Why Klingenstein?

Prepare to Lead the Change in your school and beyond

In the Klingenstein Center's Full-Year Master's Degree Program, you'll engage in cohort learning with a small, diverse group of exceptional independent and international educators for an unparalleled experience. You'll learn in community as each member of the cohort brings their own unique experiences and perspectives to create rich discussion in the classroom and beyond.

You'll immerse yourself in meaningful learning with renowned faculty, as you examine the practice of leadership through an interdisciplinary approach that centers social-emotional learning, the science of learning, and diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and belonging.

You'll learn with expert instructors, taking a carefully-curated core curriculum that examines key aspects of leadership and of school operations. You'll also have the opportunity to choose elective courses from across Teachers College - learning from renowned professors such as Derald Wing Sue, Chris Emdin, Ansley Erickson, Ellie Drago-Severson, and Sonya Horsford - or from any graduate schools of Columbia University.

You'll engage in a transformational journey as you synthesize what you've learned in your courses, through interviews with school leaders, in conversations with your cohort and with alumni, and through ongoing guided reflection about your own leadership and philosophies. You'll capture this in your Capstone, a learning e-portfolio that is both a tangible artifact of your learning and a guide for your future practice.

You'll leave Teachers College, Columbia University in two semesters with far more than a degree. You'll have a firm foundation from which to realize your goals. You'll be connected to a worldwide network of Klingenstein Center alumni who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through education.

Testimonials

Admissions

Your Klingenstein Center experience starts with your application to Teachers College, Columbia University.

Join our admissions webinar on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00pm ET to learn more about the program and application process. Visit the Admission page on the menu above for registration information.

Application Deadlines

Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 cohort. You can review the FAQ's below and then begin your application.
Priority: January 15, 2024
Final: April 1, 2024
Apply Now

Meet Latoya Allen

Associate Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management

Latoya Allen


Connect with Latoya to learn more about Klingenstein programs and application processes via the Contact Us Form or at 212-678-6666.

Meet the Faculty

Admissions and Program FAQs

I used to think of schools as a gateway - a front door to teaching and learning. After my time with colleagues and professors at Klingenstein, I see the world of schools from '35,000 feet above view' - as a network of systems that interact with one another to create and sustain spaces for inquiry, empathy and action, the best conditions for students to learn and grow.
Nasreen Ikram Hussain
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Nasreen Ikram Hussain, PSL '20, Head of School, International Academy New York, NY
"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
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KSI '13, PSL '17, Head of Upper School, Collegiate School, New York, NY
I continually draw upon what I learned from the program and reflect often on how it has influenced my personal values and faith in independent schools. There has been no other time when my intellectual and emotional capacities have been stretched more than the time I spent with my peers and professors at Klingenstein. The close relationships I have formed in the Klingenstein program have been invaluable and will surely last a lifetime.
Thu-Nga Ho Morris
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PSL '15, Assistant Head of School for the Short Hills Campus, The Pingry School, Short Hills, NJ
Taking a year to step out of my career and examine it critically was an invaluable privilege. My PSL year continues to lend me theoretical and practical understandings I use daily to make sense of my experiences as a leader at my school.
Ted Parker
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PSL '14, Director of Digital Literacy and Innovation, King Low Heywood Thomas School, CT
The Klingenstein program opened my eyes to educational opportunities I never dreamed about before enrollment. The professors engage and challenge you, but your amazing colleagues from all around the country and world – coupled with the cohort format – truly make the program exceptional. The Klingenstein program doesn't "make" you an educational leader; it inspires you to be one by surrounding you with other like-minded, driven, passionate educators who love what they do.
Lindsey Kundel
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PSL '15, Upper School English and Journalism Teacher, Taipei American School, Taiwan