School District Leader (SDL)

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

Certification with NY State is for Initial Certification in School District Leader.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Teacher candidates will demonstrate a high level of written and oral communication skills.
  • Teacher candidates will demonstrate the dispositions, attitudes, and beliefs deemed appropriate for teaching professionals.
  • Teacher candidates will demonstrate reflective practice by utilizing research, assessment, and professional development to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
  • Teacher candidates will acquire sufficient pedagogical knowledge and skills to be translated into effective teaching.
  • Teacher candidates will acquire sufficient content knowledge and skills to be translated into effective teaching.

Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate Program for School District Leader (SDL) Certification

The Post-Master’s Advanced Certificate Program for School District Leader (SDL) certification is a 15-credit program that develops leadership in the areas of strategic planning, governance, compliance and supervision. The program focuses on providing a strong foundation to apply knowledge, concepts, and theory into practice. Through diverse and comprehensive experiences candidates will be exposed to strategies, theories, and fieldwork necessary to develop skills to address the challenges of our diverse learning communities and includes experiences in districts serving students at different developmental levels and with a variety of characteristics and socioeconomic backgrounds. Up to two courses, if they meet the content of our courses and have been taken within the past 5 years, may be transferred from other leadership programs.  

Course Format

All courses are taught in an online format using Canvas, with four mandatory synchronous sessions (via Zoom) per course and the remaining sessions asynchronous with assignment/discussion due dates.

Admissions Application Process

To be considered for the School District Leader Program pay the Application Fee and apply as follows:

 Candidates new to the program or who did not complete SBL at Molloy:

  • An online application including resume and goals statement.
  • Master’s Degree
  • Two letters of reference, one must be from a school district leader or direct supervisor in your district, who holds a School District Certification
  • An official transcript from graduate school(s) attended with 45 graduate credits exclusive of any SDL courses
  • To begin the program, a minimum of verified 3 years full-time teaching or pupil personnel services experience in an accredited N(3K)-12 setting is required
  • Attendance at a Zoom orientation with the coordinator of the program and/or an individual interview. The orientation features a review of the program and a question-and-answer period.

  Candidates who have completed the School Building Leader Certification at Molloy: 

  • An online application
  • One letter of reference from a school district leader or direct supervisor in your district who holds a School District Certification
  • An OPTIONAL Attendance at a Zoom orientation with the coordinator of the program and/or an individual interview. The orientation features a review of the program and a question-and-answer period.

School District Leader Courses and Molloy's Ed.D. for Diverse Learning Communities

Candidates interested in applying credits towards a Molloy University Ed.D. for Diverse Learning Communities must apply to the doctoral program and be accepted. If accepted into the program, certain courses may be transferred into the Molloy doctoral program. 

Requirements

Prerequisite for this program: Master's degree and 45 graduate credits. 

Required Courses (15 credits):

EDU 5700

Strategic Planning and Organizational Change

3

EDU 5702

District Leader Governance and Policy

3

EDU 5704

District Resources and Compliance Administration

3

EDU 5706

District Educational Programs: Administration and Supervision for Equity and Excellence

3

EDU 5708

Internship for School District Leaders

3

Total Credit Hours: 15

If you any questions or would like to see about offering the programs within your district, please contact Dr. Denise T. Smith, SBL/SDL Program Coordinator, School of Education and Human Services, Molloy University at: (516) 323-3114 or by email at: dsmith2@molloy.edu