Residency: 14-day summer residency and two weekend residencies
Duration: 14 months
Format: Hybrid (Online + Residency)
Credits: 31 for Principal Licensure; 34 for Superintendent Licensure
Why Join the MCLA Leadership Academy?
You are ready to move from leading a classroom to leading a school system. The MCLA Leadership Academy prepares experienced educators to step into administrative roles through a rigorous, job-embedded program that balances theory, practice, and professional growth.
The Hybrid Advantage
Begin online in May to build a leadership foundation without disrupting the end of your school year. The 14-day summer residency creates space for deep networking and cohort connection when educators have more flexibility.
Job-Embedded Internship
Work toward your licensure while staying in your current role. During the fall and spring semesters, your school becomes your learning lab, allowing you to complete your 500-hour practicum and leadership projects in the environment where you already work.
Stackable Credentials
This program follows a laddered pathway. Complete the 31-credit Leadership Academy to meet Principal/Supervisor licensure requirements, then add a Superintendent License (SDL) with 6 additional credits or earn a CAGS with 9 more credits.
Where This Credential Takes You
This program prepares educators for both building and district-level leadership roles, including superintendents and principals in K–12 education systems.
Career Opportunities
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Director of Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education Administrator
- District-Level Coordinator or Supervisor
- Superintendent (with additional credentials)
Skills You Will Master
Your 2026-2027 Cohort Roadmap
The Launch (Late Spring 2026)
Format: Online, asynchronous (May 11 – June 30)
Focus: Equity audits, policy foundations, educator evaluation
The Residency (Summer 2026)
Format: 14-Day On-Campus Immersion (July 5 – July 20)
Focus: Leading schools in context; intensive cohort experience
The Internship (Fall '26 – Spring '27)
Format: Hybrid, site-based + two residency weekends (November & March)
Focus: Major administrative project spanning both semesters
The Capstone (Summer 2027)
Format: 4-Day Residency (July 5 – July 8)
Focus: Leadership Academy Conference and final capstone presentation
Spotlight Courses
Accreditations & Recognitions
DESE Approved
Approved educator preparation program leading to Initial Administrative Licensure
in Massachusetts.
NECHE Accredited
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is regionally accredited by the New England
Commission of Higher Education.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
"MCLA provided the 'missing pieces' of my professional toolkit while never losing sight of the most important part: keeping social justice at the heart of every decision."
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum three years of professional teaching or counseling experience
- Valid Massachusetts Initial License (teacher, counselor, or equivalent)
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- No GRE or GMAT required
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program includes required on-campus summer and weekend residencies alongside online coursework.
The internship is job-embedded. Candidates complete practicum hours and projects within their current school or district role.
After completing the Leadership Academy, candidates may add the Superintendent License (SDL) through additional approved coursework.