Principal Leadership Institute (M.Ed.)

In the Principal Leadership Institute program, students are prepared to be social justice leaders in urban schools. The program is designed for outstanding educators who have administrative interests and recognized potential.

The Principal Leadership Institute trains and supports a diverse group of individuals committed to the principles of academic excellence, equity, and integrity as a way to maximize achievement and opportunity for students in urban schools.

PLI is housed in Center X at UCLA Ed&IS. The program offers a Master’s degree and completion of the courses required for the California Tier 1 Administrative Credential.

Academic Information

PLI has designed a rigorous 14-month program aligned with the California Administrative Professional Expectations (CAPEs) that will prepare the next generation of urban school leaders. The PLI utilizes the Reciprocal Learning Partnership Equity Framework.

UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute program prepares educators to be social justice leaders in Los Angeles schools who:

  • Advocate for quality learning opportunities;
  • Improve teaching and learning;
  • Promote educational achievement for all students;
  • Create democratic and culturally-responsive learning environments;
  • Build partnerships with parents and community groups.

The Principal Leadership Institute’s graduates become instructional leaders who understand what conditions are needed to promote rigorous, high quality learning. They become adult educators who support the development of teachers and staff, and they become community leaders who have the knowledge and commitment to forge partnerships with parents, grassroots community groups, civic leaders, and organized labor.

Visit the PLI Main page at UCLA Center X.

The Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) looks forward to assisting you through the application process.

We encourage applications from educators with:

  • Five or more years experience as a classroom teacher;
  • Experience working for educational justice with teachers;
  • Experience working for change alongside parents and community groups;
  • A commitment to Los Angeles youth and communities.

For more information about application requirements, please visit How to Apply to the UCLA PLI Program.

See the PLI and UCLA Graduate School Application for all the details.

Applying for the 2024-25 academic year?

The application will be available from mid-September, 2024 through March 1, 2025.

If we can be of service to you in any step of the application process, please feel free to contact Kim Matheussens (mattheussens@gseis.ucla.edu)

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