Summer Principals Academy (SPA) at Teachers College, Columbia University is a 
graduate program for school educators interested in becoming school leaders. SPA integrates practice and skill development with theory and research using case studies, simulations and teamwork. Aspiring school leaders pursue coursework and skill development at Tulane University over two consecutive summers and undertake site-based research projects and internships at their schools of employment during the intervening year.
Through the Summer Principals Academy, aspiring school leaders are encouraged to construct transforming possibilities for student learning, school improvement, social equity, and opportunity. Leadership development is fostered through an integrated set of experiences that include sound theoretical and “best practice” knowledge, problem-based coursework and field-based experiences, including an intensive and extended internship
Graduates of the Summer Principals Academy earn a master’s degree (M.A. or Ed.M.) from Columbia University and receive New York State School Building Leader certification.
NOLA 2012 Cohort
