Initial Administrative Licensure

Program Details

Credits: 18 semester hours
Program start: September, January, or June
Program length: Work at your own pace with part-time classes (evening, weekend, and summer classes)
View the current program of study in the course catalog
Metro-area Faculty Coordinator: Dawn Montgomery
Regional Faculty Coordinator: Dawn Montgomery
Regional programs are also available in Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, South Coast Region

Lewis and Clark’s Initial Administrative Licensure (IAL) Program prepares aspiring educational leaders to have the knowledge, values, skills/tools, and courage to improve teaching and learning in their schools. Increasing both adult and student learning lies at the heart of this program. By addressing issues of equity and focusing on best practices for effective leadership, students exit the program ready to:

The Educational Leadership Program inspired me to be an instructional leader. The emphasis on data, achievement for ALL students, accountability, and integrity set the framework for my administrative career.Peyton Chapman, MAT ‘95 Principal, Lincoln High School

• take on the challenge of building collaborative learning communities,
• become reflective practitioners
• think critically and make decisions to positively impact student achievement, and
• use data and research, hold authentic conversations, and take action in their learning communities.

A highlight of the administrator licensing program is the practicum, which gives you in-depth working experiences of leadership. Through the school-site practicum, you develop and practice the knowledge and skills necessary for successful school administration, including both leadership and management responsibilities. For more information, visit the Program of Study page.

In addition to classes held on the Lewis & Clark campus, off-campus classes for the Initial Administrator Licensure Program are offered in Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and the South Coast Region. The off-campus program is based on the cohort model. It usually takes students in off-campus cohorts about two years to complete the program with part-time classes (evening, weekend, and summer).

What to Expect

What makes the IAL Program through Lewis & Clark unique is our approach to instructional leadership. It’s practical, inquiry-centered and firmly rooted in best practices. In this program, you learn how action leadership supports teachers, students and parents.

Classroom dialogues are rich because students bring with them varied experiences, values, and the philosophies and orientation of their districts. The on-campus program draws from all the Portland Metro area and outlying districts. The off-campus programs are even more diverse, with students coming together from eastern, central and southwestern Oregon counties. Exemplarily practicing administrators serve as adjunct faculty in the program, in addition to full-time faculty. Class sizes run from small seminars up to 20-24 students.

Depending on the site, the program offers evening and/or weekend classes during the school year and summer day sessions. The majority of applicants work full-time as Oregon educators and attend classes at night during fall and spring semesters or during summer day sessions. Students advance through the on-campus program at their own pace; off-campus cohorts usually complete the program in two years. Program completion depends on the number of courses taken per semester and the students’ own time line for finishing the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metro IAL Classes by Semester

FALL SEMESTERS	SPRING SEMESTERS	SUMMER SEMESTERS
EDAD 502/602 (3.0) Instructional Leadership	EDAD 501/601 (3.0) Leading and Managing for Teaching and Learning	EDAD 501/601 (3.0) Leading and Managing for Teaching and Learning
EDAD 518/618  (2.0) Practicum for Principals I	EDAD 502/602 (3.0) Instructional Leadership	EDAD 511/611 (2.0) Budgeting for School Equity
EDAD 511/611 (2.0) Budgeting for School Equity	EDAD 508/608  (2.0) Engaging the Community for Effective Schools	EDAD 509/609 (2.0) Using Data for School Improvement
EDAD 509/609 (2.0) Using Data for School Improvement	EDAD 519/619 (2.0) Practicum for Principals II	EDAD 508/608 (2.0) Engaging the Community for Effective Schools
	EDAD 504/604 (2.0) Ethics, Policy and the Law	EDAD 504/604 (2.0) Ethics, Policy and the Law

Total IAL Program is 18 semester credit hours

Applying to the Program

The IAL Program is looking for teacher and/or program leaders who are ready to take a stand for improving learning for all students. These are current educators who know they can directly impact more students and their families through working in leadership roles outside the classroom.

We are looking for people who are confident and comfortable in their abilities to work with adults and create change on behalf of student learning. These aspiring leaders are grounded in who they are and what they believe and are excited to meet the challenges that come with school and program improvements.

In addition, we are looking for educators who live by integrity and understand the role humility places in the workplace. We want students who embrace challenges, thrive on ambiguity, tackle hard work, and know they can make a difference.

Candidates must apply for the Initial Administrator license within three years of completion of the last course. The Initial license is valid for three years. The license can be renewed once for another three years. Then you must meet the requirements for a Continuing Administrator license.

You may take up to seven semester hours as a Special Student before being admitted into the program. Within this seven semester-hour period, you must apply to be formally admitted to the Graduate School. 

Apply Now

You can find admissions requirement information and an online application at the Graduate Admissions Office website.

For Current Students

Register for classes

Initial Administrator License Program Planning Sheet

ORELA Test Information
     Administration Examination (Institution Code 405)

Licensing Instructions

Waiver of Administrative Practicum