Leaders Exploring Administrative Possibilities (LEAP) Program
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What is LEAP?
Background & Purpose
The University of San Diego, since 2000, has worked collaboratively with school districts to create the Educational Leadership Development Academy (ELDA), a nationally recognized program that provides a seamless method of recruiting and supporting high-quality principals who are instructional leaders The LEAP program focuses on recruitment and engages participants in leadership development. This program is for highly qualified and motivated individuals. We will provide them information, experience, and support for moving toward a career in school leadership.
Goals of the Program
•To recruit future site leaders and existing leaders for schools in San Diego County and to provide initial leadership training and development
•To provide candidates opportunities to learn more about their leadership capacity as they work with teachers, administrators, parents, and students to improve learning for all students
•To create a cadre of thoughtful, lifelong learners ready to pursue the next stage in their professional development and their careers
Key Information
Focus Audience: Teacher leaders, team leaders, instructional coaches, department heads, members of leadership teams in schools and district leaders.
Partnerships With Districts: The LEAP program, working with districts, will provide initial training and development to support the district's ongoing efforts to recruit and develop strong instructional leaders. Partnerships will be formed with participating districts.
The Program: A three-unit course requires students spend 45 hours in classes and typically twice as much time in activities such as reading, observing, practicing leadership activities, meeting with a mentor, and reflecting in writing about one's learning. This program is designed to be "low stakes" and not to exert the pressure on candidates that is found in most credential programs. Instead, candidates will explore their potential as leaders, learn about leadership in schools, network with others including district and university faculty, practice new learnings, and receive feedback and assistance from ELDA staff and mentors. The program begins with a Summer Leadership Institute for three days in the summer and continues from September - March with monthly seminars.
Benefits to Participants:
- Receive a District "tap on the shoulder"
- Assess where candidates are as leaders
- Learn to influence people on behalf of students
- Engage in a school-based project that requires leadership skills
- Receive feedback on leadership activities
- Build relationships with district and community
- Build leadership skills and knowledge for present and future
- Listen to and learn about leadership from key school leaders in the region and nation
- Broaden networks of leadership colleagues, peers as well as district and university leaders
- Receive assistance with planning for new leadership opportunities
- Begin selection and training process for future administrative positions, specifically the principalship
- Participate in the nationally-recognized Educational Leadership Development Program (ELDA) at the University of San Diego
Participant Requirements
- Complete an Individual Learning Plan
- Begin a portfolio with evidence of leadership experiences
- Begin to develop your educational platform
- Keep a reflective journal with the emphasis on learning
- Meet at least three times with a mentor
- Complete a Leadership Culminating Activity
- Prepare to be the next educational leader in your district
For Questions Please Contact:
The ELDA Program
Phone: (619) 260-8839
Luisa Vargas, lvargas@san.rr.com
Admissions Process:
All candidates will complete an application to the LEAP program. Program applications will be due each Spring. Official transcripts must accompany all LEAP applications.
Admission Requirements:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of two years of experience in schools, working as teachers or in other professional roles. Candidates will receive a tuition reduction from the university.
Tuition:
Candidates receive 3 credits and will receive reduced tuition of $900 for 3 credits (USD standard cost is $3,255 for 3 units)
