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.

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How We’re Preparing Exceptional Principals

Click to learn more about how NC State’s College of Education is preparing principals to serve throughout the state of North Carolina.

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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.

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.

Taylor Evans (Wake Cohort ’22) was selected by WCPSS for Black History Month spotlight

She was recognized for her service at Walnut Creek Elementary School.

Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli was recognized for Holshouser Award by NC State Chancellor Woodson

Chancellor Woodson noted, “She is passionate about improving the lives of others in our state…”

Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli honored with prestigious UNC-system wide Holshouser Award for public service

Dr. Fusarelli was selected for her work in preparing high quality principals across the state.

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.

NELA 2023

Durham / Wake 2023

Southern 2024

Wake 2024

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