College of Education

International School Leadership Certificate

For your career ... for your students

Matthew Merritt teaches at the International School of Beijing

Participant Matthew Merritt at the International School of Beijing

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WSU partners with USF

The International School Leadership Certificate program is a collaborative effort between the University of San Francisco and Washington State University. It is designed for educators in the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS).

The two-year program prepares participants for a Washington State Principal Certificate and, with an additional course, a Masters in Organization & Leadership from the University of San Francisco. The content, including 21 credit hours of course work and six credit hours of internship, is provided in a combination of on-line and on-site coursework in conjunction with the two EARCOS conferences.

Students take seven classes for a total of 21 credit hours during the two years, along with six credit hours of internship. In practice, this amounts to two classes per semester, with on-site time of six days per semester at the Fall and Spring EARCOS conferences.

The Washington State Principal Certificate is recognized throughout the United States and aligns with the standards of the Interstate School Licensure Consortium.

What our educator participants have to say

Principal Heather Naro with students in Thailand

As a lifelong learner this was the ideal program for me. The educational theories and methods discussed were both current and relevant for an international school setting. The professors are true mentors who work with each student to help them grow as an administrator. The other cohorts in the program will remain close friends as we have forged a bond together over the two-year program. I would highly recommend this program to anyone wishing to become an administrator.
-- Elementary principal Heather Naro, International School Eastern Seaboard, Thailand


Looking back on the courses taken in the ISLP at EARCOS, I have grown in my understanding of how critical the role of an effective administrative leader is in the international school setting. Through simulations, case studies, analysis of research and projects focusing on my school setting, I have developed solid foundational models for successful learning organizations on which to build. I've developed genuine relationships with colleagues. I highly recommend this unique opportunity to grow and learn along side educators in other international schools and the exceptional professors from both universities.
-- Greg Edwards, teacher, Hong Kong International School

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