MASA’s Horizon Leadership Academy+SE (HLA+SE), formerly HLA, focuses on enhancing leadership skills and strategies to prepare school leaders to become effective superintendents, central office administrators and special education administrators if desired.
HLA+SE is a collaboration between MASA and the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE). This state-approved program allows qualified candidates to earn a School Administrator Certificate and/or Central Office endorsement as part of the 12 session core HLA program, while also gaining Special Education Supervisor/Director approval through additional 7 days of coursework focused on leadership standards in special education if desired and the SE requirements are met.
All candidates complete the 12 core HLA sessions and those choosing to earn the additional special education approval complete an additional 7 sessions of coursework.
HLA+SE is fully aligned to:
- Michigan Standards for the Preparation of Central Office Administrators
- National Education Leadership Standards (NELPS) – District Level
- MARSE rules for Special Education Director/Supervisor Administrators
- MTTC test for central office endorsement (new requirement as of July 2026)
- National CAEP Accreditation standards
The program is tailored for the following candidates:
- Those who already hold an administrator certificate who need the central office endorsement and/or special education full approval
- Those who need both the administrator certificate and their central office endorsement
- Those who need both the administrator certificate and their special education administrator full approval
Coursework will prepare both currently certified administrators and those seeking their administrator certificate through a job-embedded and authentic avenue to pursue their certificate or endorsements. Successful completion of the program also provides completers articulated credits toward an Ed.S or Ed.D program at both Western Michigan University and Northern Michigan University for those wishing to pursue their next level degrees.
NOTE: Candidates aspiring to be a building-level principal and earn an ES Endorsement should please refer to MASSP’s Path to Leadership program.
To Enroll
To enroll in +SE coursework portion of the academy, candidates must meet MARSE Rules 340.1781–340.1799 and be accepted and enrolled in the full academy.
Candidates must have a degree in and three years of successful practice or administrative experience in special education, or a combination of practice and experience. That can be in the classroom, at the district level, as a related service provider etc. (Speech Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist).
*A candidate who has successfully completed the Horizon Leadership Academy since 2020 and meets the MARSE rules is eligible to enroll in the +SE coursework. Please see our FAQ below for more details.
Fall 2026 Cohorts
Candidates can choose to enroll in either an in-person or virtual HLA+SE cohort. Each cohort has specific dates, and participants are required to attend all sessions. In-person sessions are held at the MASA Office in Lansing on the following dates.
Required Session Dates for All Candidates (In-Person and Virtual)
Sept 21, 2026
October 19, 2026
Nov 16, 2026
Dec 14, 2026
Jan 11, 2027
Feb 8, 2027
March 15, 2027
April 19, 2027
May 17, 2027
June 21, 2027
July 19, 2027
August 16, 2027
Note: In-person and virtual sessions occur simultaneously on the dates listed above.
Additional Required Session Dates for +SE Candidates (Virtual)
October 7, 2026
Jan 19, 2027
Feb 19, 2027
March 10, 2027
April 13, 2027
May 14, 2027
June 15, 2027
Important Details
For more information about HLA+SE, click on the tabs below.
Throughout the HLA+SE experience, candidates work with other cohort members to network and learn about the skills and expected proficiencies of central office leaders and superintendents while connecting to the actual work and initiatives within their own district. Candidates engage in meaningful projects within and for their district to ensure immediate application of learned skills.
As part of the program, candidates will create a digital portfolio of their work demonstrating their application of competencies as well as identify and work with a mentor to complete a 240/300-hour internship/clinical experience.
Candidates who have applied and been accepted to the program and are also seeking their Special Education Approval must also qualify for the +SE coursework. Upon joining a cohort, candidates must complete HLA’s core education curriculum, along with the specialized +SE curriculum and mentoring and internship requirements.
(e.g., there are additional sessions for those seeking their special education approval that include tailored content, assignments, and assessments.)
All candidates will complete the program together earning the relevant certificates, endorsements, and SCECHs.
Completion of the HLA+SE leads to any one or all of the following:
- School Administrator Certificate
- Central Office Endorsement
- Special Education Director full approval (if additional coursework is completed)
- 150 SCECH credits.
As per R380.105 (1246(1)(b)): Candidate must possess a master’s or higher degree, OR a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience performing work at the Central Office level (e.g. a District Business Official, Human Resource Director, State & Federal Programs Director etc).
*If the candidate is seeking admission with only a Bachelor’s Degree, MASA requires a letter of recommendation from the superintendent attesting to the individual’s skills and experience, along with a contract of employment or job description for the three years of service in this capacity.)
Pre-Program
- Review cohort dates and confirm availability with your district/supervisor; attendance is mandatory at all program sessions.
- Confirm understanding of application terms, conditions, and processes.
- A non-refundable application fee of $150 is required to begin the application process.
Enrollment
- Once accepted, at least 50% of tuition is due 30 days before the cohort starts; the remainder is due in February of the following year after 50% of program completion.
- Candidates have two years to complete the program and all requirements for the school administrator certificate and/or Central Office Endorsement.
In Program
- Candidates will select a mentor with HLA+SE faculty approval for the program’s duration.
- Complete a 240 or 300-hour internship over a minimum of six months, based on certification needs and current position.
- Final approval will be based on evaluations of all formative and summative measures.
HLA+SE focuses on strengthening leadership skills and strategies that equip school leaders to become effective superintendents and central office administrators, including:
- Using Influential Leadership Strategies
- Leading Activities that Foster School Climate and Culture
- Ensuring Equity in Education
- Using Coaching Strategies across Various Scenarios and Situations
- Leading, Implementing, and Measuring Strategic Planning Initiatives
- Leading Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology as part of Continuous Improvement
- Leading and Supporting Instructional Staff for Student Success
- Using Effective Communication to Educate, Support, Influence, and Advocate
- Facilitating School Operations and Management
- Developing Effective Teams and Addressing Group Dynamics
- Leading and Fostering Family and Community Engagement
- Establishing effective Board Governance and Superintendent Relationships
- Demonstrating accountability with School Law, Policies, Regulations
- Operationalizing School Budget and Financial Planning
- Expanding knowledge and strategies for Effective Labor Relations (Relationships, Contract Negotiations and Administration)
In addition to the required general education curriculum, +SE candidates will complete coursework in the following areas:
- Professional Organizations for Resources/Collaboration
- Least Restrictive Environments
- Instructional Leadership
- Assistive Technology
- Alternative Curriculum
- Special Education Funding
- Human Resources (Special Education Personnel)
- Child Find
- Transitioning Part C to Part B
- Compliance
- Law and Public Policy
Application, enrollment, and scope of the required classes varies by candidate’s prior master’s degree work and HLA+SE cycle completed. HLA+SE may articulate up to 15-18 credits toward degree attainment.
Western Michigan University – Ed.S. or Ph.D.
→ Contact: Dr. Rusty Stitt –wayne.r.stitt@wmich.edu
Northern Michigan University – Ed.S.
(leading to a possible Ed.D. with Central Michigan University)
→ Contact: Dr. Bethney Bergh – bbergh@nmu.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview & Eligibility
The NELPS and Central Office Endorsement requirements approved by the Michigan State Board of Education are district-level standards. There are no current state adopted standards or endorsements different for individuals working in regional settings. There are many overlapping themes of knowledge, leadership, and application of the NELPS to regional level leadership. Candidates who work at this level will find the learning relevant and applicable; however, the content and program is focused on district-level leadership. Application to the regional setting is the candidate’s responsibility with their mentor. There are multiple graduates from regional settings who have completed the program with success and accomplishment.
In its design, this program is generally not for a current classroom teacher. Given the scope of the work and application to the district level, building level leadership experience is often a needed prerequisite. In addition, it is often difficult for individuals in non-leadership roles to have permission from their district to be away from classroom teaching responsibilities and complete the required leadership capacities required in the internship.
The program is open to charter school employees.
Every situation is different. We recommend you contact MASA to discuss your unique situation.
No. You must attend all of the sessions and complete all program requirements in order to earn a School Administrator Certificate and Central Office Endorsement. However, some prior learning credit is awarded on an individual basis for candidates who have completed master’s, specialist, or doctoral programs in education leadership but who have not earned their administrative certification.
The academy is an intensive 12-month program offered in the Fall, with both In-Person and Virtual cohort options.
We place a high value on participants attending every session and provide the dates in advance so that you may arrange your schedule accordingly. This program incorporates active problem-solving and networking between cohort participants, which is impossible to do when you are not present. If an emergency or extenuating situation presents itself and you miss, you will need to contact your instructor to discuss next steps.
In-person sessions are held at the MASA Office in Lansing
(1001 Centennial Way, Lansing, MI 48917)
Yes! Candidates must successfully complete the general program along with the additional SE special education coursework requirements. This includes successful completion of all general program requirements and an additional 38 mentoring hours, at least 446 internship hours, and a minimum of 350 hours of work-based experience. Additionally, candidates must meet MARSE Rules 340.1781–340.1799, achieving full approval in at least one area of relevant special education training and experience.
No. Candidates must have a degree in and three years of successful practice or administrative experience in special education, or a combination of practice and experience. That can be in the classroom, at the district level, as a related service provider etc. (Speech Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist)
Yes, as long as the candidate has completed the Horizon Leadership Academy (since 2024) and meets MARSE Rules 340.1781–340.1799.
In addition to the curriculum, the following requirements apply:
Supervisor:
• 14 mentoring hours
• 437 internship/work-based experience hours (up to 200 hours of prior district-level work experience may count toward this requirement)
Director:
• 14 mentoring hours
• 446 internship/work-based experience hours at the district level (up to 200 hours of prior district-level work experience may count)
• 541 work-based experience hours at the regional level (up to 245 hours of prior experience at the district/ISD/ESA/RESA level may count)
No. Candidates must complete the full academy and meet the MARSE rules.
Credentials & Endorsements
Successful completion of the HLA+SE program and a passing score on the MTTC test for Central Office Endorsement leads to a School Administrator Certificate with a Central Office endorsement. Those who already hold a valid school administrative certificate will earn their central office endorsement. Those with or without an administrative certificate who complete the additional special education requirements can earn both their administrative certificate and special education director/supervisor full approval.
An endorsement signals that the individual has completed a program of study designed to focus on skills centered around a particular area. Michigan school administrators may earn either a Central Office (CO) endorsement or Elementary & Secondary Administrator K-12 (ES) endorsement on their School Administrator Certificate by completing a traditional or alternative route program.
- MASA’s HLA+SE is a state-approved alternate route that provides a CO endorsement.
- To earn an ES endorsement, educators should please refer to MASSP’s Path to Leadership program for building-level principals or a traditional education preparation provider.
- An endorsement is transferable and may be recognized in other states beyond Michigan. For more information, please visit MDE’s website.
While school administrators are not required to hold a particular endorsement at this time, MDE advises districts to place school administrators appropriately based on their preparation and experience. As a result, many districts require a Central Office endorsement for the positions of superintendent, assistant superintendent, director, or other central office positions.
Yes! Articulation agreements have been established with Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University. Please reference the Post Graduate Options tab above to learn more.
While the HLA+SE is not a degree granting program, candidates will save time, money, and other resources as this learning counts as a prior learning assessment for an Ed.S., Ed,D., or Ph.D. Candidates do not have to move forward for advanced degrees.
Yes, if you have a current School Administrator Certificate, you will earn 150 SCECHs.
Learning Expectations, Mentorship, & Support
Yes. Candidates will be required to spend 4-6 hrs in-between each scheduled session developing assessments and learning content. The homework is designed to deliver content and practice it, apply content learning in current roles, and provide opportunities to interact with cohort peers through discussion and feedback questions.
Yes. At the conclusion of the program, candidates complete a summative standards-based assessment measuring their content knowledge and application of the NELPS. Additionally, Michigan now requires that all candidates pass the MTTC test for Central Office Administrators (Test #140). These summative assessments are part of the requirements for accreditation through CAEP.
Candidates demonstrate their learning through the following:
- In class simulations and application experiences
- Online module completion
- Self-assessment of learning
- Mentor Log Discussions/Reflection
- Internship Application/Reflection
- Capstone Action-Research Project
- Final Recommendations Paper
- Summative Standards Based Assessment
– Students will use the Canvas LMS system
– Zoom is used for synchronous virtual learning experiences.
Candidates self-assess their current leadership knowledge, skill and application across the NELPS. Many leadership roles and responsibilities will transfer to the Internship as candidates apply district level functions and responsibilities. The Capstone Action Research Project may be completed within their current district setting and counts toward 160 hours of the Internship experience.
Mentors are selected by the candidate with approval from HLA+SE faculty. Mentors must have demonstrated at least three years of effective performance in their current leadership role. Whenever possible, mentors should hold the type of position the candidate aspires to attain (e.g., superintendent, curriculum director, human resources director) to provide relevant, real-world learning opportunities. Candidates are also encouraged to consider mentors outside of their own district and individuals with experience leading in diverse settings.
Application Process
To submit the application fee, sign in to register and pay the non-refundable application fee. Once the application fee is received, candidates will receive a confirmation email with a link to the HLA+SE Application and directions for submitting necessary documents. Candidates will be notified of their application status within two weeks of a complete submission.
Steps:
Pay non-refundable application fee of $150. Once received, an email will be sent with next steps and links to the application and Professional Dispositions Inventory directions.
- Fill out the application form.
- Share Professional Dispositions Inventory link with three references
- Submit educational transcripts
Need More Information?
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Dr. Stephanie Long at slong@gomasa.org.