International Inclusive Leadership Program
Interested in this program? Contact Lead Inclusion.
International Inclusive Leadership Program
The International Inclusive Leadership Program is a collaboration with Lead Inclusion that prepares educators and school leaders in international schools to build inclusive school systems where equity, belonging, and evidence-based practices guide decision-making.
This program is designed for school leaders, general educators, learning support educators, counselors, and other school personnel who are responsible for leading inclusive practices in international schools. Participants can enroll in individual courses for professional learning or pursue a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership through SDSU.
The courses are designed to be both research-based and practical, equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to
- Strengthen inclusive school culture and climate,
- Embed universal design for learning into curriculum planning,
- Develop and lead school-wide Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS),
- Use high-impact interventions to support diverse learners,
- Lead inclusive, research-based practices for assessment and grading,
- Develop strong connections with families for collaborative support, and
- Coach and mentor other educators in inclusive practices.
"Being a part of the International Inclusive Leadership Program provided me with much more than professional development. My participation in this program has been the most profound learning experience of my career." -Dr. Jack Young, Head of School
Core Course Format
The International Inclusive Leadership Program consists of eight core courses, each designed to provide 12 hours of live online meetings combined with a wealth of self-paced learning materials, application activities, and job-embedded assignments. The courses emphasize applied learning, allowing participants to engage with research-based content while immediately applying it to their own school settings.
Each course includes the following:
Live Zoom sessions (12 hours total): Participants engage in interactive sessions designed to synthesize and clarify online content, respond to their needs, and provide opportunities for collaboration and real-world problem-solving.
Self-paced learning: Participants choose from application-focused readings, research articles, videos, exemplars, and other resources to deepen their understanding.
Job-embedded application: Participants apply learning in their schools and teams, selecting options that align with their roles.
Culminating assignment: Participants choose from multiple assignment options, selecting what is most relevant and immediately useful to their leadership. This structure ensures that coursework remains adaptable and practical, meeting the needs of educators leading inclusive efforts in international schools.
Program Options
Professional Learning Option (No Graduate Credit or Degree)
Educators can enroll in one, multiple, or all eight of the Lead Inclusion courses for professional development. Those who complete all eight courses earn a Inclusive Leadership Certificate from Lead Inclusion. This option is ideal for educators who want flexible, research-based professional learning to strengthen their leadership in inclusion without pursuing graduate credit or a degree. To complete the full program, participants begin with the first course in February and finish about 15 months later in May the following year.
Cost: Courses Cost $750 each for the non-credit option.
Contact Lead Inclusion to enroll in an upcoming cohort or course.
Master’s Degree Option (SDSU, 30 Units Total)
The Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership at San Diego State University (SDSU) includes 30 total units, combining coursework on inclusive leadership and research-based school improvement. Only students admitted to this degree program may register for SDSU graduate credit. There is no option to take individual courses, only to enroll in the full program.
- Core Coursework (24 units) – Online courses on inclusive leadership, taught in partnership with Lead Inclusion.
- Research Coursework (6 units) – Three 2-unit online courses, focused on data-driven school improvement, taught by SDSU faculty.
Intent to Enroll: Contact Lead Inclusion by January 1 with your intent to join a cohort.
Program Start: The program begins in February with the start of the first core course.
Degree Application Deadline: Degree applications are due each year by April 1.
Program Completion: Participants who complete the full program, including all core and research courses, finish in about 18 months, at the end of summer semester.
Contacts for Application Support:
- Paul Winston Martin – Admission Advisor, SDSU Global Campus ([email protected])
- Asia Machitar – Administrative Support Coordinator, EDL Programs ([email protected])
Cost: The program application is open only to those who are teaching in international schools and enrolled through Lead Inclusion. The program costs approximately $12,500.
FALL SEMESTER (14 Units)
CORE COURSES:
EDL 615: Leading Equity in Schools (6 Units)
Taught in partnership with Lead Inclusion. You must co-enroll in the corresponding Lead Inclusion Courses.
The purpose of this course is to prepare participants for supporting equity for students in PreK-12 schools through a variety of leadership roles. In particular, this course provides an examination of common biases and inequities in schools that affect students. Participants will study and apply current best practice to design school systems and structures for reducing inequities and promoting optimal learning environments and experiences for all learners.
EDL 616: Leading Teams to Use Evidence-Based Practices (6 Units)
Taught in partnership with Lead Inclusion. You must co-enroll in the corresponding Lead Inclusion Courses.
The purpose of this course is to prepare participants to lead the use of evidence-based instructional practices in PreK-12 schools. Participants in this course will develop a deep understanding of high-quality instruction to the point where they can see it, feel it, and know when it’s not present.
RESEARCH COURSE:
EDL 690: PK-12 Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation I (2 Units)
Needs assessment and program evaluation to inform practice and amplify student impact. Students establish project focus and frame inquiry work for the EDL 690-691-692 sequence. Review extant data, understand opportunity and develop inquiry plan to guide data collection effort.
SPRING SEMESTER (8 Units)
CORE COURSE:
EDL 617: Mentoring, Coaching, and Collaboration (6 Units)
Taught in partnership with Lead Inclusion. You must co-enroll in the corresponding Lead Inclusion Courses.
The purpose of this course is to prepare participants to use mentoring, coaching, and collaboration in their roles as leaders to promote school improvement. Participants will learn about various models and methods for mentoring and coaching from a parallel position of authority.
RESEARCH COURSE:
EDL 691: PK-12 Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation II (2 Units)
Implementation of PK-12 needs assessment or program evaluation inquiry plans developed in EDL 690. Instrument design and development, followed by data collection. Iterative inquiry and continuous review of findings against guiding questions, adaptation of efforts to achieve inquiry objective.
SUMMER SEMESTER (8 Units)
CORE COURSE:
EDL 618: Organizational Engagement (6 Units)
Taught in partnership with Lead Inclusion. You must co-enroll in the corresponding Lead Inclusion Courses.
The purpose of this course is to prepare teachers to lead organizational change using principles of implementation science. Using principles of implementation science, participants will design professional learning opportunities and professional learning communities to promote and sustain organizational change.
RESEARCH COURSE:
EDL 692: Data for PK-12 Program Design, Appreciation, and Improvement (2 Units) Summer Semester
Analysis and reporting of needs assessment and program evaluation findings. Examine qualitative and quantitative data as framed by inquiry plan. Author and present findings, including strengths, recommendations for improvement, and implications for leaders. Reflect on inquiry process for future application.
Application Deadline: April 1
To apply for the Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership at San Diego State University (SDSU) Global Campus, follow these steps:
1. Complete the Cal State Apply Application (Deadline: April 1, 2025)
- Go to Cal State Apply and select the “Select a Term to Apply For” pulldown menu.
- Choose “Fall 2025” (Even though classes start in Summer 2025, you must apply for Fall 2025). Note: If the application defaults to Spring 2025 or Summer 2025, clear the search and manually enter Fall 2025.
- Create an account or sign in.
- In the “Add Program” tab, search for “Teacher Leadership” under “San Diego Global Campus – Extension.”
- Complete all sections of the application.
- Submit the application. SDSU will email you with your SDSUid information after submission.
2. Submit Transcripts
- Electronic transcripts should be sent directly from your institution to [email protected].
- Tip: Request transcripts as soon as possible, as processing times can vary.
3. Complete the Interfolio Application (Deadline: April 1, 2025)
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You will need to submit the following supplemental documents via Interfolio:
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Resume
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Statement of Leadership Philosophy
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Two letters of recommendation (one must be from your immediate supervisor)
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Contact
For questions or more information about the Inclusive Leadership Program, contact Lee Ann Jung.

Lee Ann Jung, Ph.D.
Founder, Lead Inclusion
Professor of Practice, San Diego State University