MASA is authorized by the Michigan Department of Education to offer an alternative route for earning an Administrator Certificate with a Central Office Endorsement. The Horizon Leadership Academy (HLA) focuses on enhancing leadership skills and strategies, preparing school leaders to become effective superintendents and central office administrators.
HLA is aligned to both the Michigan Standards for the Preparation of Central Office Administrators, as well as the National Education Leadership Standards (NELPS) – District Level.
The program is tailored for new and aspiring superintendents, central office administrators, and building administrators or directors seeking a job-embedded and authentic avenue to earn a Central Office Endorsement (CO)* on their current Administrator Certificate. Candidates without a certificate can earn both an Administrator Certificate and a Central Office Endorsement concurrently.
(*NOTE: Candidates aspiring to be a building-level principal and earn an ES Endorsement should please refer to MASSP’s Path to Leadership program.)
MASA’s long-standing alternative route to administrator certification now has a Special Education component!
Horizon+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 HLA program,
while also gaining Special Education Supervisor or Director approval through additional coursework focused on leadership standards in special education.*
Upcoming Cohorts
Candidates can choose to enroll in either an in-person or virtual HLA cohort.
Each cohort has specific dates, and participants are required to attend all sessions.
Program Fees
Important Details
For more information about the Horizon Leadership Academy, click on the tabs below.
Throughout the HLA 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 projects demonstrating their application of competencies, as well as identify and work with a mentor to complete a 240/300-hour internship/clinical experience.
Completion of the Horizon Leadership Academy grants a Central Office endorsement, a School Administrator Certificate (if applicable) and 150 SCECH credits.
Degree Requirement:
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 process.
- 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 the next fiscal year.
- Candidates have three 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 faculty 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 grades will be based on evaluations of all formative and summative measures.
The Horizon Leadership Academy (HLA) is aligned to the Michigan Standards for the Preparation of Central Office Administrators, as well as the National Education Leadership Standards (NELPS) – District Level.
HLA 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
- Understanding Individuals’ Perspectives, Needs, and Behaviors
- 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)
Two postsecondary options are now available to HLA program graduates (since 2020).
Application, enrollment, and scope of the required classes varies by candidate’s prior master’s degree work and HLA cycle completed. HLA 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 itself 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 2.0 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.
The Horizon Leadership Academy 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.
In August, 2021, the Michigan State Board of Education adopted the Standards for the Preparation of Central Office School Administrators based on the National Educational Leadership Preparation Program Recognition (NELPS) Standards for advanced level. These new standards were a significant shift in the field of administrator preparation that have taken place since the original adoption of the ELCC standards. This shift in expectation for all alternative pathway programs as well as post-secondary degree granting institutions align with MDE’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan goal to “improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners” by focusing programs and outcomes on learner and adult well-being instead of solely on student success.
Other shifts between the ELCC standards and the NELPS include more explicit focus on:
- Promoting equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in the school environment (Standard 3),
- Making data-driven decisions to improve school and curricular outcomes (Standard 1),
- Building professional capacity to implement those decisions (Standard 7),
- Demonstrating instructional leadership that improves student outcomes equitably (Standard 4), and
- Engaging in community leadership that includes families and supports the well being of all individuals in a school environment (Standard 5).
MASA, along with other state colleges/universities have spent considerable time updating and realigning their programs to meet these new standards to prepare candidates for leadership, accreditation, and state endorsement.
The program is typically offered in the Fall and Winter/Spring of each year based on enrollment. In-Person and Virtual cohorts may be offered.
Generally speaking, in-person cohorts are offered in the Fall and Winter/Spring of each year. However, the operation of an in-person cohort is dependent on the number of candidates interested. A minimum is required for operation.
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 trainer to discuss next steps.
In-person sessions are held at the MASA Office in Lansing
(1001 Centennial Way, Lansing, MI 48917)
Credentials & Endorsements
Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1246 and the School Administrator Certification Code, R 380.102, require valid Michigan school administrator credentials (certificate or permit).
Horizon Leadership Academy accepts qualified candidates who already hold a valid certificate and are seeking to earn a Central Office endorsement, as well as those seeking to earn a School Administrator Certificate with a Central Office endorsement.
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 Horizon Leadership Academy 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 see the information in the section above to learn more.
While the Horizon Leadership Academy 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! There are reflective readings, videos, podcasts, self-assessments, and artifact review prior to each two-day session. In addition, candidates complete reflective homework that is connected to their internship and regular meetings with their mentor. Candidates can expect to spend 2-3 hrs for homework in-between each scheduled session for the first half of the program. The homework increases through the second half of the program as candidates demonstrate their learning through other performance-based requirements.
Yes, yes, and yes. Following each two-day session, candidates complete a quiz to demonstrate their formative understanding and application of the NELPS. At the conclusion of the program, candidates complete a summative standards-based assessment measuring their content knowledge and application of the NELPS. The state of Michigan is currently in the process of finalizing a state-wide assessment that will be used for final candidate approval to receive their administrator certificate. This is likely to become a requirement sometime in 2025. These summative assessments are part of the requirements for accreditation through CAEP.
Candidates demonstrate their learning through the following:
● Self-assessment of learning
● Mentor Log Discussions/Reflection
● Internship Application/Reflection
● Equity Capstone Project
● Capstone Action-Research Project of a school-district-regional based initiative designed to improve student achievement
● Final Recommendations for Continuous Improvement to their employment setting
● Reflections on advocacy at the state level
● Formative Quizzes
● Summative Standards Based Assessment
Currently Google Drive is used as the primary mechanism for sharing and submitting of work. 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 Equity Capstone Project and Capstone Action Research Project may be completed within their current district setting and counts toward 160 hours of the Internship experience.
Mentors are selected mutually with the faculty of the HLA program. Mentors will have demonstrated at least three years of effective performance in their current leadership position. Mentors should be selected for the position of which the candidate is aspiring to be ie. superintendent, curriculum director, human resources etc. in order to apply the learning in applicable settings. Candidates should consider mentors who are outside of their own district when possible and individuals who have led in diverse settings.
Need More Information?
For additional questions or details, please contact Dr. Brian Davis at bdavis@gomasa.org.