State Board of Education OK’s Keller principal program

 Springfield – Keller Graduate School of Management plans to offer an innovative, non-traditional program leading to certification for school principals, following approval today by the State Board of Education.   

“Graduates of the Keller program will have the cutting-edge knowledge and skills they will need to lead today’s ever-more complex schools,” praised State Superintendent Glenn W. M^cGee.  The Board anticipates that this program may help address the growing shortage of school principals in Illinois. 

Administrators from Chicago Public Schools, the surrounding suburbs, and representatives from the Illinois Principals Association collaborated with Keller in the program design. 

Candidates will earn an MBA and qualify for an administrative certificate with a principal’s endorsement by completing 64 quarter-hours of graduate credit. 

The capstone course for exit from the program requires candidates to complete a comprehensive project integrating the knowledge and skills garnered through the program.  Candidates must also complete a supervised internship in a school. 

“This program is a unique blend of educational leadership theory and management theory and practice, and it encompasses the Illinois School Leader Standards,” said Dr. Tim Ricordati, Vice President and Dean of Keller Graduate School of Management. Keller plans to start the program in September, Ricordati added.