Department of Administrative and Policy Studies
Leadership Initiative For Transforming Schools (LIFTS)
K-12 Principal Certificate Program
Program Overview
What is LIFTS?
Leadership Initiative For Transforming Schools (LIFTS) is our recently redesigned
principal certificate program. Its purpose is to develop educational leaders of
character and integrity who are inspired by a sense of justice to improve the
achievement of all students. Drawing from the fields of education and management, the
program equips leaders with expertise in instructional, institutional and public
leadership grounded in ethics, inquiry, and integrity. The program encourages the shift
from teacher leadership to administrative leadership through academic rigor in the
classroom, authentic experiences in schools and reflective opportunities for integrating
personal and professional growth.
The 15-month principal certificate program is offered at the Allegheny Intermediate
Unit. The rigorous, cohort-based curriculum will afford a limited number of the most
talented teacher leaders in our area the opportunity to study together with University
faculty and master practitioners. The program is designed to offer “learning
experiences” to address both the core needs of school leaders as well as the critical
issues facing children, teachers and administrators today. The LIFTS core academic
program will be further augmented by a number of institutes, centers, partnerships,
and initiatives within the School of Education and across the University.
Credits for courses in the principal certificate program can be applied to a Master of
Education degree.
Admissions
How do I apply?
Online applications and requirements can be found at www.education.pitt.edu/apply
When is the application deadline?
Applications have to be submitted by March 1 (Please contact Dr. Trovato at
trovato@pitt.edu to discuss flexibility in application deadline).
What about entrance exams?
Entrance exams are not required. But your transcripts from previous institutions are.
These can take 3-4 weeks to be processed and sent to the University of Pittsburgh so plan
accordingly.
How do you select the applicants?
LIFTS is a cohort-based program so in addition to seeking excellent teachers with
demonstrated leadership ability in schools, we are also seeking applicants who can
contribute and engage in a community learning experience.
Is an interview required for admission?
No, but this is a highly selective program admitting teacher leaders with demonstrated
experience. Your references may be contacted.
Can I transfer credit from other institutions?
Credits can be transferred towards a Master of Education or Doctor of Education but due to
the unique format of LIFTS, no courses from other institutions can be transferred for
equivalent credit.
Are there teaching requirements for application?
Yes, you must have completed at least three years teaching experience by the time the
beginning of the program.
Can I visit the program or make an appointment with faculty to talk about the
program?
Yes, please contact Dr. Charlene Trovato at trovato@pitt.edu to schedule an appointment.
What is the tuition for the program?
Tuition for the LIFTS program is the University of Pittsburgh per credit cost for the School
of Education. Please visit http://www.ir.pitt.edu/tuition/tuitionrates.html.
Prerequisites
What are the prerequisites for admission?

Valid teaching certificate

Demonstrated teacher leadership in your school

Completed application for the principal certificate program

Minimum of three years teaching experience by the beginning of the program.

You do not need to have a master’s degree to enter the principal program. However,
at the time of application, if you do not hold a master’s degree from an accredited
university, you are encouraged to apply and enroll in the University of Pittsburgh’s
Master of Education degree at the same time you apply for the K-12 Principal
Certificate program.
In addition to the courses for the K-12 Principal Certificate program, what additional
coursework do I need to complete a Master of Education degree?
You will need to take an additional 12 credits to receive a Master of Education. Please see
the table below for the Master of Education degree and K-12 Principal certificate
Master of Education/K-12 Principal Certificate
Summer I
Leader as Learner Block (6 credits)
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Orientation to the program (0 credit, one-day)
Networking with Practicing Principals (8 internship
hours, one-day experience)
Summer Leadership Institute (3 credit, one-week)
Health, Mental Health and Safety (2 credit, face-to-face
and online)
K-12 Principal Internship (1 credit, 65 hours)
Fall
Instructional Leadership (6 credits)


Instructional Leadership (5 credits)
K-12 Principal Internship (1 credit, 25 hours)
Spring
Public Leadership (6 credits)

Public Leadership Block (4 credits)
o Assessment/Accountability Module (online)
o Politics of Education/School Community
Partnerships Module
o School Law Module
Positive Behavior Support (1 credit online)
K-12 Principal Internship (I credit, 25 hours)
Summer II
Institutional Leadership (6 credits)



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Institutional Leadership (3 credits)
Leadership for Inclusive Schools (2 credits)
Networking with Practicing Principals (8 hours of
internship, one day experience)
 K-12 Principal Internship (1 credit, 65 hours)
EDUC Courses/Basic Areas of Education (9 credits)
Students enroll in EDUC/BAE courses either before Summer I
or after Summer II
 *Psychological Perspectives on Education
 *Social and Cultural Perspectives on Education
 *Research Methods
* There is a menu of course offerings available.
Master of Education Paper (3 credits)
ADMPS 2094 Research Processes in School Leadership
Curriculum
The curriculum builds on the participants’ teacher leadership in a four consecutive term
(15-month) program that blends breakthrough curriculum, authentic school experiences,
and reflective practices to integrate personal and professional growth. Responding to the
growing complexity of the role of principal, the principal preparation program will develop
effective change agents through curricular blocks emphasizing leader as learner,
instructional leadership, institutional leadership and public leadership.
By drawing on the University of Pittsburgh’s renowned centers and schools, such as the
Institute for Learning and the Katz Graduate School of Business, and partnerships, with
regional campuses, school districts, and intermediate units, the principal preparation
program will offer practical, real-world experiences to improve student learning and
achievement based on cutting edge research.
The School Leadership core academic program is further augmented by a number of
initiatives that serve practitioners and schools in the region. These include the
Superintendents Forum of Western Pennsylvania, the Educational Leadership Initiative
(ELI), the Principals Academy, Tri- State School Study Council, and the Collaborative for
Evaluation and Assessment Capacity (CEAC). These initiatives are each designed to assist
with in-service development of school-based leaders and various forms of technical
assistance for educational projects.
Who teaches classes in the program?
Faculty for the newly redesigned School Leadership Program will be distinguished
academicians, educators, researchers, authors, and practitioners in their respective fields.
These experts are close to practice through partnerships with school districts and
Intermediate Units and through personal involvement as consultants in school districts
nationally and around the world.
What is meant by non-traditional format?
The program offers a format to meet the needs of full time teachers. Most classes will
taught in an executive format meeting Friday night and Saturday seven times a semester. In
addition, two five-day Summer Institutes and intensive internships each term with
mentor principals and bi-weekly online seminars will address the core needs of school
leaders and the critical issues facing children, teachers and administrators.
What are the intensive Summer Institutes?
The first and last class of the program will be taught in five consecutive days. The first
institute will meet at the off-campus site where you are enrolled. The second institute,
taught by the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business faculty, will be an institute at the
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business Center for Executive Education at the
University of Pittsburgh Oakland. The second institute will join the two cohorts of LIFTS to
serve as a capstone and networking event.
Can I take classes at my own pace?
No, the program depends on the relationship within the cohort to aid in your learning.
Students in the cohort will register for a predesigned six-credit course of study for four
consecutive terms. Should you need to miss a semester because of extenuating personal
circumstances, you will be asked to take a leave of absence from the program until the next
cohort is convened the following year.
Where will I do my internship?
You will meet with an instructor during your first semester to plan your internship
experiences. You will be assigned to a mentor principal at the elementary and secondary
levels.