Educational Leadership with PA K-12 Principal Certification Only

Dr. Charles Smargiassi Chair/Assistant Professor of Education Program Director

A 27-credit certification only option exists for students in possession of an earned master’s degree. All students applying for admission to the Educational Leadership program certification only must follow the special admissions process as described on the program webpage. The Educational Leadership (EDLS) Cert Only Option is primarily available in an online format. The EDLS program orients students to field work and research requirements, the responsibilities of the principalship, and the first course that form the base of the EDLS experience - ED 517 - Principal As an Educational Leader . Students may not take courses listed as EDLS certification courses prior to completing ED 517 .

Program Learning Outcomes:

The student will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically. Creating an organizational vision around personalized student success.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the creation of a culture of teaching and learning with an emphasis on learning.
The student will demonstrate the ability to operate in a fair and equitable manner with personal and professional dignity.

Certificate Only Option (Non Degree Seeking)

A ‘Certification Only’ option is available for the Educational Leadership program and requires the same admissions process as the degree-seeking option. A previous Master’s degree, either from Wilkes or another university, is required for admission as a ‘Certification Only’ student. Certification only students complete only the 27 credits required for certification through the PDE for K-12 Principal.

Program of Study

A candidate for the EDLS degree, which includes PA Department of Education K-12 Principal Certification, must complete the following courses for certification:

PA certification and endorsement candidates will be recommended for certification upon successful completion of the required certification coursework, fieldwork, and internship. Candidates must self-register and pass the certification test, if required. Some certifications require verification of experience. In those cases, the candidate will need to have input from their school district verifying that they have satisfactory met professional school experience required. Application for certification and Endorsement is made by the candidate through the PDE Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) found on the PDE portal.