Master's Degree Program Brochure

klingensteincenter.org

klingenstein@tc.columbia.edu

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS

FOR INDEPENDENT AND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL EDUCATORS

DISCOVER YOUR PATH

At the Klingenstein Center, you can earn a master’s degree in school leadership through a full-year, full-time program, a two-summers intensive program, or an MA/MBA dual degree program with Columbia Business School or INSEAD.

Through a rigorous program of interdisciplinary study, you’ll explore ethics, school leadership, cognitive science, equity and inclusion, education policy, marketing, and finance. Through fieldwork, you’ll roll up your sleeves and test-drive your new knowledge and skills. Grounded in both theory and practice, you will develop a deep understanding of what it takes to be an independent or international school leader. You’ll also join a network of thousands of alumni who serve in schools across the country and around the world.

Expert Instructors

The Klingenstein Center attracts faculty from across Teachers College, Columbia University, and the independent school community. Dr. Nicole Furlonge, director of the Klingenstein Center, teaches courses in school leadership and serves as the academic advisor for all students. Finance and marketing courses are taught by expert practitioners from area independent schools. Professors from Teachers College and other universities teach ethics, education policy, and other core courses.

THE EXPERIENCE

KLINGENSTEIN CENTER GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College was the home of the first graduate program to focus on preparing independent school leaders. In designing our programs, we build on nearly 45 years of experience while being responsive to the rapidly changing educational environment. At Klingenstein, you’ll gain a firm foundation in key areas of school operations, research-based practices for teaching and learning, and effective, ethical leadership practices. With this grounded perspective, you and your fellow graduates continue to learn, grow, and refine your practice in all areas of the schools you serve.

COHORT LEARNING

Your classmates will be dedicated independent and international school educators from around the world, each bringing a unique perspective and expertise to class discussion and project work. Your cohort might include an IB history teacher from a boys’ school in India, a kindergarten teacher from a Texas day school, a director of equity and inclusion from a New England boarding school, a school founder from South Korea, and a math teacher from Brooklyn. As you learn from incredible instructors, you’ll learn with and from your cohort. You’ll practice strategies for effective collaboration and community building. When you graduate, these meaningful relationships will be a part of your personal and professional networks for years to come.

Meet recent cohorts at klingensteincenter.org/students ?

LIVE AND STUDY IN NEW YORK CITY

The Klingenstein Center is a program of Teachers College, Columbia University, located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. While enrolled at the Klingenstein Center, you have access to all the resources of Teachers College and Columbia University including the Dodge Fitness Center, incredible libraries, and a wide array of student organizations. Affordable and comfortable student housing for individuals or families is available just across the street from Teachers College. Walk just four blocks to catch the subway and you’re on your way to all that New York City has to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a museum exhibit, relax in Central Park, try a new cuisine, or catch a Broadway show, there’s something for you in NYC!

Klingenstein Foundations

Across all Klingenstein programs, you’ll find meaningful learning rooted in: Cohort Learning that builds community and appreciates the unique perspectives of each participant.

Data-informed Leadership that guides decision-making at all levels of the organization - from using the science of learning to inform pedagogy to employing action research to explore new programs.

Reflective Practices such as seeking and incorporating feedback, and examining one’s own past experiences, values, skills, and growth areas to develop iterative plans for ongoing learning and improvement.

Centering Equity through thoughtful examination of the systems of our schools, noticing who has agency, seeking to ensure that everyone is given opportunity and voice, and creating communities where all can belong as their authentic selves.

Learn more about the campus and the city at klingensteincenter.org/NYC ?

PROGRAM COMPARISON

CORE CURRICULUM

Take courses in independent school leadership, the science of learning, equity and inclusion, ethical leadership, education policy, marketing, finance, and action research in schools. Blend practice and theory as you engage in a reflective educational journey toward authentic leadership.

FULL-YEAR TWO-SUMMERS

Timeline: Attend full-time from September to May at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Practicum: Act as a consultant to complete an action research project in a partner school.

Leadership Coaching: Develop a reflective leadership practice with support from professors and alumni who will coach and mentor you.

Electives: Choose elective courses at Teachers College or other graduate schools at Columbia University.

Timeline: Attend classes on campus for five weeks in each of two intensive summers. Engage in six hours of class each weekday, with readings, assignments, meetings, and other activities outside class. Complete projects during the academic year after each summer.

Research Practicum: In the academic year between your two summers, complete a research project in your school of employment with support from Klingenstein faculty and alumni mentors.

CAPSTONE PROJECT

Develop a portfolio of your learning that showcases personal reflection, literature from coursework, and field observations of independent school leaders.

MBA AT COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL OR INSEAD

In addition to the master’s degree earned at Teachers College, with one additional year of full-time study, students can earn an MBA at either Columbia Business School or INSEAD. The MBA portion of the dual degree is a full-time program. The most direct path is to pair the MBA with the Full-Year Master’s Program.

POTENTIAL UNLOCK YOUR

Graduating from Klingenstein, I felt uniquely prepared to be an agent for change. The classes built upon my existing skills and knowledge while deepening my understanding of independent schools. My professors and my classmates challenged me to grow in meaningful ways and have become a remarkable network of supportive colleagues who will be with me throughout my career.

Andrew Prince, SI ‘13, Full-Year M.A. ‘17 Head of Upper Scool Collegiate School, NY

CONNECTIONS CONFIDENCE AND

Even after completing the program, the experience continues. My leadership, both in style and substance, is informed by what I learned at Klingenstein. I refer back to materials, I actively engage in research, and I feel confident asking essential questions. More important, however, are the people in my cohort. I am honored to have the strong connections that were created with a group of bright, thoughtful, caring, and talented individuals in the independent school world. And I know these connections will last a lifetime.

Priscilla Morales

Two-Summers M.A. ‘17 Associate Head of School

The Park School of Baltimore, MD

THEORY AND PRACTICE

My current position is my first in school leadership. While I still have much to learn, I am grateful for two things in particular about my time at Klingenstein: first, that my professors placed such an emphasis on applying theory to practice. I find myself frequently returning to readings, papers, and presentations to aid me in problem solving. Second, I have several friends from my cohorts whom I can easily call or text. One particular classmate is experiencing challenges similar to mine and speaking with him always gives me confidence that I am not alone in this work.

Dan Dixon, MA/MBA ‘17 Assistant Director for Strategic Planning, Saint Ignatius High School, OH

ENCOURAGEMENT AND EXPERTISE

Klingenstein sets the standard for independent school leadership. You join a cohort of highly accomplished and passionate educators who become your second family and provide support, encouragement, and advice for the rest of your career. The curricular experience is highly practical with immediate applications regardless of your role. My Klingenstein experience helped establish my career and continues to guide my work.

Marshall McCurties, KSI ‘17, Two-Summers Ed.M ‘21

Curriculum Coordinator for Equity and Inclusion, The Overlake School, WA

REFLECTION AND MEANING

The Klingenstein Master’s program gave me the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, a group of passionate and dedicated educators, engage in meaningful discussions, and reflect on what it means to lead in transformative ways. Sharing core values and formative experiences with fellow alumni provides ongoing connection across a global community of educators.

Zaineb Hussain, Full-Year Ed.M. ‘22

Assistant Director of Schools, Cranbrook Schools, MI

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP

EARN YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE IN PRIVATE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Graduates go on to rewarding careers as respected, innovative administrators and exemplary teachers in independent and international schools. Students and alumni are sought-after upon graduation and for years beyond for their knowledge, skills, passion, and leadership. When you complete a Klingenstein Center master’s degree program, you join a recognized and respected network of professional colleagues who are dedicated to making a positive impact on their students, colleagues, and schools.

PROGRAM ADMISSIONS

PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of full-time work experience in schools, which may include teaching, admissions, student life, development, or other administrative roles.

Two-Summers applicants must be employed in an independent or international school in the year between their two summers of study. Candidates with questions about their eligibility should contact the Klingenstein Center.

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Previous academic accomplishment, job performance as determined by letters of recommendation, and leadership potential are considered in student selection.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications are made through the Admission Office of Teacher College, Columbia University. The application includes an online form, a personal statement, short essays, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.

• Applicants with degrees from outside the U.S. must submit a course-by-course evaluation from either World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) and may be required to take an English proficiency exam.

• The GRE or GMAT is required only for students applying to the MA/MBA Dual Degree program.

SCHOLARSHIPS & AFFORDABILITY

Students enrolled in master’s degree programs are eligible for generous scholarships, supported by the Klingenstein Philantropies, foundations, and alumni donors.

Klingenstein Center programs for independent school educators

SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR EARLYCAREER TEACHERS

A fully-funded, two-week fellowship focusing on improving teaching practice for educators with 1-5 years of classroom experience.

TWO-WEEK FELLOWSHIP FOR HEADS OF SCHOOLS

Fully-funded two-week fellowship aimed at renewal through intensive study and collaboration among heads of independent schools from across the U.S. and around the world.

FORGE

A yearlong learning and coaching engagement to support change leadership in schools.