ACSA is preparing the next generation of school leaders through its Clear Administrative Credential Program, which will start accepting applications for the Fall 2022-24 cohort on April 1.

ACSA’s program is the largest provider of coaching, professional development and assessment for attaining the Clear Administrative Services Credential. Candidates are accepted into one of ACSA’s 18 local programs and three local program affiliates (Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Los Angeles COE and Modesto City Schools). These programs serve certain geographic areas or specific LEAs. Local Program Coordinators then match candidates with an ACSA-certified Leadership Coach who provides support over the course of this two-year program.

ACSA has helped more than 1,500 administrators clear their credential since the program’s inception in 2004.

The program also has new leadership this year. Credential Program Director Linda Liebert joined ACSA in March to fill the position that became open when Tracy Robinson became ACSA’s Senior Director of Educational Services in 2021.

Liebert has more than 20 years of teaching and site administration experience as a principal for Folsom Cordova Unified School District and most recently, more than six years as the director of the Teacher Intern Credential Program at the Sacramento County Office of Education. She retired from that position in 2021 and will be working at ACSA part-time.

Liebert said administrator retirements are on the rise throughout the state, creating demand for new leaders to rise to fill their ranks. New admins must enroll in a clear credential program within one year of starting an initial administrative position.

Candidates who choose ACSA’s program will receive custom support in the day-to-day challenges of school leadership from expert coaches.

“It’s not theory — it’s practical information,” Liebert said. “Our job-embedded coaches are highly trained. They are usually recently retired or current administrators who have been in the field. They know the new strategies and research because they receive ongoing training.”

To ensure the coaching experience remains relevant and effective, candidates complete surveys during and after the program to provide invaluable feedback.

“We look at those carefully and tailor our offerings in areas in need of improvement,” Liebert said. “It’s a really important part of our program to look at that data.”

ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program has also become a winning solution for LEAs that do a lot of hiring. Districts that are expanding in size or hiring more assistant administrators may want to consider ACSA as a partner for helping their new administrators clear their credentials. ACSA currently works with multiple LEAs (or groups of LEAs) to create local programs that are tailored to meet district leadership goals. This year, ACSA is welcoming a new local program for Santa Maria-Bonita School District. (LEAs interested in creating their own local program can contact Liebert at lliebert@acsa.org for more information.)

Liebert looks forward to her new role in helping educators reach their goals with ACSA.

“I’m happy to be among this group of people with such high standards and such a passion for education,” she said.

ACSA’s Clear Administrative Credential Program depends on experienced, highly trained coaches to prepare the next generation of school leaders. ACSA Leadership Coaching gives coaches the skills and tools they need to support new administrators in the program.

California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Program Standards necessitate all induction coaches be trained in a researched-based coaching model prior to coaching credential candidates. ACSA’s multi-day workshop meets this requirement. ACSA Leadership Coaching emphasizes the application of adult learning theory, the importance of building and maintaining trust and rapport, the value of being a good listener, and the need to ask questions and provide feedback that promotes reflection and growth in educational leaders.

Liebert, herself a certified coach through the International Coach Federation, said she loves the energy of working new educators, which she experienced at SCOE’s teacher credential program.

She urges any leaders who are ready to “pay it forward” to consider becoming an ACSA Certified Leadership Coach.

“This is a great opportunity for an admin who really has a passion for leading and wants to infuse that with a new candidate,” Liebert said. “Plus, they get to build on their own level of expertise — there’s nothing better than learning by teaching.”

The next ACSA Leadership Coaching sessions are in April and May and will be held online.

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