Online Course: Principal Leadership for The Early Grades

Overview

NAESP is offering a seven-month course in early learning specifically designed principals, assistant principals, or district leaders to expand their knowledge and skills in best early childhood practices in a virtual online setting. Participants will gain practical resources and knowledge of NAESP’s six early learning competencies outlined in Leading Learning Communities: A Principals Guide to Early Learning and the Early Grades. Participants who wish to earn three graduate credits at zero tuition cost can apply to Bethel University upon course graduation to be a non-degree seeking, individual course student. There is a one-time $200 transcription fee.

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“This course has helped me solidify my knowledge of early learning and inspired me with ideas, research, and knowledge to share with my colleagues. I now feel more confident in school meetings with various professionals advocating for the needs of students this age.”

Goals and Learning Outcomes

  • Students will gain practical resources and knowledge of NAESP’s six early learning competencies outlined in Leading Learning Communities: A Principals Guide to Early Learning and the Early Grades.
  • Students will be able to read, interpret, and analyze lesson content and theorize how to apply the knowledge to their own educational context.
  • Students will be able to apply their early learning knowledge and skills within their school or district through a capstone project proposal.
  • Students will be able to actively participate in bi-monthly virtual meetings and discussion forums with other students in the program.

Start date: October 12, 2023

End date: April 18, 2024

Twice monthly class sessions from 7:30 – 8:30 pm ET

$1,000 Members | $1,200 Nonmembers

  • “I loved how applicable everything that I worked on and discussed in class was to my current work. I am able to use the materials from the course in my everyday job and it has deeply impacted what I do with kids!”
  • “I have gained a lot of valuable information from my colleagues and facilitators of this course. It was great to hear their ideas, perspectives, as well as the amazing work they are doing in their schools. It was inspiring!”
  • “I have so many more ideas for increasing inclusivity and best practices in early childhood since taking this course! I was challenged in my thinking and given so many resources to better meet the needs of all of my children.”
  • “My vocabulary in speaking about early learning has improved and I was not expecting that result. Terms like learning through play, shared leadership, and collaborative inquiry are now integral to my vocabulary in school meetings.”
  • “I have gained more confidence in my leadership and learned ways to better engage staff and students. I feel like I can refer to my reflections and apply the work that I did during this course throughout the coming school year.”

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