Application for Leadership Licensure Program

(LLP)Admission

Please read thoroughly before continuing…

The MSAA Leadership Licensure Program (LLP) prepares aspiring administrators for initial licensure in Massachusetts as principals/assistant principals (PreK-8; 5-12), or supervisors/directors. The Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools (BHELS) at William James College provides curriculum and instruction through practical based modules. It is a rigorous, comprehensive program built upon the knowledgebase of effective teaching and learning and the best practices of instructional and organizational leadership. 

This innovative program prepares educators for leadership in public schools in Massachusetts, focusing on knowledge of subject matter and the implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, the Guidelines for the Preparation for Administrative Leaders, the Common Core and state student assessment programs. The LLP integrates coursework, fieldwork, and the state mandated MA-PAL tasks, as well as its own performance assessment. 

Candidates develop the requisite knowledge and skills to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Professional Standards for Administrators. The program’s integrated and collaborative approach to learning and reflection make it the most unique licensure program in the Commonwealth.

Guidance Counselors: We offer an additional weekend module focusing on the role of Director of Guidance license. For information on qualifications for this license, please contact DESE.

Before applying, please review the LLP Calendar. Due to the intensive nature of the program, candidates must attend all class meetings.

Note: 

·         Any documents that require signature, may be submitted with 

 the signer's name and electronic signature.

·         Work history letter may also be submitted by your building administrator, personnel department or central office via email to vellison@msaa.net

·         Separate submissions of the Superintendent/Principal Agreement are required.

·         Please note, you must verify with the individual submitting forms on your behalf to ensure that the form has been submitted.

Gather the following materials before you begin your application (PDF format preferred):

·         Electronic copy of your Massachusetts DESE Educator License

·         Resume 

·         Communication and Literacy MTELs - Reading and Writing score report (not necessary for acceptance into the LLP, but you must have it before the administrative license will be granted by the DESE in the spring upon completion of the program.)

Write your responses to the three essay prompts; you will upload them during the application process. Your name and essay prompt must appear at the top of each essay submission.

·         250–500-word essay: Describe a situation that demonstrate(s) (ed) your commitment to a student’s or students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth. (This essay may also be used for the Fitchburg State University Application)

·         250–500-word essay: Describe a project/action that demonstrate(s) (ed) a leadership role you assumed in your school, within the past three years. Describe the situation it involved, the steps you took, and the impact to your school. From this experience, and as a future leader, conclude your essay by sharing how you envision the continual development and motivation of staff, students, and parents. (This essay may also be used for the Fitchburg State University Application)

·         250–500-word essay: "Research demonstrates that student learning is accelerated when administrative leaders ensure all students have access to high-quality, culturally responsive, and standards aligned curricula and all educators are provided professional learning and support to implement those curricula." (From the Guidelines for the Preparation of Administrative Leaders published by DESE September 2021,  https://www.doe.mass.edu/edprep/resources/guidelines-advisories/leadership-guide.pdf  

As you think ahead to your role as an administrator what steps do you envision taking to ensure this work is being implemented in your school? Or, speak to what steps are in process in your current setting and include what is not being done.  

Respond in detail to the following Case Study. You will upload this (PDF) later in the application. Your name and prompt must appear at the top of each submission.

You receive information from a student that there are several boldly scrawled swastikas on the wall in the gender neutral bathroom. What next steps would you take? Please describe. Your answer may be bulleted.

Transcripts

Undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts must be sent directly from your University or College to MSAA, LLP, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038 or sent electronically to Vickie Ellison at vellison@msaa.net.

Interview

Once your application has been reviewed we require a virtual interview scheduled at your convenience. 

Tuition for the 23-24 LLP Program

Click here for payment amounts and policies

·         LLP Application Fee (Non-refundable): $50. Mail to: MSAA LLP, Attn: Victoria Ellison, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038

·         LLP - Certification Only (DESE submission for Licensure): $12,800

·         CAGS or M.Ed Option: Additional Cost; See information sheet for more information

CAGS or M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Management - Principal/Assistant Principal Concentration (Non-licensure) is provided through Fitchburg State University (FSU). 

-18 credits via LLP Modules (For credits payment is made to FSU per module.    Credit costs vary depending on length of module.)

-Optional: register and pay for remaining CAGS (5 courses) OR M.Ed. (4 courses) 

Course work and tuition subject to change

Application requirements and admission decisions relating to the CAGS is solely at the discretion of Fitchburg State and is separate from the application requirements and decisions of the MSAA LLP.

·         Accepted applications received on or before January 31, 2023 earn a $300 early bird discount applied to the candidate’s tuition balance.

·         LLP Admission is on a rolling basis, once capacity has been reached, an additional cohort may be added.

·         Applications must be completed in their entirety no later than June 15, 2023, incomplete applications received after that date may not be reviewed for the 2023-2024 program year.

The program calendar for 2023-2024 may be found here.

MSAA does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Retaliation is also prohibited.