A Top Educational Leadership Preparation Program in U.S.*
*Out of over 774 principal preparation programs nationally, NC State is one of only 6 programs to ever earn the distinction of being named "Exemplary" by UCEA.
Learn about our graduates' impact
How We’re Preparing Exceptional Principals
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NELA was one of two Principal Preparation Programs Featured for its Innovative Program in a Recent Publication by the Hunt Institute.
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NC State University’s Educational Leadership Academy (NELA) seeks to increase student achievement by preparing and retaining principals in high-poverty, hard-to-staff, and historically low-performing schools. NELA creates a comprehensive leadership development and succession plan for NC high-need school districts. Each component is anchored in research-based best practices in leadership preparation and is designed to meet the specific contextualized needs of schools in North Carolina.
Our Updates
More StoriesBrittany Roberts (Cumberland 2022) was recognized on the Fayetteville Observer’s 40 under 40 list for her community contributions as an Asheboro City Schools assistant principal.
Dr. Lacey Seaton (NELA Cohort V, ‘21 EDD) featured in @NCStateCED article. We are thrilled about her return to @NCState and look forward to her impactful contributions to our educational leadership program!
Quantisha Spencer (Cumberland 2022) has been selected to participate in Cumberland County School’s L.E.A.D (Leadership, Empowerment, and Administrative Development) program for the 2024-2025 school year.
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90% of schools with a NELA graduate serving as principal met or exceeded growth for the 2018 – 2019 school year vs. only 75% of principals across all schools in the state reaching the same level of performance.
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