Leadership and Equity

Overview

Leaders have a moral responsibility to lead equitable organizations, yet many leaders do not feel adequately prepared to confront the injustices of systemic racism within their organizations and communities. According to preliminary findings from The School Superintendents Association’s 2020 Decennial Study, “Although nearly 90% of school superintendents said conversations about race and equity are either extremely or very important, only 21% said they were “very well prepared” for that responsibility.” 

Highlights of the certificate program include:

• Leadership for equity framework/focus
• Significant job-embedded learning
• An action-oriented focus on problems of practice
• An option for leadership coaching and ongoing development 

The purpose of the leadership and equity program is to address this knowing-doing gap for practicing and aspiring leaders. The program seeks to prepare leaders to take action in disrupting and dismantling status quo practices that are inequitable and unjust. The courses are designed to strengthen personal dispositions, deepen one’s knowledge base and equip participants with change strategies and practices that are grounded in equity and cultural responsiveness and that have evidence of effectiveness.

Department: Education Policy, Organization and Leadership

Who should apply

The Leadership and Equity program is open to all degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students with eligible baccalaureate credentials. In particular, the program is for individuals in: 

• School and district level leaders
• Higher Education personnel
• Leaders of municipalities and other governmental entities.
• Leaders of non-profits, non-governmental organizations and foundations.
• Educational consultants and policy advocates
• Other leaders and innovators committed to equity work

Programs Offered

• On Campus Certificate of Specialization
• Online Certificate of Specialization