Become a Transformational School or District Leader

UConn’s nationally ranked Education Administration Programs, housed within the Neag School of Education, are designed for current educators in Connecticut looking to advance to principal, superintendent, or other school- and district-wide leadership roles.

Earn your 092 or 093 certification while learning among the best at the one of the top 25 Educational Administration programs in the country, a top-ranked public graduate school of education, and one of the nation's top public universities. Both programs prepare leaders that Connecticut’s schools and communities need and deserve, and ensure participants are ready to face today’s educational challenges on day one.

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Programs

Administrator Preparation

The University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP) is designed to prepare qualified and capable school leaders who promote equity and excellence in schools throughout Connecticut.

After two years of part-time study, graduates are awarded the Sixth-Year Diploma and are eligible for certification endorsement as an Intermediate Administrator (092) in the state of Connecticut. UCAPP’s signature cohort model creates an invaluable network for students, who can choose from several cohort locations across the state.

 

Learn More about UCAPP

Executive Leadership

The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is a transformative, 13-month opportunity for school administrators who are ready to acquire the additional skills and understanding needed for the top leadership positions in a school district. Grounded in research and best practices, participants learn from experienced superintendents in a collaborative cohort model and a rich internship experience with a mentor superintendent.

Upon completion, program graduates qualify for the Connecticut superintendent’s certificate (093). Over 70 current Connecticut superintendents have completed UConn’s ELP program to date, benefiting from its collaborative cohort model and standards of excellence.

 

Learn More about ELP

Recent Department News

Neag School Alum Christine Carver Honored as Connecticut’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year

Carver ’91 (ED), ’97 MA, ’09 Ed.D., superintendent of Bethel Public Schools, was recently recognized by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents

Fany Hannon, dean of students, speaks during the Convocation ceremony held on the Student Union Mall
Creating a Sense of Belonging Drives UConn’s Dean of Students

‘I believe in the power of a sense of belonging, and that is what creates community and supports students’ success’

A group of high schoolers stand inside the Toscano Family Ice Forum at UConn Storrs. One student takes a photo with their cellphone.
Neag School Hosts Early College Experience Day for 116 High School Students

Eight public school districts brought EDCI 1100, EPSY 1100, and EDLR 2001 students to Storrs

Testimonials

Amanda LoStimolo

Amanda LoStimolo, ELA Resource Teacher

"After a year with UCAPP, I can honestly say that this program has gone so far beyond what I expected; the instructors, coaches, coursework and core assessments take educational theory and push us to apply that learning to actively produce initiatives that strengthen our school communities. ... I have no doubt that the relationships I’ve built with classmates, coaches and instructors in this program will be ones that last a lifetime. I can say with confidence that I feel prepared to step up as a leader in my school and district as a result of UCAPP."

Mike Dunn, High School Principal 

"Having consulted with a variety of trusted educational leaders with whom I've been lucky to work, I chose to apply for UConn's Executive Leadership Program due to its reputation for the highest quality instruction and unique blend of cutting-edge leadership theory with practical application. The Executive Leadership Internship itself provides rich and varied opportunities to apply the lenses from leadership frameworks and theoretical readings in authentic settings where real leaders work through real problems to affect systemic change for students."

Mike Dunn