What our graduates say about the CAGS Program

Marianne M. True, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH

"The CAGS program at Plymouth allowed me the opportunity to interact with educational leaders who are passionate about their work. Camaraderie among professionals engaged in both research and reflection gave me new insights, perspectives and skills."

School Principal
Professional Certification option

Program Coordinator: Dr. Leo Corriveau, lcorriveau@plymouth.edu
Graduate Adjunct Faculty, Superintendent of Schools and School Principal
B.S., M.Ed., Fitchburg State College; M.A., Providence College; Ph.D., Columbia Pacific University

State of NH Principal and Assistant Principal Certification Standards (Ed 506.04) (PDF 30 kb)

Educators who wish to explore the possibilities of school leadership and administration will find PSU’s school principal certification program rich in opportunities for collaboration, research and practical experience. From curriculum development and assessment to school law, school budgets and community partnerships, candidates will master the wide array of responsibilities, duties and leadership qualities an effective school principal must possess.

The School Principal program provides candidates with:

• An increased understanding of the changing roles of school leaders
• An ability to identify strategies that can lead an educational institution in a positive direction for the benefit of children, teachers, school staff, families and communities
• A background in school leadership that reflects a diverse and flexible array of approaches and philosophies appropriate to today’s schools and communities
• Opportunities to extend previous leadership experience through research and collaboration
• Support in developing the self-confidence and vision necessary for providing leadership to others and creating partnerships between schools and communities

Graduates of this degree program who possess at least three years of K-12 teaching experience are eligible for certification as a school principal (with appropriate coursework) in the state of New Hampshire. Reciprocity through interstate compacts extends this certification to many additional states.

Candidates for the master's degree program must also complete education core courses, focusing on diversity, philosophy and research. Candidates for professional certification or the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) program must possess a master’s degree in order to apply for admission. Programs of study are created on an individual basis for each candidate based on previously completed coursework and experience. The following courses meet the competencies required for certification as a K-12 School Principal in New Hampshire.

Required Courses

CAGS Core Component
EP 7020 Collaborative Leadership - 3 credits
EP 7030 Transforming the Educational Agenda - 3 credits
EP 7040 Planning in Education and Human Services - 3 credits
EP 7050 Qualitative Methodology and Applied Research - 3 credits
EP 7060 Legal Issues in Policy Making - 3 credits
EP 7070 Contemporary Social Trends - 3 credits

School Principal Component
AD 5020 Staff Development and Evaluation - 3 credits
AD 5300 School Finance and Negotiation - 3 credits
AD 5330 Leadership in Curriculum Development and Assessment - 3 credits
ED 5060 Theories of Learning and Cognitive Development - 3 credits
ED 5770 Classroom Intervention and Special Education Strategies - 3 credits

Capstone Experience
AD 5800 Practicum in Administration and Supervision I - 3 credits

Total for CAGS in Educational Leadership, School Principal Strand – K–12 Certification - 39 credits