College of Education and Human Development

Mason’s Education Leadership Program Achieves National Recognition

The Education Leadership program within the School of Education at George Mason University has received NELP SPA recognition in meeting National Educational Leadership Preparation - Specialty Professional Associations standards, thus making it a nationally recognized program. Mason’s Education Leadership program is among a small minority of programs nationwide that have received SPA recognition—a reflection of the high quality of this program and the excellence it instills in its graduates who leave the university equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in Northern Virginia school systems.

The NELP SPA is coordinated through the NPBEA (National Policy Board for Educational Administration). The SPA program review is an essential component of the overall accreditation process which provides evidence that program candidates have a strong foundation of content and pedagogical knowledge in that program area. Most programs only seek state accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP accreditation and SPA national recognition are separate designations achieved through two independent processes. Most educational leadership programs do not have SPA national recognition.

The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders are organized around the domains, qualities, and values of leadership work that research and practice indicate contribute to students’ academic success and well-being. Each standard features a title and statement that succinctly defines the work of effective educational leaders in that realm. A series of elements follow which elaborate on the work necessary to meet the standard. The number of elements for each standard varies to describe salient dimensions of the work involved.

Please join the CEHD community in celebrating this important accomplishment of the Education Leadership program. To learn more about the Education Leadership program, please visit the program website.