Graduate Certificate in School Leadership (GCSL)
Organizational and Leadership Psychology
You're Ready to Lead and Create School Cultures that Improve Outcomes
You're a classroom teacher, school administrator, aspiring school leader, or working school professional, and you see the impact that equitable mindsets, inclusive environments, and effective instructional practice have on a school system. The fully online Graduate Certificate in School Leadership (GCSL) is a principal preparation program aligned to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrator standards.
Hear From Our Students!
The program is arming me with language, skills, techniques, protocols, and strategies that are already enabling me to lead even more effectively. I find myself feeling replenished, nurtured, and rejuvenated after each class and I am eager to continue learning.”
Marika Hamilton
Alumna
Our Philosophy, Your Experience
At William James College, you will combine your classroom knowledge with hands-on experience to get a well-rounded and integrated education. Our curriculum combines an understanding of theory, training, and practice as you develop into a culturally responsive professional. You will be surrounded by like-minded faculty, staff, and peers who, like you, are dedicated to bringing high-quality services to culturally diverse clients, agencies, and organizations. With this training, you will be prepared to make a difference in our communities.
Ready for the Next Step?
See Yourself at William James
At William James, you'll gain exceptional training in a supportive, student-centered learning environment, with instruction and guidance provided by leading practitioners in the field. Throughout your studies, you'll experience our integrative philosophy of training and education, with application of classroom instruction in structured field experiences. Underlying this approach to professional training, is a sustained focus on your personal and professional development, with an orientation towards community service, and respect for those you'll serve.
GCSL Alum Spotlight: Darcel Hunt-Finegold
Darcel Hunt-Finegold, a former science teacher and current Assistant Head of School for Boston Public Schools, credits the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership (GCSL) program with shaping her transition into educational leadership. “Between the course content and the practicum hours, I gained practical experience that provided insight into what it means to be a school leader and allowed me time to reflect on the type of leader I aspired to be,” she shares.
Her experience in the Shaping School Culture course, which includes real-world examples from professionals, continues to influence her leadership approach. “School culture is an essential indicator of a successful school. As a school leader, I am constantly using culture as one of the lenses for decision making,” Hunt-Finegold explains. “I often reflect on the content of this course, considering its relevance to the role of a school leader.”
Now pursuing her PsyD in Leadership Psychology at William James, Hunt-Finegold completed her doctoral field placement at the Center for Behavioral Health, Equity, and Leadership in Schools (BHELS) where she supported the implementation of the Teacher Diversification Professional Development series for 60 K-12 district teams across the state which was a shared collaboration between DESE and BHELS.
Finally, Darcel recently passed all four PAL tasks required by the state department of education, which is a major milestone for aspiring school leaders in Massachusetts. She encourages others to consider the GCSL program:
“It’s an extremely supportive community created by professionals from the K–12 education field. The combination of educational leadership, psychology, and anti-racist practices within the curriculum prepared me for the realities of the school leader role.”