The program uses problem-based, experiential learning, and strong leadership training to prepare educators to serve as productive school leaders transforming the City’s schools into environments where all students can succeed.
The New York City Leadership Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its second class of aspiring principals, with 70 graduates scheduled to begin their assignments in September. The Leadership Academy, formed in 2003 to recruit and train outstanding principals to lead New York City’s public schools, is a cornerstone of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein’s Children First reforms, which recognize that the development and support of effective principals is essential to the overall transformation of the City’s schools. Chancellor Klein, who delivered the keynote address, Leadership Academy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sandra J. Stein, and Vice Chairman Emerita of the Estee Lauder Companies Jeanette Wagner, who delivered the commencement address, joined the graduates for the ceremony at the Brooklyn Museum. “Strong, effective school leadership is a cornerstone of the Children First reforms,� Chancellor Klein said. “I congratulate these graduates and look forward to seeing great things from them as we work to ensure that all students in New York City receive the quality education that they deserve.�
The Leadership Academy comprises rigorous 14-month leadership development program for aspiring principals. These men and women, who were chosen through a competitive process from a pool of nearly 1,200 applicants, completed an intensive program that includes two summer sessions and an in-school academic-year residency under the guidance of an experienced mentor principal. The program uses problem-based, experiential learning, and strong leadership training to prepare educators to serve as productive school leaders transforming the City’s schools into environments where all students can succeed. “I commend the graduates on their accomplishments and strong commitment to improving the quality of education in our schools,� Dr. Sandra Stein said. “I also thank the mentor principals and the rest of the Leadership Academy’s talented staff for sharing their deep knowledge and experience.�
This year’s graduating class is comprised of a diverse group of dedicated instructional leaders. They range in age from 27 to 56, with an average age of 40. More than half of the graduates are African American, Latino, or Asian, and approximately two-thirds are women. All of the graduates have supervisory or pedagogical experience, three-quarters of them in the City’s public school system.
The Leadership Academy (www.nycleadershipacademy.org) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is funded by corporate and philanthropic giving.
