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School of Education - George Mason University

Upcoming Infosession

Completion of program qualifies for IB certificate in leadership practice. The IB certificate in leadership practice is designed for educators and administrators who want to improve their leadership capabilities in an IB context. Participants develop and refine their capacity to play a role in guiding a school through IB authorization.

Who Should Apply?

Ideal candidates are interested in pursuing leadership positions in IB international school settings and are:

  • Educators seeking the IB's certificate in leadership practice;
  • invested in improving instruction and student achievement;
  • self-directed and focused on connecting theory to practice;
  • prepared to engage in scholarly and professional dialogue through collaboration;
  • committed to life-long learning;
  • willing to embrace a disposition for advocacy, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and responsibility for one’s own learning.

Why Mason?

  • Mason is proud to have been the first university in North America to offer graduate teacher education programs approved and accredited by the IB. Mason is also uniquely able to leverage our close physical proximity to the IB Global Centre, which is located in Washington, D.C.
  • Mason’s Education Leadership Program is supported by a large faculty comprised of professors with impressive backgrounds as researchers and current and former school and district leaders. Each has a genuine interest in developing your potential to positively impact PK–12 student learning.
  • A selective admissions process means you’ll learn alongside colleagues who are experienced, high-performing educators. Your fellow students will become part of a professional network that lasts a lifetime.
  • The program is nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation, and all coursework is aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation Program Recognition Standards.
  • The program is carefully structured for an online format and designed to fit a busy life, with 1–2 courses offered online each semester. This allows for timely completion, with most students earning a master’s degree within two years.
  • Mason is a great value, with in-state graduate tuition among the lowest of comparable institutions.

Program Format and Requirements

  • Classes are offered entirely online.
  • Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience working or teaching in an IB school or prior experience working in an IB school; if a candidate does not have IB current or prior experience, a candidate must have access to IB schools for fieldwork opportunity.
  • One recommendation should be from a current supervisor and the other from a professional colleague.

Careers in Education Leadership

  • head of school
  • assistant head of school
  • dean
  • athletic director
  • activities director